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Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse

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Living area
Room
Room
Bathroom
Bathroom

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Louisville, KY
  • Place, Nulu Market Place
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Louisville Waterfront Park
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Lynn Family Stadium
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Common area 1

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse

Welcome to the Shantyboathouse! Recognized as a truly unique property, it has twice been featured in the Courier-Journal and was honored with a historical plaque by the Louisville Landmarks Commission in 2019. According to a 1976 newspaper article, a local legend recounts that the house floated up the river during the 1937 flood, and was later set on a foundation—earning it the enduring nickname, "the shanty boat." This rich history adds to the property's distinctive character and charm.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number LIC-STL-20-00600

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Louisville

Located in Downtown Louisville, a neighbourhood in Louisville, this holiday home is near theme parks and near a water park. KFC Yum Center and Louisville Slugger Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Louisville Zoo and Kentucky Kingdom. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium or Churchill Downs. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing and winery tours.
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Map
Louisville, KY

What's nearby

  • Nulu Market Place - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Louisville Waterfront Park - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Lynn Family Stadium - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Louisville Slugger Field - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • KFC Yum Center - 19 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

  • Louisville, KY (LOU-Bowman Field) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Fifth Third Club - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Decade - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Play - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Last Refuge - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪La Bodeguita De Mima - ‬6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse?

As of 13 Mar, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse on 4 Jun, 2026 start from S$412, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse located?

Located in Downtown Louisville, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Ohio River Valley and KFC Yum Center. Thomas Edison House and Nulu Market Place are also within 5 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Monique M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy to find, great location to popular dining and key tourist sites. The property is fabulous, comfortable, has everything you need & more! Colin was very responsive and provided great recommendations. Would definitely book again...maybe the weather will be better next time!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Joe V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was wonderful. Colin was prompt in messaging us if we had any questions, and he made the check-in and check-out process easy with his instructions. The house was very well furnished, and we felt incredibly comfortable during our two nights at the Old ShantyBoat House.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Andrew D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved our stay! Awesome house in a fantastic location. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was absolutely stunning! And the host was always quick to respond with all of my questions and gave such lovely recommendations of things within walking distance that I could go do. 10 out of 10 would recommend this place!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keith S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place, great communication from owner.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay in Louisville

The house was great and had everything we needed. I really enjoyed all the history of the house. The neighborhood was really nice and an easy walk to food and drinks. I would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

S D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Colin is the perfect host, super responsive and helpful. He has the house, the check in and out process all set up so well you likely won't need anything at all. Perfect location, easy to walk to great coffee places, and restaurants, as well as distilleries. The house was plenty of space for 2 couples. The outdoor area was awesome! 5/5, will come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meghan O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

Beautiful house, fun neighborhood and a very hospitable property owner. Would absolutely go back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sara H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Spring Break trip!

We had an awesome stay! What a cool house and location. We walked to coffee shops, bars and even a Louisville Bats game. We hung out in the hot tub each night watching movies. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous property!

The renovations and amenities were exceptional. Great communication and accommodation from the hosts. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Times in Louisville

Excellent property for a trip to Louisville. Good location, great outdoor space, and even better property managers. Can’t recommend this place enough!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome stay

The Shantyboathouse did not disappoint. Colin and Whitney thought of everything and communication was excellent. The reno of the property is beautiful and the area was walkable to restaurants and bars. Four of us stayed and it was the perfect location to explore Louisville. We did a ghost tour in old Louisville, bourbon tours, race day at Churchill Downs and a tour of a horse farm. It was a wonderful trip.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katrina G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Shanty Boathouse

Host was so helpful with recommendations, waters and snacks left for us and a card. Very prompt to respond as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place!

Outstanding spot for our weekend with friends. 2 couples and it worked out perfectly. Excellent communication with Colin prior to our arrival and throughout the trip. Highly recommend this spot!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ines D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Stay!

