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

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Exterior detail
Exterior detail
Combined shower/tub, hair dryer, towels, soap
Terrace/patio
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 82200 sq ft

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Chattanooga, TN
  • Place, Moccasin Bend Brewing Company
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Ruby Falls
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Room options

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About the neighborhood

Chattanooga

Located in St. Elmo within a short walk of Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, this apartment is within a mile (2 km) of other popular sights such as Tennessee River. The apartment includes a kitchen, a patio, and a refrigerator.

What's nearby

  • Roy Nelms Park - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Moccasin Bend Brewing Company - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Lookout Mountain Incline Railway - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • St. Elmo Park - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Ruby Falls - 4 min drive - 2.6 miles

Getting around

  • Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Little Coyote - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Tap House - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Massey’s Kitchen - ‬6 min drive

About this property

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


🐻 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):
• Front and back private entrance.
• 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.
• Living room with ample seating, game table, games, smart HDTV with Cable, Amazon Prime and Netflix.
• Resource center with writing desk, office supplies and reading corner.
• 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.
• 2 Dining areas for 4. Additional seating areas.
• 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.
• 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.
• 2 Full size bathrooms with large original soaking tubs, custom tile work, luxury towels and amenities, hair dryer.
• 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 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
The apartment is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2.5 bathrooms, and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

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

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby

Safety features

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

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,200 square feet

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

Inquire owner about event details and attendees

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

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

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 25

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 14.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

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!!

Frequently asked questions

What can I see around this apartment?

This apartment is situated in St. Elmo within a short 8-minute walk of Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. You'll also find Ruby Falls and Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic District within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway!?

No, there isn't parking at this apartment.

Is this apartment associated with a casino?

No, this apartment is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this apartment?

No, there is no indoor pool at this apartment.

What do couples enjoy most about Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway!?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this historic apartment include a kitchen as well as concierge services and a garden.

Are there hot tubs at Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway!?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this apartment.

Does this apartment include breakfast service?

No, this apartment doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this apartment allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this apartment.

Are there connecting rooms at Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway!?

No, this apartment doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to this apartment?

The closest major airport to this apartment is Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), which is 14.4 mi away (27 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway!?

Yes, every apartment at Bear House 1890, Johnson Retreat, Mins from Downtown, Perfect Luxurious Getaway! comes with a patio and some offer mountain views.

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 120 out of 122 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 122 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 122 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 122 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 122 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dominique L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean and decorated nicely for Christmas. Fun place to stay with friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ken M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was great, as well as the hosts. St Elmo has everything you need in restaurants and grocery stores. We had a great experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The owners have thought of every detail to make this a comfortable stay. We had a large group with four grandchildren, and it was a wonderful experience. Comfortable beds, nice dishes for a large group, the fanciest toaster I’ve ever seen, laundry, and a very charming home.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandon C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean and extremely well stocked. Central to lookout mountain.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Megan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was great! They even left us tickets for an event in town they knew we were going to the next day.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gail B.

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

Wonderful accommodations!

We had a great time at the Bear House as the location for a family celebration. Beautiful property and the hosts think of everything you might need. Our favorite place to stay in the Chattanooga area!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was very welcoming, quick to respond to messages and had numerous suggestions for things to do in the local area. The living area was cozy, the beds very comfortable. Kitchen was stocked with plenty of appliances and cookware for eating in, and having a washer and dryer was convenient. Comfort stations in the dining area were a welcome suprise for coffee, tea, and snacks. We will definitely be reaching out to stay again next time were in the area
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teri J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is my second time staying with Steve and Sharmane. Such a comfortable, beautiful property. It’s conveniently located to everything you need. The hosts are always so kind and welcoming.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard M.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful spacious historic home! We had the two combined 2nd floor apartments which was plenty of room and privacy for 5 adults and 3 small children. Very relaxing to enjoy our families together. Very close to all the major attractions and restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Excellent Property

Everything was great...location was convenient.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ginny T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay and any questions we had were answered right away. Check in/out process was simple. This property was more than enough room for our party of 8.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randi S.

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

Weekend getaway

What a fantastic place and never have I stayed somewhere where snacks, coffee, water and so many other things were provided. Certainly will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Incredible place! Very clean, nice and quiet, full of amenities. The hosts are wonderful, would definitely stay again and recommend for families visiting Nooga
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia B.

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

Sisters weekend

Wonderful house, so well equipped and with all the details taken care of from coffee creamers to spices in the kitchen!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra P.

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

Wonderful in every way!

What a relaxing weekend! Every detail was attended to - the property, inside and out, was without flaw! St.Elmo is a quiet, quaint neighborhood close to everything! We will return!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stu W.

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

We felt the warmth and welcome

The host warmly greeted us and gave us instructions and helpful tips to make our stay at the Bear House easy breezy. The house and the grounds were filled with character and attention to detail and ambiance were admirable. The location was walkable to restaurants, a great wine store, coffee shop, and a supermarket. Our family had nothing but great things to say about our stay and we can safely recommend the Bear House for anyone looking for a home away from home in Chattanooga.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandon A.

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
Verified

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