Apartment

Bear House 1890, Stinson Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity

Photo gallery for Bear House 1890, Stinson Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity

Beautifully furnished living room with new dining table.
The front porch, perfect for an afternoon visit. Dining area on the other end.
Front of the Bear House. As seen on HGTV's House Hunter's show.
Perfect dining for four.
Private entrance to Stinson Suite.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 492.9 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Chattanooga, TN
  • Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
    â€Ș6 min walk‬
  • Ruby Falls
    â€Ș4 min drive‬
  • Chattanooga Choo Choo
    â€Ș5 min drive‬
  • Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan)
    â€Ș27 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Bear House 1890, Stinson Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity


đŸ» 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 store, hiking and biking trails, tourist attractions. Less than 4 miles from Aquarium, all downtown, mountain and waterfront activities.

Beautifully restored 120 year old house, the Bear 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.

Private Stinson Suite daylight basement apartment at the Bear House, with its own entrance, offers historic charm with modern-day amenities. Wonderful, private apartment including two bedrooms and a full bath. Open kitchen, living and dining floor plan.

**High quality, fully equipped kitchen with electric stove/oven, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator. Small appliances include toaster, mixer, crock pot and electric teapot. The hospitality center comes equipped with Keurig and a well stocked variety of coffee, teas and hot chocolate and related condiments. 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 and some breakfast items.
**Beautiful living room with ample seating, dining, games, high speed Wifi, large smart HDTV with Cable, Amazon Prime and Netflix - a wonderful gathering space for you to relax and enjoy your visit.
**Resource center in living room with office supplies, vacations guides, reading materials.
**Queen bed, luxury bedding and linens, Smart HDTV with Amazon Prime and Netflix, iron and ironing board, full length mirror, luggage racks, water bottles, bedside radio/clock with 2 outlets and 2 ports for charging your devices, high speed Wifi (lower ceiling - 7'10").
**Full bed, luxury bedding and linens, full length mirror, luggage rack, water bottles, bedside radio/clock with 2 outlets and 2 ports for charging your devices, high speed Wifi. (lower ceiling - 7'4")
**Spacious full size bathroom with bathtub/shower combination (rain head faucet), hair dryer, and specialty toiletries from nationally known local store Good Fortune (soaps, body wash, bath salts, lotion), luxury towels and numerous amenities.
**Separate laundry room with large capacity washer and dryer. Laundry room located in the main house (Bear House), in the hallway outside Stinson Suite. Shared between Stinson Suite and the Carriage House (Sherfey Suite & Lilly''s Loft).

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. And don’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 you’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

Lilly’s Loft, 1BR, 1BA, #1324077

Sherfey Suite, 1BR, 1BA, #1172405

Property manager

Steve and Sharman Sherfey
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Inquire Host about event details (event attendees, type of event)

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: 8
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

About the area

Chattanooga

Located in St. Elmo, a neighbourhood in Chattanooga, this apartment is next to a golf course. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Ruby Falls and Rock City, while Tennessee Aquarium and Chattanooga Zoo are popular area attractions. Travelling with kids? Consider Songbirds Guitar Museum and Creative Discovery Museum. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and horse riding.
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, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • â€ȘThe Tap House & Empyreal Brewing Co. - ‬8 min walk
  • â€ȘTaco Bell - ‬2 min drive
  • â€ȘWendy's - ‬2 min drive
  • â€ȘCommon Table - ‬17 min walk
  • â€ȘMr T's Pizza St Elmo - ‬6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Bear House 1890, Stinson Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Bear House 1890, Stinson Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bear House 1890, Stinson Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Bear House 1890, Stinson Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity located?

Located in the centre of Chattanooga, this family-friendly apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Moccasin Bend Brewing Company and Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. Ruby Falls is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 229 out of 234 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 234 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 234 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 234 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 234 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nye A.

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

Always Love Staying at the “Bear House”

This was our second return visit to the same apartment in the basement. Great cozy apartment, accessories, clean stocked bathroom. Especially love the covered patio with water fountains and little birds dropping by for a dip and a sip! Very relaxing accommodations and the best hosts we’ve experienced!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicki C.

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

Love this place!

This is one of the best places I have ever stayed. This was my third time here and would stay here again! The location is great, the place in clean and they provide tons of essentials.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey V.

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

Lovely

Just what we needed
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Sandi S.

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

Bear House

Great area for my St Elmo stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

ryan b.

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

Soccer weekend

We stayed for my daughter’s soccer tournament and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Clean and comfortable. The little town with the shops and restaurants within walking distance are great. The little treats and extra supplies were a very nice touch! We would recommend this property to everyone
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christy K.

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

great neighborhood

we enjoyed our stay
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa W.

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

Comfortable place every time

We had a wonderful stay! They have everything you need. Beds are very comfortable!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barry B.

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

Weekend Getaway

Great property and very cozy. Close to the heart of downtown with several good dining options. House was wonderful in every way. Will be back and highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carie D.

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

Great location

Best location if you are touring around Chattanooga. 2 minutes to the Incline Railway, less than 10 minutes to Ruby Falls or Rock City. The apartment was decorated for Christmas and it was just adorable with special little touches throughout. Primary bedroom was large enough for a pack n play with room to spare. Two points to know before you stay: it does require steps to enter and a few steps to enter the shower and the second bedroon. The ceilings are low, so my 6'4" husband could not fully stand in the shower or second bedroom. We loved it and would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marc S.

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

Perfect cozy spot

We absolutely loved our stay at the Bear House! So cute & cozy - it was the perfect spot to rest & relax after a busy day of hiking and adventures.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kat W.

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

Lovely Stay

Came in town for the Hooch and it was a great location to stay outside of right downtown. The location was nice and quiet. Several rooms for groups to stay, but you never heard anyone else. Plenty of parking for all. Came and went as we pleased.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samantha H.

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

Good place

The outdoor area was cute decorated for fall and the inside was clean and cozy only had an issue with the coffee maker dispensing dirty water. Would recommend and stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Jon H.

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

Two week stay for Ironman

A unique property in a historic area, while close enough to downtown. We were here primarily to participate in Ironman Chattanooga, but also spent some time exploring the area. The accomodation provided us with a good base, and was well stocked.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Christina C.

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

Chattanooga Visit

Property was exactly as listed. I found the room rental uniquely different.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Chattanooga for my 70th

Loved the Bear House. Steve and Sharman were very kind, helpful and the Stinson Suite was immaculate, nice decor and everything you need plus. Would stay there again. again.Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rozanna N.

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

Would Definitely stay here again!

My sisters and I rented the Stinson Suite at The Bear House 1890, and it was perfect. Mr. Sherfey, the owner, met us on arrival, helped with luggage, and showed us around the 2 bedroom apartment. It was very cute and comfortable, and they had thought of everything. There was a snack basket for us, and there was candy dishes full of all kinds of chocolate treats through out the apartment. The beds in both bedrooms were very possibly the most comfortable beds I have ever slept on. Amazing!! The place was clean, nicely decorated, and within walking distance to restaurants and the Incline Railway. We loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew J.

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

Fathers-in-law

Fathers My daughter married his son. We cruised from Nashville to Chattanooga and spend a couple of extra days sightseeing. Great memories. Our VRBO. The Bear House was perfect. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Francy K.

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

Sweet spot

We had a great weekend visit at the bear house. The room was very clean and the host was so nice. It was an easy walk to downtown St. Elmo restaurants. We can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clay C.

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

Well-appointed two-room suite in a quiet neighborhood

My family of two recently stayed in the Stinson Suite and loved it! The owners thoughtfully stocked the kitchen and bathroom with everything we'd need for our stay. There are so many nice touches that make it feel like home. The den is comfortable with a nice TV (with cable). The beds are quite comfortable. We also enjoyed being in the St. Elmo neighborhood. It was convenient yet quiet. I'd gladly stay here again in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Taylor Hoku H.

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

One-day two-night family getaway

From check in to check out, our experience was wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris E.

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

Lookout mountain stay (July 24')

The Stinson suite at the Bear house is everything advertised. It is large and very welcoming. The owners of the property live on site and are super friendly and helpful. We only stayed 3 nights and it was not long enough. We travel to Tennessee a couple of times a year and we DEFINITELY will return to stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin M.

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

Great apartment for our Chattanooga stay

Really lovely apartment that had everything we needed. The apartment was nice and cool when we arrived with the temperature in Chattanooga close to 90 that afternoon. The check-in process was seamless and here were really nice touches throughout,
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dusti S.

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

Bear house Stinson suite

Overall wonderful property and ample space for my daughter and I. Close to lots of activities and downtown! Property as described and communication easy! 10/10 and would stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren S.

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

Sweet Family Vacay

My husband and our two children (4 and 6) stayed in the Stinson Suite for 4 nights. The property was great and the kids loved exploring the grounds (talking to Big Foot and riding scooters in the driveway). There was a playground right down the street which we enjoyed and the house very close to Lookout Mountain to visit Rock City and Ruby Falls and go hiking. Not in the center of downtown, but a quick 15-20 minute drive. We preferred the drive over being in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. The suite itself had everything we could have needed and was right next to the shared laundry which was convenient. 2nd bedroom was very small with low ceiling, but our kids slept in there so it was a non-issue.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrea D.

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

Family getaway

It was a very cute area but it was a bit confusing knowing where to go exactly once we got in the driveway but management was very helpful via text. The room was basement level and beside the laundry which smelled amazing. The floor was very uneven in places and sloped throughout but overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

About the host

Hosted by Steve and Sharman Sherfey

Host profile image
The Bear House is a beautifully restored 6,900 square foot house built in 1890. We have lived here for 25 years, raising our four children and enjoying this small community (St Elmo) within the city. Our long-term plan has been to share this special property as a B&B/Short Term Rental when we retired.

We opened as The Bear House in March of 2017. It has been a truly special year and brought great joy sharing The Bear House and meeting so many wonderful guests.

Steve and I live on the 1st floor of the house, which is completely separate from the 2nd story listings as well as the basement/lower level listing. In addition, we have the Carriage House with 2 listings. We are proud of The Bear House and think you will have a wonderful stay!

What makes this property unique

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! One of the best locations for a trip to Chattanooga.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests