Entire apartment

Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway!

Photo gallery for Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway!

Exterior detail
Interior
Terrace/patio
Exterior detail
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8204 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor Space
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway!


šŸ» Welcome to the Historic Bear House Circa 1890! The best of everything!! Refined luxury, detailed amenities, large beautiful property. Walk to local restaurants, shops, grocery stores, hiking and biking trails, tourist attractions. Less than 4 miles from Aquarium, all downtown, mountain and waterfront activities.

Beautifully restored 120-year-old house and additional Carriage house with beautiful grounds. A rare opportunity to stay in a special historic property that adds to your trip experience; much more than simply a place to spend the night! Centrally located in Chattanooga in the trendy St Elmo Historic District, at the foot of Lookout Mountain.

The spacious and bright Johnson Retreat includes the entire private 2nd story of The Bear House (Wheland Wing and Workman Wing combined into one large space, 2200 square feet):
ā€¢ Front and back private entrance.
ā€¢ High quality, fully equipped kitchen for your cooking and dining needs with gas stove/oven, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator and washer and dryer. Small appliances include toaster, mixer, crock-pot and electric tea kettle. The basics are kept stocked for your convenience: paper towels, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, foils and plastic wrap, salt and pepper, spices, olive oil, canola oil, sugar.
ā€¢ Living room with ample seating, game table, games, smart HDTV with Cable, Amazon Prime and Netflix.
ā€¢ Resource center with writing desk, office supplies and reading corner.
ā€¢ 2 Hospitality Centers with microwave, small refrigerator, Keurig with well stocked variety of coffee, teas and hot chocolate and related condiments, fresh fruit, chocolates, some breakfast items and snacks.
ā€¢ 2 Dining areas for 4. Additional seating areas.
ā€¢ 2 King bedroom, smart HDTV with Cable, Amazon Prime and Netflix, WiFi, ceiling fan with remote, luxury bedding and linens, full length mirror, luggage racks, water bottles, bedside radio/clock with 2 outlets and 2 ports for charging your devices.
ā€¢ 2 Queen bedrooms, each with smart HDTV with Cable, Amazon Prime and Netflix, high speed WiFi, ceiling fan with remote, luxury bedding and linens, full length mirror, luggage rack, water bottles, bedside radio/clock with 2 outlets and 2 ports for charging your devices.
ā€¢ 2 Full size bathrooms with large original soaking tubs, custom tile work, luxury towels and amenities, hair dryer.
ā€¢ 1 Original shower room and dressing room, beautifully renovated with custom tile work, luxury towels and amenities.

Our spacious property offers many opportunities for gathering spaces outdoors. The large old-fashioned front porch, courtyard garden and gazebo are wonderful spots for morning coffee, a special evening meal, or a place to relax in a comfortable chair with a good book. The special garden areas and larger outdoor seating areas provide additional space for your enjoyment. Be sure to explore the carved bears placed around the property and hear their story! In the spring and summer, help yourself to the blackberries and small vegetable garden bounty. And donā€™t miss the scavenger hunt; over 40 sculptured animals roam the property for you to find.

Our beautiful large property sits on an entire block, front to back, in the charming St Elmo Historic District. There is the majestic main house called Historic Bear House 1890 (6500sqft) that consists of 3 other private apartments. My husband and I reside on the private first floor in the main house. Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the main house, through the luscious courtyard, is the Carriage House (1600sqft) with 2 private apartments. With over 25 years experience in the rental property business, we specialize in a broad spectrum of lodging needs, from quick getaways, to out of town family and friends, to corporate rentals and short term rentals. With pampered on-site attention youā€™ll feel taken care of from your first inquiry until the end of your stay, whether it is a short trip or a few months.

Be sure to check out our other private apartments located here at the Historic Bear House 1890 property:

Workman Wing, 2 BR, 1BA, #1021491

Wheland Wing, 2 BR, 1BA, #1021450

Johnson Retreat, 4BR, 2BA, #1021232 (Workman & Wheland Wings combined)

Stinson Suite, 2BR, 1BA, #1076824

Lillyā€™s Loft, 1BR, 1BA, #1324077

Sherfey Suite, 1BR, 1BA, #1172405

Property manager

Sharman Sherfey

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Paper towels
  • Toaster
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Spices

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shampoo
  • Hair dryer
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite service
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city center
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Fishing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 2200 sq ft (204 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Infants and children are always welcome!

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 14
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Historic Bear House 1890 Perfect Location Charming St Elmo
Historic Bear House 1890 Perfect Location Perfect Stay Apartment
Historic Bear House 1890 Perfect Location Perfect Stay Apartment
Historic Bear House 1890 Perfect Location! Perfect Stay!
Historic Bear House 1890 Perfect Location Perfect Stay
Historic Bear House 1890 Perfect Location! Charming St Elmo!!
Historic Bear House 1890 Perfect Location! Charming St Elmo!!

