Entire home

John Fitch Cottage, 1BR - Patio - Downtown

Cottage in Bardstown with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for John Fitch Cottage, 1BR - Patio - Downtown

Exterior detail
Exterior
Exterior detail
Exterior detail
Room

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom2 bathroomsSleeps 276.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, My Old Kentucky Home State Park
  • Place, Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center
  • Place, Bourbon Heritage Center
  • Airport, Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.)

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spa

Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

John Fitch Cottage, 1BR - Patio - Downtown

John Fitch is a cozy cottage that has everything you to need to feel at home while enjoying the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Located two blocks from the court square downtown Historic Bardstown the 1890's Salt Box style cottage has been fully restored. An open floor plan design concept features a living room/dining room combination. The cottage has it's original red oak hardwood flooring.
The Master Bedroom has a High Four Post Queen Bed with a pillowtop mattress, luxurious linens and a flat screen TV on the wall.
The Bathroom features a shower and off the bathroom is a Garden size jacuzzi tub in a spa-like setting.
We have a kitchenette with a microwave, fridge with ice/water on the door, toaster and coffee maker. We provide several types of coffee and tea. Also we leave a snack basket with lots of goodies!
Sip on our famous Bourbon Coffee in the morning or enjoy your favorite Bourbon Cocktail in adirondack chairs on the back patio under the twinkle lights....Cheers!

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

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

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Bardstown

Located in Bardstown, this cottage is in the city centre. Fine Arts Bardstown Society and Bardstown Art Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include My Old Kentucky Home State Park and Spalding Hall. Shaq & Coco and At Mary's are also worth visiting. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
Map
Bardstown, KY

What's nearby

  • Bardstown Civil War Museum - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • My Old Kentucky Home State Park - 1 min drive - 0.4 km
  • Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center - 3 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Bourbon Heritage Center - 3 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Lux Row Distillers - 5 min drive - 6.4 km

Getting around

  • Louisville International Airport (SDF) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Jose Y Los Tres Amigos - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Mammy's Kitchen - ‬6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is John Fitch Cottage, 1BR - Patio - Downtown pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at John Fitch Cottage, 1BR - Patio - Downtown?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at John Fitch Cottage, 1BR - Patio - Downtown?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is John Fitch Cottage, 1BR - Patio - Downtown located?

Located in the heart of Bardstown, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Fine Arts Bardstown Society, Shaq & Coco and At Mary's. Bardstown Art Gallery and Bardstown Civil War Museum are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 92 out of 106 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 106 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 106 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 106 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 106 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Ronald B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was great. We had a fun and relaxing weekend in the Bardstown area. Thank you for providing a very nice place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kamelia F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was third stay here and we loved it as we always do! It truly is the perfect place for a couple wanting to enjoy all the area has to offer. Thanks Margaret for making us so comfortable!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna M.

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

Wonderful stay

Loved everything about this place: the location, the amenities, the easy communication with the owner. Would definitely recommend this vrbo!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allison H.

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

Lovely stay

We had a great time! The house is cute and has great proximity to the local attractions. We walked to restaurants and bars.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lesa S.

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

Cozy Cottage

This was our second time staying at the John Fitch Cottage. Great location and perfect for a get-a-way. Bardstown is an amazing town. We can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ellen P.

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

Cottage

Very nice! Great location. We enjoyed the restaurants and distilleries!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Valerie S.

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

Awesome place in great location

Very neat and clean. Everything provided. Very close to everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary W.

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

Perfect Bardstown Getaway!

This little historical property was perfect for our getaway to Bardstown. Enjoyed the short walks to everyplace we wanted to go downtown and the historic neighborhood. Less than 10-minute drive to each of the three distilleries we toured while visiting. The property is full of charm and host made everything a breeze. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Shawn T.

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

Bourbon trail

Charming place to stay. Conveniently located near downtown. Wish the bed and furniture were a little more comfortable. We also had a visitor greet us every time we came back to the cabin. A neighborhood cat was always there to greet us. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne F.

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

Cozy

Had a wonderful Derby weekend stay in Bardstown. Quiet and romantic, classic hotel stay. Jacuzzi tub is a nice touch. Perfect location and patio is lovely day and night. Just bring your sleep mask if planning on sleeping in, very bright bedroom in the am.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed at the John Fitch Cottage for 3 nights to visit some distilleries. The cottage was so quaint and beautiful. Close proximity to all the restaurants and the bars in Bardstown. Will definitely stay here again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joyce L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great accommodations for two people! Smallish but plenty of space for all our belongings. Ample places to relax, including the back patio. Well stocked kitchen and bathroom. Just a few blocks walk to the center of town with the restaurants and shops! Highly recommend!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miranda H.