We loved everything about the house, very well stocked and decorated, the owner thinks of everything, the kitchen had cooking oil, many spices and a full coffee bar with creamers and coffee flavors it was great to know we didnt need to shop for those essential items at the store. Backyard is super cute and comfortable, bbq and the jacuzzi perfect after returning from a long day exploring. Location is great too walking distance to a lot of great restaurants. We’ll be returning for sure
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

John W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

A must stay

While there was some confusion on cost, the overall experience was incredible. The property has all of the amenities of a 5-star location. This property is on my must stay list for the next time I am in Louisville for a long weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Doug S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house. Fun location

Very interesting historic house that was perfect for our small group. Great outdoor space for hanging out. Good location for walking around Butchertown. Colin, the host, was very helpful and communicated well.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lance S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay in Louisville

We had a great time staying at Shanty Boat House. We love historic homes and live in one built in 1889. This home has just as cool history. It is in a great up and coming neighborhood which we like with many great options for shopping, food, and beverages! My only caution is make sure everyone in party is ok with stairs. The home was very well stocked and in great shape!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Taylor C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great House and Location

House was great for our girls trip - clean, comfortable and just as listed. Location was very good, close to restaurants and easy to Uber if needed. Wish we had more time and better weather to enjoy the nice backyard. Host was very responsive and accommodating. Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Home - Perfect Location

The property was exactly as advertised and the owner was tremendously responsive. The home was perfectly located for us to explore Louisville. There were so many pubs, restaurants, and shops well within walking distance, yet the neighborhood was extremely quiet and peaceful. We definitely hit a home run when we selected this property for vacation. Thank you Colin!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing space in Louisville

We stayed at the Shanty boat house for our girls weekend and it was amazing. The space was perfect for our group of five. The location was walkable to tons of fun bars, restaurants, and shops, and only a short ride away from other attractions. It was nice to come home after a long day, walking and soak our legs in the hot tub. The place was spotlessly clean, and came with every single amenity you could think of. There was even a lovely care basket for when we arrived, it was such a nice touch. We are already planning our next trip back because of how great it was.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

10 out of 10 Rental

This beautiful rental did not disappoint and learning about it's history was so fun. As a family we have stayed at over 10 different properties over the years and Colin by far was the best host we've had. This property is exacting as portrayed online. Walkable to many restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques. Also anywhere we drove to was less than 10 minutes away. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

As Listed!

Amazing place to stay in a great neighborhood. Close to so many great bars/restaurants in Nulu and a quick trip to downtown. Perfect central location for numerous distilleries in Louisville and not too far from Bardstown, Lexington & Frankfort. Host was great! Responded immediately and was exceptionally attentive. The place is incredibly nice. Has every kitchen appliance and is a great space to hang out downstairs. Rooms and beds are big and everything is impeccably decorated with Louisville paraphernalia. Overall, stay here! We’ll be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

3 Days on Bourbon Trail

We love, love, love this rental! While the location was just outside of downtown, you could easily take a short 7-8 uber to the Urban Bourbon Trail and other sites downtown. The best aspect of the location is that it is walking distance to restaurants, bars and coffee shops.The kitchen is well-stocked and the host even provided snacks and a bottle of wine upon arrival. The outside patio was perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. Note that there is a bathroom with a bathtub on the first floor, one shower in the upstairs bathroom and the spiral staircase to go up and down on. When we were younger, we had an apartment with a spiral staircase so that brought back some fond memories. The owner gave great advice on bringing luggage up the outside staircase at the back of the house that leads to the second floor. The was plenty of open parking spaces on the street and a parking pad behind a gate in the backyard. We didn't use the hot tub since it was pretty hot in July, but the hot tub was clean and appeared to be in working well. Don't wait. You should book this rental now with confidence!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natasha B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

“Yaya this place is legit!”

My granddaughters first reaction to the Shanty house was to tell me the place was “legit!” Coming from a 6 year old I’d say that’s pretty good. We loved our stay and wished we could have stayed longer than 2 nights. We were in and out for Christmas. We spent our first day off site so we really only got 1 day to hang out at the property. Everything has been thought of!!! I cooked a full meal and everything I needed was there. I packed extra for no reason! My husband grilled and again we made unnecessary purchases because it was already there. If I had to complain the only thing I would say is an earlier check in would be nice, 4 is a bit late.Overall, we had a 5 star experience and I hope we get to stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

About the host

Hosted by Colin Clark

Host profile image
Growing up in Louisville has given me a strong passion for sharing the best parts of my hometown. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know and hosting people from all over the world! I hope to help you see why I’ve enjoyed living here most of my life!

Why they chose this property

The history of this property is what drew me towards revitalizing it from what it used to be! When I discovered this property people told me it was a tear down but I instantly had a vision to bring it back to life. I've always wanted to share this story with people that want to visit Louisville so they can enjoy Louisville with a unique twist. I hope you enjoy reading the original story of the newspaper article that I found laying in the middle of the dilapidated structure.

What makes this property unique

Louisville is home to many shotgun houses but none of them are designed the way that the Shantyboathouse was designed. Usually they build them out and up and this house was built down and out - a fun, unique twist to an already cool story!

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