About the neighborhood

Map
Chattanooga, TN

What's nearby

  • Lookout Mountain Incline Railway - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Ruby Falls - 4 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Chattanooga Convention Center - 5 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Chattanooga Choo Choo - 5 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Tennessee Aquarium - 6 min drive - 7.0 km

Getting around

  • Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ā€ŖThe Tap House & Empyreal Brewing Co. - ā€¬8 min walk
  • ā€ŖTaco Bell - ā€¬2 min drive
  • ā€ŖWendy's - ā€¬2 min drive
  • ā€ŖCommon Table - ā€¬17 min walk
  • ā€ŖMr T's Pizza St Elmo - ā€¬6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway! located?

This family-friendly apartment building is located in the city center, within 1 mi (2 km) of Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, St. Elmo Park, and Tennessee River. Ruby Falls is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) away.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 105 out of 107 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 107 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 107 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 107 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 107 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Richard M., South Portland

Amazing place and hospitality a home away from home
Great area everything we needed was less than 5 min away
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mary V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend stop over
The Bear House was a delight to stay in. Too many extras to name. We would highly recommend to anyone.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dannelle W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent Property
The property was extremely clean and just as advertised. We had an excellent visit and would not hesitate to stay here again when in Chattanooga.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Tessa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend stay
Everything was great. My husband and two kids stayed with our friends and their two kids. The accommodations were clean and the decor was really cute. The Christmas decor was so well done. We would love to stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Regina D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Stay so convenient to everything
We loved our stay the rental had so much character. All kinds of extras that was so nice. Beds Uber comfortable and the place was so quiet no noise at all.. we visited Rock City Lights and had a blast! Thanks so much for helping make our Thanksgiving special!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay!
We were a a party of 8 - two families with adult children. We so enjoyed our stay at The Bear House. There were simply no details missed and we appreciated all of the attention to detail. The beds were very comfortable and everything was so clean and well maintained. We will definitely stay here again if in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Moreno/Silva reunion
The seven of us, friends and family had a great time in Chattanooga. Staying at the Bear House made the trip such a success.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Natalie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect location and property
The Bear House was the perfect location and property for our family vacation! It is central to Chattanooga and its various activities and St. Elmo is a wonderful neighborhood to be in with young kids. The property was exceptional - rooms, living, kitchen area, outdoor spaces, and all the special extras! We would recommend to everyone.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

William B., CAPE CORAL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super Location / Tremendous Character
The character of this house is beyond your imagination! Located close to the Lookout Mountain Incline, it is also conveniently close to downtown Chattanooga. With plenty of outside areas to enjoy conversation, in peaceful and pleasant surroundings... this place is good for a vacation, and great for the soul!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dauna S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our experience
The house was extremely clean and very well stocked with all we needed for our 6 days/5 nights there. Everyone was very friendly; and very accommodating when the refrigerator went out on day 2. We would stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandon A., Alpharetta, GA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing House
Beautiful house full of history. We had a great time at this charming house outside of Chattanooga. Only regret is that we didn't stay longer. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

cindy m., Frisco

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Delightful
Our experience here was absolutely perfect. Exactly as advertised. Actually maybe even better.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Damon N., Chicago

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property and owners.
We stayed at the Bear house for Ironman Chattanooga and absolutely loved it. The owners were so friendly and accommodating. The owners really care for this property and it shows. Great architectural details throughout (home was built in 1890). Although the home is older itā€™s completely updated and beautiful. I highly recommend the Bear house.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Patricia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful time
Had a wonderful time staying in the šŸ» house. Very charming. Great neighborhood. The only down side, was the stairs. Would recommend to anybody. Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S., Fayetteville, GA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
11th Birthday Joy
We have stayed here before and loved it. This trip was no different. My daughter turned 11 and wanted a girls trip to celebrate in Chattanooga. A part of our enjoyment was this wonderful home and hostšŸ˜Š Perfect space for our group of 8. Close proximity to all of the popular spots to tour. In a quiet neighborhood and felt completely safe. Thank you to the Sherfeyā€™s for another wonderful stay!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Denise F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful and beautiful
Bear House is a beautiful home in a great location. We couldnā€™t believe how the owners have thought of everything to make your stay comfortable. Lots of snacks, breakfast bars, pop corn and Moon Pies!! Water and candy in every room. The gardens are so pretty with many sitting areas to sit and relax. Steve and Sharman where really nice and quick to answer any questions. We would highly recommend Bear House to anyone as we really enjoyed our stay!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diana P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property, close to everything
We visited Chattanooga for my Mom's birthday and we had a great stay at this lovely home. We stayed in the top floor of the home and the stairs were a little steep with moving the luggage up and down, but once we got settled it was very cozy. The beds and pillows were very comfy and everything was super clean. There was a TV with cable in every room, and each room had a little bowl of snacks and water bottles. The home had plenty of everything - toilet paper, trash bags, towels. They made sure everything was clean and fully stocked. We had such a pleasant stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa P., Indiana

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Third times still a charm! šŸ’•
We love the coziness and special touches of the Bear House. We have stayed here 3 times now for triathlon racing and training in Chattanooga. Itā€™s an ideal location to get to downtown, as well as local grocery, restaurants, ice cream, and coffee shops. We will be back again, Iā€™m sure. Steve and Sharman are wonderful hosts and provide all the comforts of home and then some! Thank you again! We appreciate how much work you must put into being reliable and gracious hosts.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patrick B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wedding Weekend
The Bear House is a delightful place to stay. We had the full upstairs and it was like two small apartments that were joined together. Yes it is a little eclectic, but so many personal touches and each room is decorated individually. Everyone loved it. Plenty of little sitting areas and very quiet and sound proof. Lots of little extras and niceties, with candy dishes and Keurig coffee makers. One note, not a negative, but more of a heads up, you do access the space via a small set of stairs. No elevators, so if you are ADA challenged, this might not be the best place for your stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim tatum T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So cozy and convenient
This is a charming historic home with very nice upgrades. Your host has taken the time to think of all the little things that will make your stay comfortable and secure. The beds were sooo comfortable. The location is perfect. You are just mins to Rock City and the incline railway. Downtown shopping and eating establishments are also just mins away. The accommodation are upstairs so if any of your group has trouble with stairs take this into consideration. Itā€™s definitely worth the effort.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely wonderful
The Bear house was fabulous. We had such a wonderful visit. The Place was warm and welcoming. It was clean and nicely decorated. It was full of extras like the coffee center with Keurig for coffee tea and hot chocolate Bathrooms with lovely soaps and fluffy towels. Plenty of space for tv watching board game playing and extra quiet places for a morning cup of coffee They had a kitchen with everything you need. All nice and looked new! They even had snacks and candy. We would definitely recommend it !!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Claire H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay for New Years!
The Johnson suite for our group of 8 adults and 4 children under 4 was wonderful. The stairs were steep but sturdy. We were worried we would be too loud on the second floor, but our wonderful hosts ensured that wasnā€™t the case. Beautiful home with great and not overdone furnishings. Very clean. Perfect for our two night stay. Small kitchen, but it had what we needed. The two living room/den areas came in clutch for having a kids hangout room. Hospitality was top notch - coffee/breakfast/snacks were well supplied. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katherine R., Atlanta, Georgia

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best Accommodations in Chattanooga!
This property is absolutely amazing! We rented the entire 2nd floor and the Shefrey apartment for a family of 6 adults. The kitchen was fully stocked with beautiful dishes and top quality cookware. The beds were very comfortable and we all had the best sleep ever. We especially loved the convenience of the Keurigs since we are coffee lovers. There was no detail left undone! The property was beautifully decorated with pumpkins and fall decor. We definitely recommend staying here. You will not be disappointed!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Tara S., Atlanta, GA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely Wonderful!
The Bear House is an absolutely perfect home to secure for your travels to Chattanooga. I needed a place to take three friends, with two of these friends being elderly. The Bear House was absolutely perfect for us. The owners provided everything a traveler could need and more! The rooms are beautifully decorated and outfitted. The toiletries are amazing and smell so good. The snacks and assortments of coffee and tea were better than any place weā€™ve ever stayed at before. Linens were clean and seemed new. The gardens outside were beautiful, and the decorations for fall were lovely. The location was great for everything weā€™d planned. The owners were so welcoming and helpful. We really couldnā€™t have found a more perfect place to stay. ā¤ļøā¤ļø
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann T., Nashville TN, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoy Historic Chattanooga
A historic property in the historic district of St. Elmo, the Bear House is a delight for history lovers. The characterful apartments occupy the second floor of a large house -- we rented both as a four-bedroom option for three lady friends. We appreciated the space, which offered room for visiting as well as privacy. The property is close walking distance to a charming commercial center with restaurants and grocery stores, as well as close to historic sites on Lookout Mountain and downtown. The hosts are welcoming and live on site, affording an extra sense of security. Accessed by a steep staircase and with step in tubs without grab-bars, the Bear House may not be appropriate for those with mobility issues.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023