Kentucky

11 Best & Most Unique Airbnb Rentals in Kentucky

Posted by
Sarah Lamagna
November 30, 2020
Updated July 25, 2022

best airbnbs kentucky
Photo: Airbnb

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In a state with more bourbon barrels than people, a trip to Kentucky is bound to be a darn good time.

Known as the Bluegrass State, Kentucky’s not actually named for the famous toe-tapping music, but instead for the species of grass found in the pastures that make up the bulk of the Kentucky countryside.

There’s not a lot to dislike about Kentucky — it’s full of good music, good bourbon, good racing, and good people. Though there’s much to do in the state, it’s usually one of those items that draws travelers down south.

Whether you’re on the prowl for a stay at a thoroughbred horse farm, prefer to be immersed in bourbon country, or even prefer your very own treehouse, you’ll probably find the perfect stay on this list of the best Airbnbs in Kentucky.

Related Read: 9 Incredible Treehouse Rentals in Kentucky

1. Downtown Louisville Flat

downtown louisville airbnb
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Exposed brick for days and days.

  • Location: Louisville
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Minimum stay: 1 night
  • Rates from: $49/night

This bright and airy apartment is in the heart of downtown Louisville but from the inside, it might as well be a NYC loft with its exposed brick and high ceilings. What makes this property a slam dunk (or, since Louisville is known for baseball, a home run) is its prime location near enough bars and restaurants to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

Don’t forget to head on down to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory to pick up an iconic Kentucky souvenir. Parking can be hard downtown, so carpool if you can.

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Related Read: 7 Unique Places to Stay in Kentucky

2. Bourbon Country Cabin

cabin airbnb kentucky
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: It has “bourbon”right in the name. Need we say more?

  • Location: Mount Eden
  • Sleeps: 6
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $96/night

If touring the dozens of distilleries across the Kentucky countryside sounds like a dream weekend, look no further than this classic cabin. Sitting on 80 acres of woodlands, this loft-style abode has the feel of a hunting lodge without the loud noises of shotguns at 4 a.m. — FYI, there is no hunting allowed on the property.

Whether you’ve just come back from tasting spirits or are returning from an eight-mile hike, remember to be careful heading up the spiral staircase that brings you to your bed for the night. Those stairs can be tricky even when you’re sober and your legs aren’t sore from a long day of walking.

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Related Read: 8 Gorgeous Place to Go Glamping in Kentucky

3. Buffalo Springs Distilling Company

Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: If touring a distillery isn’t enough, you can even sleep in one.

  • Location: Stamping Ground
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Minimum stay: 1 night
  • Rates from:  $99/night

Think you’re a bourbon history buff? Then why not stay in a former working distillery? Established in 1868, it was emptied out almost 100 years later (who wouldn’t want to be there for that moving day?) Although this particular building wasn’t exactly the distillery itself, but rather the main office and gatehouse for visitors, it exudes a rich bourbon history (and perhaps a smooth history. Or maybe a smoky one?)

The entire house has a running buffalo-meets-western theme, with buffalo knickknacks in every corner and plenty of industrial touches.

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Related Read: 9 Beautiful Cabin Rentals Near Cincinnati, Ohio

4. The Cabin of Freedom Falls

Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Gaze out on a waterfall straight from the living room.

  • Location: Slade
  • Sleeps: 8
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $389/night

Situated on more than two acres of Kentucky wilderness, this meticulously updated log cabin is perhaps the best of the Airbnbs in Kentucky for nature lovers. Although somewhat reminiscent of Snow White’s house in the woods, you won’t find any evil witches here.

Instead, you’ll find three bedrooms and a great room with natural light flooding the inside. And with a pool table, outdoor bar setup, hot tub, and barbecue, no member of the family will complain about the amenities.

Plus, if you go a little stir crazy inside, head outside to view your very own, private waterfall. Just make sure to use the facilities before going to bed if you think the sound of rushing water may make you hit the restroom around 2 a.m.

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Related Read: 9 Gorgeous & Secluded Cabin Rentals in Kentucky

5. The Grace Airstream

airstream airbnb kentucky
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Where else can you go glamping in downtown Louisville?

  • Location: Louisville
  • Sleeps: 6
  • Minimum stay: 1 night
  • Rates from: $105/night

Feel as rugged as you would in the backcountry of Kentucky while staying in this 1940s Airstream on the outskirts of Louisville. This glamping rental is on the water’s edge in Progress Park where hiking, fishing, hammocking — that’s a thing, right? — kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming are at your literal doorstep.

Though the Airstream tops out at only 31 feet long, it can comfortably sleep six adults or two small families. You’ll have everything you need right on the property, but if you feel like heading out on a more urban adventure, make sure to visit the Highlands Neighborhood just five miles up the road for world-renowned noshes and drinks.

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Related Read: 14 Cozy Pet-Friendly Cabins in Kentucky

6. The Pete Treehouse

Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: An Airbnb built by the Treehouse Master himself, Pete Nelson.

  • Location: Germantown
  • Sleeps: 5
  • Minimum stay: 1 night
  • Rates from: $225/night

Sitting on over 200 acres (along with two other treehouses), The Pete is a namesake for its creator: Pete Nelson from Animal Planet’s “Treehouse Masters.” This treehouse was featured on season four of the show, so make sure to watch it before your stay to get the most out of the experience.

Bring the whole family (including pups) to enjoy everything nature has to offer while hiking the on-site themed trails like “the Hobbit Trail,” (to hunt for hobbits, of course) and the “Jacob’s Ladder Trail” — hang a chime for a lost loved one. But if you’re more of a thrill seeker, the hosts also offer guided tree climbs to get your adrenaline up.

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7. Captain’s Cabin

Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: The perfect blend of romance and history tucked away in the woods.

  • Location: Louisville
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Minimum stay: 1 night
  • Rates from: $235/night

Grab your partner and get on out to this secluded retreat for the ultimate romantic getaway, complete with a gourmet breakfast served to your door. With its massive stone fireplace and dimly lit nooks and crannies, it’s a great place for two to snuggle up — though you may want to spend the evening doing a little moonlight paddling, instead.

Every piece of decor is meticulously selected to provide an intimate experience for guests, like the clawfoot tub and the set of rocking chairs on the front porch.

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8. Heartpine and Soul

Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A darn-stylish joint near all the best bourbon bars.

  • Location: Louisville
  • Sleeps: 6
  • Minimum stay: 1 night
  • Rates: $159/night

This restored retreat is chock full of history and charm with exposed brick throughout every room of the house (even the bathroom,) plus a grand chimney splitting the living room and kitchen. No matter your bourbon preferences — are you a hot toddy, mint julep, or ol’ fashioned sorta person? – this house has you covered to ensure you feel like a true connoisseur as you sip your cocktail on the brick patio.

However, you’d be remiss to not check out a few of the bourbon joints nearby on the trendy Louisville Urban Bourbon Trail, with options like Angel’s Envy, Rabbit Hole, and Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery within walking distance.  Just make sure to remember the home’s address so you can stumble your way back again.

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9. The Guest House

Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: A lux stay in true thoroughbred country.

  • Location: Lexington
  • Sleeps: 6
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $457/night

Enjoy the relaxing property of the Guest House on a 300-acre farm. With luxury oozing out of every corner of the home, the humble abode is perfect for those wanting to get away from the noise and tourists of the city.

The house itself is along Old Frankfort Pike, named as one of the top ten scenic byways in the country. It also goes by another name: “Thoroughbred Alley.” And for good reason, since you’ll pass several famous thoroughbred farms (pop in to Three Chimneys Farm, which gives tours) while locusts, oaks, dogwoods, and maple trees line the streets overhead.

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10. Stone House

country cottage airbnb kentucky
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Bring the whole family — and another family, if you want. You still won’t feel cramped.

  • Location: Kenton County
  • Sleeps: 16 guests
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $200/night

This incredible property built in 1843 is a magical place to reminisce and reconnect with friends or family. And with the size of this place, you might as well bring both. It’s certainly one of the largest and best-value Airbnbs in Kentucky, especially considering the starting price. The beautiful stone house has five bedrooms with 15 beds, so there’s ample space for everyone.

And don’t worry about anyone being bored: there’s an in-ground pool, pool table, fishing at the private lake, nearby hiking trails, options for kayaking, and even a basketball court. The fire pit is the perfect spot to gather after a day full of activities – just make sure to bring your own s’mores fixin’s.

Still think you need more room? Book the other house on this property for a large family reunion or even a wedding. They can accommodate up to 100 people.

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11. The Moonbeam

Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: Feel like you’re roughin’ it but sleep on a memory foam bed.

  • Location: Monticello
  • Sleeps: 2 guests
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $85/night

This safari-style tent, named for a favorite Willy Porter song, sits on property abutting Lake Cumberland, known as the houseboat capital of the world. Although you’ll be on dry land when staying at the Moonbeam, you’ll have easy access to all the activities of the lake including Conley Bottom Marina, which offers a great selection of small boat rentals.

This should be your top choice of Airbnbs in Kentucky if you’re looking to glamp or just hoping to relieve your summer camp days. You’ll be surrounded by nature without giving up the luxuries of a hotel room like electricity and running water.

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