Apartment

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

Family-friendly apartment in Chattanooga

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

Comfortable intimate living room with Smart HDTV and electric fireplace
Beautiful room decor; vacation guides, reading materials.
Living room includes Smart HDTV w/Netflix and Amazon Prime, electric fireplace.
Beautifully furnished and light filled living room, kitchen combination.
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 246.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
  • Place, Ruby Falls
  • Place, Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic District
  • Airport, Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan)

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Garden
Dining area

About this property

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


🐻 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.

Private Sherfey Suite (Carriage House 1st floor), with its own entrance, offers historic charm with modern-day amenities. Wonderful, private apartment including one bedroom and full bath. Open kitchen, living, and dining floor plan.

**High quality, fully equipped small kitchen with electric stove/oven, microwave, refrigerator. Small appliances include toaster, mixer, and crockpot. 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. Chocolates and fresh fruit are always included!
**Beautiful living room with ample seating, dining, games, high speed Wifi, large smart HDTV with 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, iron and ironing board, full length mirror, luggage racks, bedside radio/clock with 2 outlets and 2 ports for charging your devices, Smart TV with Amazon Prime and Netflix.
**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). Shared between the Carriage House (Sherfey Suite & Lilly''s Loft) and Stinson Suite in the main house.

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 UN

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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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 owner about event details and attendees

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: 4
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Chattanooga

Located in Chattanooga, this apartment is in the city centre. Shoppers can check out Hamilton Place Mall, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Ruby Falls and Rock City. Travelling with kids? Consider Tennessee Aquarium, or check out an event or a game at Finley Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting and horse riding.
Map
Chattanooga, TN

What's nearby

  • Lookout Mountain Incline Railway - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Ruby Falls - 3 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic District - 5 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Chattanooga Convention Center - 5 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Tennessee Aquarium - 7 min drive - 6.9 km

Getting around

  • Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin’ - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Tap House - ‬10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Bear House 1890, Sherfey 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, Sherfey Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

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

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Bear House 1890, Sherfey 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

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 260 out of 275 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 275 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 275 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 275 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 275 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Laurel K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a cute place, comfortable and well stocked with coffee and snacks.I was only in the Chattanooga area for a couple of days and found so much to do right in the St. Elmo area, so convenient.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exactly as presented. Easy checkin, convenient location. Cozy room for 2.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed this place and location. Had extra little things like candy and breakfast bars. Perfect in every way Definitely will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan H.

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

Great spot/stay in Chattanooga

This is the second time that my wife and I have stayed on this property and it likely won't be the last! Great location, comfortable accommodations with a lot of character and personal touches and the Sherfey's are great people!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brenda W.

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

Great stay in a perfect location.

Small but very nice space. Had everything we needed for our stay. Location was perfect.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kody G.

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

Great getaway!

Very homey and spectacular place! The owners are great people and very helpful. Were definitely coming back!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marie C.

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

Enjoyed our stay!,

We enjoyed our stay. We will highly recommend!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jamie M.

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

Nice and cozy

This property was an excellent choice as we were close to a lot of places to eat and was right next to look out mountain.Very comfortable bed with plenty of necessities and extras on the property.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gail B.

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

Wonderful stay!

We were in town for a weekend event and loved our stay at The Bear House. So comfortable, all the amenities and some extras that made our time there a treat. Great hosts and a very comfortable, pleasant stay! We hope to return again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great historic place. St. Elmo was very nice!

Stay was amazing. Great location and historic. I will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg C.

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

Great location

Just as advertised. Easy walk to several GREAT restaurants and just a couple of miles to Chattanooga. Central to lots of activities!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deneen S.

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

A Gem in Chattanooga

Perfect for two people. Great location close to many restaurants and attractions. Quiet neighborhood. Very peaceful at night. Would definitely recommend to others.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

David H.

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

Great spot. Great apartment

Very clean. Kitchen was well stocked. Rooms were great , as was everything
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Courtney W.

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

Loved our stay at the Bear House!

The house is so cozy and clean. The host was great as well. The location was perfect with look out mountain and the downtown area being just a few minutes away. We would highly suggest that you stay at the Bear House if you are visiting Chattanooga!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly H.

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

Short stopover on our way to Georgia

We had a day to enjoy Chattanooga-Lookout Mountain and Rock City were both an easy distance from the house. We also did the Chattanooga Duck Tour which was fun. Our hostess was gracious when we arrived later than expected Friday night. Everything was clean and comfortable and checkout was easy. Thanks so much for a lovely stay!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

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

Perfect

Our stay was even better than we anticipated. I wish we would have planned for a longer trip to enjoy the garden and outdoor area. Everything was very nice and the property had everything we could possibly need. There were snacks and plenty of coffee too. The house is located in a lovely residential area. We really enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Theresa C.

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

Great get away

The bear house was lovely. Everything was better than expected. We could have not found a more centralized location, nothing was more the 15 minutes away. I would highly recommend the bear house
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

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

Great private property

This property is perfect for visiting Chattanooga! We were able to do all the sightseeing on Lookout Mountain and go downtown Chattanooga, both locations within 10 minutes. It made it convenient to stop by between activities and change our clothes or put shopping away. we were able to walk to dinner on our first night and explore the cute area of Saint Elmo. I highly recommend this location for visiting Chattanooga.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah O., Cookeville

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

Anniversary

The host was a really sweet lady, and office person was so friendly. The apt was clean and very well decorated. There were nice touches such as a few snacks and bottled water. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and hope to use them again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

shelley n.

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

Short stay

The cottage was just as pictured on line with beautiful setting areas outside... The cottage had lots of detailed "extras" that made the stay very comfortable. We could hear the guests above us walking around if we were inside during the day but at night .. when sleeping we didnt hear anything.. would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marie B.

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

Chattanooga is on our “Must Return” list

Amazing 2-night stay. Really appreciated the owner Mr. Sherfey’s visit and lesson on the history of the property and historic neighborhood of St.Elmo! We were comfortable and felt safe. Very peaceful area and enjoyed the birds and rabbits in the yard. Loved seeing chipmunks for the first time. Thanks for sharing your whimsical place with us.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine D.

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

Charming Chattanooga Bungalow

We loved our visit at Steve & Sharman's "Bear House". Everything from the decor, amenities & the charm of their outdoor gardens & handmade woodland animals far exceeded our expectations. The bed was super comfortable as well & we want pillows just like theirs! Everything we needed was included; coffee & creamer, sweet treats, plenty of towels, toiletries, cooking utensils, even a "White Noise Machine" (thank you for that, by the way). The location was also perfect; close to the main highway as well as the most popular Chattanooga attractions. We would highly recommend Steve & Charman as hosts and we will definitely stay there again when we travel to Chattanooga.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Amanda H.

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

Incredible Location, Wonderful Hosts

I stayed in the Sherfey Suite for a long weekend. The location was wonderful, and the hosts were incredibly kind. I forgot to text or call when I got close as they had requested, but check-in was still very quick and easy. I felt this was going above and beyond of the hosts when I had completely forgotten their instructions.I was given a tour of the space with everything pointed out, and there was an amazing listing of places to visit in the neighborhood. I was lucky because that weekend there was a corgi parade within walking distance. Other attractions are a very short drive - I went to Ruby Falls, and I liked it so much I went to another cave attraction the next day.The space itself was immaculate, the TV was easy to use even for an old luddite like myself, and it was very quiet at night even with other guests upstairs. The check-out process was very easy, and the instructions were easy to understand. The check-out is also quite late, which is very nice if you want to sleep in. The grounds are also beautiful, and you might just see Bigfoot. . Be nice to him, he's shy.All in all a wonderful stay, can't recommend enough.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Shanna B., Georgia

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

Great for couples' getaway

The Sherfey Suite is perfect for a couple looking to enjoy downtown Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain! It's located near several restaurants and a quick drive to both downtown and mountain activities. We were greeted very kindly by Mr. Sherfey but had plenty of privacy after introductions. The apartment had everything we needed and lovely extras. Just a heads up that if someone is staying in the apartment above the Sherfey Suite, you will hear EVERY single step they take. Thankfully our upstairs neighbors kept decent hours. Definitely recommend for a couples' getaway. 4.5/5
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

James W., Knoxville TN

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

Amazing location

The rental was very clean. The owner introduced himself at check in and showed us into the rental. He gave a little history about himself and about the rental. The unit is perfect for a couple. Bed was firm and comfortable. All linens are high quality and freshly cleaned. Walking distance to the incline. 1885 is a MUST place to eat. Neighborhood was quite and seemed very safe. Owner is on site but is definitely not a bother at all. Unit is thoughtfully stocked with soaps, shampoos, towels as well as various coffees, tea, and snacks. Definitely highly recommend. This was just a weekend getaway for us, but I wouldn’t have any problems staying a week or longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

About the host

Hosted by Steve and Sharman Sherfey

Host profile image
The Bear House is a beautifully restored property with the 6,500 sq ft main house and 2,000 sq ft Carriage house. 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 adventure and brought great joy sharing The Bear House and meeting so many wonderful guests.

Steve and I live on the 1st floor of the main 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 1890 property 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