When you think of staying in an Airbnb or VRBO, you likely don’t think of Southern Indiana first. But we believe these five properties we found in The 812 will help you change your mind.
Southern Indiana’s Jeffersonville, Clarksville, New Albany, and Charlestown offer riverfront communities with small town vibes, but are just a short drive to downtown Louisville, Kentucky and all the excitement a big city has to offer.
In fact, the Southern Indiana side of the Ohio River has been labeled the “Sunny Side of Louisville” because of how much it has to offer in regards to restaurants, shopping, and culture, all wrapped up in a more slow paced feel than it’s cross-river neighbor.
With that in mind, we set out to find the best locally owned vacation rentals the “Sunny Side” has to offer. We were pleasantly surprised to find some high level properties with access to amazing views and some awesome amenities.
We toured the properties in person and met with each owner in order to really get to know what you might experience when you stay at one of these places.
What we found just as interesting as the properties themselves is that according to the owners, just as many local people rent their properties for “staycations” and other short-stay events as those who are coming from out of state.
So whether you are looking for a girls getaway, a boys weekend, a place to host a bachelor or bridesmaid party, or you are simply traveling to the area for extended stay vacation, you are sure to find a place to call your temporary home here in The 812. Take a look…
Beautiful guest house at the Ward Watson Mansion - Charlestown
This property is a hidden gem in the midst of Charlestown, Indiana. It is a stand alone space located on the grounds of the historic Ward Watson Mansion.
This second story unit has one bedroom, one and a half bath, and the living room, kitchen, and dining area are combined in a large open room with plenty of open space.
In addition to the lovely living quarters, your stay gives you access to a professional level gym, an in-room sauna, and tours of the mansion are available upon request.
The owners of this property live on site and are passionate about the local community. They have set up a board in the home to highlight restaurants and entertainment you can find in the area during your stay, with a possible discount or two.
They are also pet-friendly, making this a great place to stay if you’re traveling with a furry companion.
What will make your stay here special:
Arrange for a tour of the historic mansion during your visit
There is a private sauna in the bedroom
Access to a super nice professional gym
The owners are pet-friendly
Riverfront views within walking distance to all the fun stuff - Jeffersonville
While many of the other properties on our list are about refuge and tranquility, this property is perfect for those who want a peaceful stay but also want access to the heart of downtown.
Make no mistake, with it’s front porch riverfront views, there is plenty of opportunity for rest and relaxation here. But what helped this property make the cut for our list was it’s walking distance access to restaurants, entertainment, and the nightlife of downtown Jeffersonville. And if you are so inclined, you are just a few blocks from the Big Four Walking Bridge that will take you into downtown Louisville, Kentucky.
After all the walking and fun, come back to this well appointed 2 bedroom house and kick your feet up in one of the living room recliners or head outside for some front porch sitting while taking in the views of the river and city skyline.
The owners of this home are an Airbnb SuperHost with multiple properties on our list which means the property, the systems, and the service are all top-notch.
What will make your stay here special:
Front porch views of the river
Walking distance to all of the restaurants and fun stuff
2 reclining chairs with a built-in massage feature
Gaming space in basement
Relaxing Riverfront Home With Boat Slips - Jeffersonville
Knowing a little bit about this property owner will give you a hint of exactly why you’ll want to stay here. When we met Jim, the owner of this home, he couldn’t stop. As we toured the property, he made a tweak here and an adjustment there in every room we walked into. All in an effort to create the perfect experience for his scheduled visitors.
Visit this property and you’ll see that Jim has come as close to perfection as possible. This home was rebuilt inside and out in 2019, meaning everything feels fresh and clean. The highlight of the property is obviously the riverfront view, but there are enough extras worth mentioning that will add to you overall enjoyment while staying here.
The property offers volleyball, cornhole, and a unique, homemade ring-and-hook game that could keep you busy and entertained for hours. Boat docks are available at the river with space for up to 3 watercraft.
A “party kitchen” on the main level gives you added space to cook, entertain, and have a good time without having to trek up and down the stairs to the upstairs living quarters.
A riverside hammock, a firepit, and so much more will make this a vacation stay you won’t soon forget.
What will make your stay here special:
Riverfront views
Boat dock available so you can boat in and out of this property
Access to a “party kitchen” on main level
Hammocks, games, fire pit … this owner has thought of everything.
Backyard Oasis with pool, hot tub, and sunroom - Jeffersonville
Staying at this property will definitely give you house envy. On the inside you’ll definitely find a comfy and cozy place to call home during your stay, but out back is where it’s at.
This property is the rare vacation rental that gives access not just to a hot tub, but also to a private in-ground pool. The owners of this property have gone out of their way to create an oasis where everything you need to relax in unwind is on site. Once you check-in here, you may not have to (or want to) leave.
In addition to the pool and hot tub, there is also a sunroom that is perfect for enjoying an early morning cup of joe or a late night glass of your favorite red.
The owners of this home are an Airbnb SuperHost and once you stay here, you'll see why.
What will make your stay here special:
Beautiful Inground pool
Hot tub!!!
Sunroom
Theater room with 3D technology
Waterfront Refuge with patios and putting green overlooking the river - Jeffersonville
Pull up to this home and your blood pressure will drop instantly. The property is set up to maximize it’s key selling point, the river. Whether you find yourself on the balcony, the covered patio, the riverfront patio, or sitting around the fire pit, hanging on the boat dock, or putting golf balls on the practice green, you can take in the sights and sounds of the mighty Ohio River.
This property is tucked away off the beaten path and at the end of a dead end road. You’ll have access to a ping-pong table and other games, a gas grill, and outdoor furniture is in place across the property giving you flexibility to set up in a variety of locations to enjoy the outdoor space.
Have a boat or a jet ski? Bring it with you and tie off at the private boat dock this home offers.
The owners of this home are Airbnb SuperHosts and this is the second property of theirs to make our list. Both of their properties provide unique locations that give guests the opportunity to enjoy lodging experiences they may not otherwise have.
What will make your stay here special:
Riverfront views
Boat dock
Putting green right on the river
Two different outdoor patio areas
You can’t go wrong in choosing any of these Southern Indiana properties for your next local staycation or out of town trip.
We found that the owners of these properties were passionate about making a great space and a great experience for their guests. One of them even quipped “Our goal is to provide everything for our guests, except their food.”
Book these properties for the beds, stay for the unique experience each has to offer.
Click on the link for each property and it will take you to more photos, property details, cost, and reservation details.
Do you know of other vacation rentals in Southern Indiana that you think should be considered for this list? Message us at 812living@gmail.com
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