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

Cute Cottage with HUGE Tub

This place was so cute and inviting, just a short 5-10 minute walk from Bardstown center. The tub was enormous and there was always hot water. There is a small shower if you need to wash your hair and a full kitchen to cook if you need!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey B.

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

Very nice place to stay

The property was a perfect place to stay for two. The living room was very comfortable, as was the bed! The kitchen and bathrooms were perfect! The little patio out back was a great place to sit and watch the rabbits in the evening. The street was quiet, which was nice. We had a beautiful black cat that hung out with us each day - literally begged to come into the house with us! Of course, we didn't let him come in!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roscoe B.

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

John Fitch Cottage

love the old charm. Always very clean. Convenient walking distance to everything. There is a basket of snacks which is a nice touch. Coffee is also supplied. We have also stayed at the Bourbon Cottage. Both very nice. Thanks, The Baileys
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leonard M.

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

Perfect location and wonderful property

This wonderful vintage cottage is perfect for a trip to Bardstown; it has all the right touches to make it a home-away-from-home and be a comfortable stay. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy F.

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

It Was Lovely

Perfect for exploring the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa L.

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

Amazing time!!

My husband and I had an amazing time in this adorable house. The giant bath tub was the best thing to sit in after walking the Farm Machinery Show in Louisville. The only down fall is there are no long mirrors to do a fit check before walking out the door. Amazing time will be back next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Amy B.

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

Christmas in Bardstown

The cottage was the perfect place for us to experience small town Kentucky Christmas and visit a few distilleries.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

John D.

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

Perfect location to explore the Bourbon Trail

We were with a group of folks exploring the Bourbon Trail and Bardstown was our base of operations for two nights. We have visited Bardstown several times over the years and this was an excellent location to take advantage of all the town offers. The Cottage was clean, spacious and located in a nice quiet neighborhood. The host made checking in a breeze and there were lots of resources made available to help us find restaurants, shops and activities in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Norma F.

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

Anniversary Trip

We did a variety of things in the area from The Arc Creation museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum Also a guided tour of the Kentucky Derby There are also multiple distillerys in the area
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Gabriel B.

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

Bourbon & Beyond Festival Retreat

We had a wonderful weekend away from the grind at this quaint cottage in Bardstown. It was the perfect place to come home to each night after long days at the music festival. Nice sized for a couple away from their kids. Very easy to find and we loved the friendly neighborhood cat that befriended us as well. He was there to greet us several nights when we got home and when we left in the morning.well.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica D.

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

Anniversary and Whiskey

My husband and I decided to go to Kentucky for our 26th anniversary. I love horses and he loves whiskey, so perfect! We like cozy and convenient, which is exactly what this cottage provided. Nice neighborhood, and within walking distance of downtown. And LOVED the jacuzzi tub!! It was perfect for just the 2 of us. The host was gracious and accommodating!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff K.

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

Was a great experience

Great place to stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Douglas C.

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

Very nice

The john fitch cabin was absolutely perfect for us. The oversized tub was greatly appreciated after a long day on the bourbon trail. The washer/dryer combo was great. The cabin is very nicely decorated and very clean. The cabin is on a very quiet street, but within walking distance to bars and restaurants. I would give 15 stars out of 10. Owner was very accessible to our needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

About the host

Hosted by Margaret Sue Masters

Host profile image
Hello, I am Margaret Sue Masters and along with my husband, Michael Masters known as "The Colonel", we bought and restored the John Fitch Cottage in 2006. We have been in the hospitality business for over 20 years in Bardstown. We have revived and restored 4 cottages for vacation rentals in the Historic district of downtown Bardstown.
In 2004 we purchased the Chapeze House, circa 1787, downtown off the court square. In 2010 we converted that property into the Kentucky Bourbon House, a Boutique Hotel with charming private suites. Inside the Kentucky Bourbon House Bourbon Bar we conduct 2 classes: Bourbon University and Bourbon Mixology twice daily Mon-Sat. We also host intimate wedding ceremonies and elopement packages. Couple can choose to marry inside in the elegant parlor or the formal garden outside that makes up the back yard.
Come and Experience our "Hospitality Kentucky Style"...….

Why they chose this property

We bought the John Fitch Cottage because of its charm and its close proximity to downtown Bardstown. The large back lot attached to the cottage was very appealing because of the privacy it provided. This cottage was built in 1850 and it a wonderful example of a 2 room cabin. It has the original hardwood floors and the board and batten ceiling. Originally it was heated with a coal stove and in 1960 it was converted to gas heaters. We bought the cottage in 2006 and made an open concept design so the cottage would have a great room with a combination of living and dining spaces. We put in a new central heat and air unit.

What makes this property unique

The John Fitch Cottage is named after the street that it resides on. John Fitch is a very famous though Robert Fulton was given credit as the inventor of the Steamboat, years later it was determined that John Fitch was the TRUE inventor. There is a wonderful monument right off the court square!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests