Apartment

Bear House 1890, Lilly's Loft, Delightful, Upgraded amenities, Walk to Cafes

Photo gallery for Bear House 1890, Lilly's Loft, Delightful, Upgraded amenities, Walk to Cafes

Stairs leading up to Lilly's Loft in the Carriage House
Relaxing light filled living room with Smart HDTV, electric fireplace, office.
Beautiful Master with luxurious Queen Bed and Smart HDTV. Walk in closet.
High end mattress and bedding.  Consistently ranked 5 stars on all listings!
Beautiful Master with Queen Bed and Smart HDTV.  Luxury mattress and bedding.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 283.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Chattanooga, TN
  • Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Ruby Falls
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Chattanooga Choo Choo
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Bear House 1890, Lilly's Loft, Delightful, Upgraded amenities, Walk to Cafes


🐻 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 Lilly's Loft (Carriage House 2nd floor), with its own entrance, offers historic charm with modern-day amenities. Wonderful, the private apartment including one bedroom, full bath, kitchen, living, dining, and light-filled sunroom overlooking the beautiful gardens.

**Custom, fully equipped kitchen with gas stove/oven, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator. A variety of small appliances including toaster, mixer, crock pot, and electric tea kettle. The kitchen comes equipped with a Keurig and 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 light filled sunroom/dining room with dining for 4 and a cozy nook for reading or relaxing.
**Comfortable living room with ample seating, games, high speed Wifi, electric fireplace, 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 desk, office supplies, vacations guides, reading materials.
**Restful bedroom includes a queen bed with high end mattress, luxury bedding and linens, 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, and smart HDTV with Cable, Amazon Prime and Netflix.
**Upgraded full size bathroom with bathtub/shower combination, 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.
**Note on ceiling heights: All ceilings are 7' tall with the exception of the sun room that you walk into from the deck entrance. It is a sloped ceiling about 6' 4”-6’8”.

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
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Mountain view

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

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

Similar properties

House Rules

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

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

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 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 Chattanooga, this apartment is in the city centre. 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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Tap House & Empyreal Brewing Co. - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Common Table - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Mr T's Pizza St Elmo - ‬6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Bear House 1890, Lilly's Loft, Delightful, Upgraded amenities, Walk to Cafes pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Bear House 1890, Lilly's Loft, Delightful, Upgraded amenities, Walk to Cafes?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bear House 1890, Lilly's Loft, Delightful, Upgraded amenities, Walk to Cafes?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Bear House 1890, Lilly's Loft, Delightful, Upgraded amenities, Walk to Cafes 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. 191 out of 199 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 199 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 199 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 199 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 199 reviews

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

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nicole M.

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

Enjoyable

We enjoyed out stay in Lilly's Loft. It was comfortable and well stocked with everything we needed. Nice location near hikes on Lookout Mountain and could easily walk into St. Elmo.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Edward S.

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

Cute bear scape!

We had fun with Scavenger hunt. It appears some of the characters have swapped places. :-)The kitchen the snacks and the bathrooms were well stocked.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

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

Great stay with comfy night’s sleep!

So cozy and comfortable! We felt right at home, everything was well stocked and we really appreciated the extra snacks and drinks! There’s so much to do in the area and we will definitely be returning to Lilly’s Loft the next time we’re in town.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenny W.

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

Perfect cozy stay!

This was a perfect location for my husband and I to have a little getaway! It was clean and cozy and had everything we needed. I should note that if you have back problems, the mattress is very soft. The shower water pressure was great! (Always a plus)We highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy G.

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

Lovely, modern, AND historic

The Bear House was lovely! We stayed in Libby's Loft, and had such a good stay. All amenities are available; the owners seem to have thought of everything. Towels etc in the bathroom plus anything else we forgot, a full kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, full fridge/freezer. A nice size living room with a comfortable big couch and chair, giant TV, and a little desk nook you can work from. A great bedroom with a walk in closet and a TV on the wall, and a really comfy bed with lots of pillows. And finally a lovely little enclosed porch/sitting room with a dining table surrounded by windows. We were out exploring town a lot but I would so recommend if you want a get away where you just stay in and relax. I would have loved to have spent my day in that little sitting room with a book and tea. The property is historical too! It was built in 1890 by the founder of St. Elmo, Abraham Johnson, who was the president of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The house down the street was the former site of the home of Chief John Ross, head of the Cherokee nation. The whole neighborhood is older historical homes and so pretty. But just because it's an historic house doesn't mean it's not modernized! It has central heating/cooling, and the bathroom and kitchen are completely modernized. It just still retains it's historical feel.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heidi M.

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

Perfect Location in St. Elmo

Absolutely loved the extra space in Lilly's loft. Had coffee in entryway and the desk in tv room was nice for those who still need to check-in while on vacation.We loved walking to shops/dinner.We slept SO great - between blackout curtains, sound machine and bed/pillows.Definitely one of the best VRBO's we've ever stayed in. Would visit again without questions.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jami H.

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

Wonderful place

Wonderful place to stay. It was clean and quiet.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary K.

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

Great place in St Elmo.

This was the perfect place for our weekend getaway. Very clean, very comfortable, and the hosts were incredibly responsive and kind.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura S.

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

Anniversary

Great place!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole T.

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

My favorite stay in Chattanooga

Lily’s Loft was such a cozy/homey stay.The owners were a delight to work with and were extremely accommodating when my flight got changed and it actually got changed several hours earlier than I was expected to be in the city. They made it possible for me to drop my bags off and freshen up quickly, even though they weren’t expecting me in my room was not quite ready.I found myself saying I could actually live here. It was so well pulled together..
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cindy S.

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

Birthday getaway

We have stayee in the main house and the owners are very friendly and helpful. This time we stayed at Lillys Loft. We really enjoyed our stay. The apartment was cozy and very comfortable. I would recommend this rental. We look forward to visiting again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Abigail S.

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

Lovely Spot

Came for a solo getaway and had the best time! Loved the loft, and the hosts were wonderful.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas m.

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

Short stay for a tour of Chattanooga with daughter and family.

Residence was very clean, very well supplied with everything and close to restaurants and all we wanted to see.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren F.

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

Fantastic Every Time

I believe this is my fourth stay at Bear House and it was fantastic as usual! Lilly's Loft is beautiful and has everything you need for a great stay. loved
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Margaret Q.

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

Perfect

Location was fantastic. Mattress was awesome, that means a lot to me. They even decorated the place foe Christmas. I would highly recommend this place.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gail B.

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

Wonderful!

Stayed for a spontaneous weekend visit with my daughter. Accommodations are wonderful…comfortable and hosts think of everything you may need. Close to lots of restaurants and local activities. Looking forward to returning!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine D.

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

As good as I remembered!

Second time staying at Lily's Loft! Such a cozy comfortable space--I will stay here again, for sure ( :
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jim L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sydney S.

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

Amazing Space in an amazing city

This is our second time staying in Lilly’s Loft. The location is perfect. Every detail to snacks, decor, soaps, fully stocked kitchen is so appreciated. The owners are precious and love sharing their knowledge of the area. The house is stunning and the bed feels like you are sleeping on a cloud. This is the perfect space for a couples getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane C.

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

Perfect

The Bear House, Sharman and Steve were wonderful! We definitely plan to stay there the next time we're in Chattanooga!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bernadette S.

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

Wonderful experience

5 stars for everything! Great location, great hosts, great apartment! Can't wait to go back for more sightseeing and stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sue J.

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

Terrific!!

Lily's Loft is a wonderful place to stay! Quiet area. Close to local attractions and restaurants. Downtown is only minutes away and an easy drive. The description of Lily's Loft is spot on!. We would stay here again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Danielle R.

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

Best getaway

Beautiful property.... fantastic owners, walking distance to do much, cozy, comfortable, will definitely be back! Can n9t recommend enough!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Blake C.

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

Wonderful Experience at Lilly’s Loft

Super clean, amazingly furnished, awesome location near Chattanooga attractions. The hosts were friendly and knowledgeable. I will stay here again in the future without question!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel F.

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

Mountain Working Vacation!

I had the privilege of staying with Steve and Sharman for a week long working vacation. Everything was safe, clean, affordable, and fun. I would give it an 11 out of 10 if I could!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Steve and Sharman Sherfey

Host profile image
The Bear House is a beautifully restored 6,500square 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