Entire home

Cordova Retreat - 7 Minutes from Ark!

Holiday home in Williamstown with kitchen

Photo gallery for Cordova Retreat - 7 Minutes from Ark!

The Cordova Retreat is the ideal solution for guests visiting the Ark Encounter. The living room (pictured) is open and spacious, and the family room upstairs provides a second option for kids to hang out.
The peaceful view from the 1.5 acre backyard makes this home special. Kids love running around and taking in the fresh, country air. And the friendly horses next door often wander over to our fence to say hello.
The open concept first floor seamlessly includes living room, dining room, kitchen, and breakfast nook (around the corner to the right in the kitchen).
Living area
Living area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 11148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View map
Williamstown, KY
  • Place, Ark Encounter
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Ararat Ridge Zoo
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Williamstown Lake
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 11)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

Living Room 1

2 Double Sofa Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Cordova Retreat - 7 Minutes from Ark!

Summary:
Nestled in the countryside, unplug and unwind in this charming 3 BR/2BA rural farmhouse.
Our fully remodeled farmhouse is located only 7 minutes from the Ark Encounter and sits on 1.5 stunning acres of KY farmland. Your family will enjoy relaxing in our open concept, modernized home featuring spacious living and dining rooms, breakfast nook, and a bonus room perfect for the kids. Featuring keyless entry, WIFI, DVD players and a cozy outdoor fire pit, come and enjoy a breath of fresh air!

The Space:
If you're looking for some peace and quiet, you've come to the right place. Each morning enjoy a fresh cup of coffee on the back porch while taking in the scenic views of rolling hills and running horses. This home provides the perfect blend of country charm and modern convenience.

Guest Access:
Guests have access to the entire home.

The Neighborhood:
Situated in the quaint countryside, your neighbors are the hills and nature!
We are conveniently located 7 minutes off the Williamstown exit and Ark Encounter parking lot!
This home is not only perfect for Ark Encounter guests, but any large group visiting a wedding at The Josephina Event Venue, Creation Museum, Bourbon Trail, Kentucky Horse Park, or any event in Cincinnati! There is a hand book in the listing for local recommendations on brunch, coffee, and dinner!

Getting Around:
Enjoy the rural setting while still having everything you need close at hand. You can find basic supplies about 5 minutes from the home at The Dollar General or local gas station. Less than 15 minutes away you will find a Walmart Supercenter, Starbucks, Cracker Barrel, Waffle House, McDonalds, Wendy's, Arby's, Papa Johns, and Dunkin Donuts as well as locally owned restaurants Beans Café, Kelly's Homestead, Moon Birds, and Belles BBQ.

Interaction with Guests:
We live in Cincinnati, just about 45 minutes away. We have a local cleaning company and maintenance man to help if problems arise.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 20
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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
Seniors-only community.
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Williamstown

Located in Williamstown, this holiday home is in a rural area and near theme parks. William Arnold Log House and Cynthiana Harrison County Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Ark Encounter and Ararat Ridge Zoo. Kangaroo Walkabout and Pendleton County Fairgrounds are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby power boating, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding.
Map
Williamstown, KY

What's nearby

  • Ark Encounter - 6 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Ararat Ridge Zoo - 9 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Kangaroo Walkabout - 9 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Dry Ridge Outlet Mall - 10 min drive - 17.7 km
  • Williamstown Lake - 12 min drive - 14.7 km

Getting around

  • Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Int'l Airport (CVG) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hansie Flip Burgers - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Tw’s Country Kitchen - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Emzara's Kitchen - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Edwardo's Pizza & Subs - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪El Jalisco Mexican Restaurant - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cordova Retreat - 7 Minutes from Ark! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Cordova Retreat - 7 Minutes from Ark!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cordova Retreat - 7 Minutes from Ark!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Cordova Retreat - 7 Minutes from Ark! located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Ararat Ridge Zoo, Ark Encounter and Kangaroo Walkabout. Webb Park and William Arnold Log House are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 50 out of 58 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 58 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 58 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dustin H.

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

Great Place to stay.

Great place for our family of 5 to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynn R.

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

The view - BREATH-TAKING!

Charming farmhouse that was an ideal fit for our family of 7. SO MUCH to do within an hour’s drive! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brittany R.

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

Awesome!

We had such a great time! The house was beautiful and we especially enjoyed the peacefulness of the fire pit and the views. Our kids had so much fun petting the horses!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barry F.

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

Peaceful

My family and I were in town to visit the Ark and Creation Museum. We only stayed one night but it was very comfortable and peaceful. We enjoyed have coffee on the back porch watching the horses and cows graze.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda T.

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

Perfect home for families

This house was the perfect place for our larger group! The kids all looked forward to all the room to run around after long days of travel as fun at the Ark encounter and creation museum. The kids especially enjoyed having their own space to all sleep together in the bonus room. Nothing can beat the view sitting on the back deck though. That was the cherry on top! We also all enjoyed a beautiful rainstorm sitting on the from porch and watching it roll in. Would recommend to anyone looking to stay in the area
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property! Well stocked kitchen. Comfy living area. Great fire pit and excellent views!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynn H.

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

Cousin Week Trip

We enjoyed our stay in this beautiful farmhouse with its spectacular view! It is warm, cozy, inviting, relaxing, and very peaceful! Our grandchildren had fun with the neighbors dogs, petting the horses, and loved sleeping in the loft. It was a great destination for our visit to The Ark Encounter!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colleen V.

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

Beautiful

We went to the Creation Museum, the Ark Experience, and the Newport Aquarium. The drive was very easy and beautiful.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angie B.

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

The drive from Canada was worth it!

The property is gorgeous and the house is beautiful and full of character. There was plenty of space for us and our 5 kids. We enjoyed using the fire pit in the evenings. The yard has a beautiful view, and is nice and quiet while still being close to everything we needed. Would definitely reccomend to others!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great little farm house

We loved the views! It was so peaceful. And the horses were very friendly with the kids. There were 6 of us and we had plenty of room for everyone. The kitchen was perfect for making meals and everything we needed was there. They have a nice little coffee/tea bar that was a great little touch. One thing I will mention for others visiting with older family members is that even with a bedroom downstairs I would not recommend for someone with difficulties walking. There is a long gravel walkway which was tough for my mom (She’s 81) and the step up to the porch is a bit higher than normal. We were able to make it work but it’s just something to. be aware of. Great house and plan to visit in the future (without mom).
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim B.

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

Just perfect

We had a wonderful time with 5 of our grandchildren ages 4-11. The house is quaint and great spaces to be alone or big areas to watch tv and play games. The big yard was great for the kids to run around. The hilltop views of the rolling hills and sunsets were a huge bonus. We couldn't have asked for a better experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mandy T.

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

First visit to Kentucky

This home was absolutely perfect for our trip to Kentucky to explore the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. Location was perfect! The views from the back porch were stunning. The home was quiet and so comfortable for our family of four. Highly recommend this farmhouse!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charlene

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Peaceful farmhouse in the beautiful KY countryside. Not far from the Ark Encounter. Our family enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda D.

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

Friends Fun

No kitchen towels, and all floors needed to be cleaned blinds need to be in all sleep areas but the house in itself was beautiful and the views were magnificent
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Merrry B.

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

Home away from home.

Love love love this home. It had everything you need..the house was amazing the views were so tranquil. Everyone in our group was very please with the home. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl S.

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

Absolutely amazing view and house!

We couldn't have asked for more relaxing and hassel free accommodations. There are no neighbors right against this property. It is very quiet with a spectacular view of the hills and the neighbors pastures filled with plenty of cattle, horses, and a donky. Everything in the house was in perfect working order. We had no problem getting in through the programmed lock. The kitchen is spacious with plenty of counter space to prepare meals. The rooms are all nice size and do not feel cramped at all. There is plenty of water pressure, beds ranging from super soft to firm and extra air conditioning or heating options upstairs. I had no problem keeping the house at a very comfortable temperature. There are fans upstairs to use also and some downstairs windows have screens so you can open them and enjoy fresh air. The wifi worked great for watching tv or using my phone. There was no buffering at all. The house is exceptionally clean and well maintained. It is within 15 minutes of stores and gas stations. It is obvious that the host puts a great deal of care and thought into making sure the house has most anything you could need and that everything works as it should.I hope others get a chance to enjoy this home and view as much as we did. . . .
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hannah W.

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

Very peaceful and wonderful hospitality

A cozy house that can still fit quite a few people. Great views and nice kitchen! The driveway is on a steep hill and can only fit about four cars so be prepared for that.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brittani K.

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

Picturesque views with plenty of room

We came with our family and my parents to visit the Ark Encounter. We loved our visit in this farmhouse with the most beautiful view. It was plenty of space for the 7 of us and it was such a quick drive to the Ark. we have already recommended it to others.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Chris G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Cordova cute farm house

Nice views, close to the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chance L.

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

Great place to relax

The house was clean and in good shape, just as pictured. Communication with the owners was seamless and they were very timely to respond to any questions. It felt like you were out away from everything, but less than 10 mins from the Ark! Definitely somewhere to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lizbeth R.

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

Beautiful house with spectacular views

We enjoyed our stay at the Cordova retreat in November. The Views were breathtaking! The house was clean and spacious for both our families. We visited the Ark Encounter & Creation Museum during our stay. The house is in a quiet country road. We truly enjoyed all that was available. We would definitely book this house again in the future!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Neil D.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Huge Potential!

We enjoyed our short visit to Kentucky, and the stay at this charming house was good overall. Everything worked well, such as the showers, toilets, etc. The fridge was clean, which was great! There are a few things that would turn this property into a gem and prevent us from giving 5-stars: The house was not as clean as we would expect, with cobwebs in various places, the windows and sills were dirty, and the floor must not have been mopped since the previous visitors a few days prior. Things were dusty, and we found empty water bottles and garbage underneath the second-floor beds. We suggest getting a pair of scissors and some cooking tongs, as well as providing an outdoor tote that contains some paper, kindling, and a lighter! We got a nice campfire going, but I had to head over to Dollar General for some cardboard, a local newspaper and a BBQ lighter. Our daughter was disappointed that the flashlights were dead and there were no extra batteries. :) It's the little things that set the great apart! We suggest adding a gas grill to the property, which would be a huge plus! There was a charcoal grill, but I didn't want to go and get a bag of charcoal, grill brush, lighter fluid, etc., for just a couple of dinners. Keep working on the property, and it will be a fabulous spot!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pamela G.

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

The house on the hill

Very much enjoyed this home. The view was beautiful. The home was clean and very comfortable. The kitchen had everything needed. Enjoyed the horses behind the house and the fire pit area.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Corrie L.

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

Great Place❤️

We love the Cordova Retreat! We will continue to stay every time we visit Kentucky! It’s a wonderful place!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Holly G.

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

Charming!

Cordova Retreat is perfect for larger families or family groups. There are two bathrooms with showers and space for teens/young adults to hang out upstairs with their own TV, room to play board games downstairs, and room to eat together as a family. The only thing we were not expecting was the steeper walkway from the parking area and the steep stairway to the rooms upstairs. If you have an older family member, know that this may be difficult for them to navigate, and they will need the only downstairs bedroom with the king bed. The beds are very comfortable, the views beautiful (with horses), and the living space roomy. If it had been nicer, we would have made use of the fire pit and enjoyed the outside space more. We loved that we were so close to the Ark Encounter. It was the perfect location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Michael Clary

Host profile image
Hello there! We are Michael and Laura Clary. Michael is a pastor at Christ the King Church in Fort Thomas, KY. Laura is a nurse who works for a crisis pregnancy center. We have hosted hundreds of people for short or long term stays in our home over the years, so showing hospitality is in our blood. We love creating places for people to enjoy time together, laughing, and making new memories.

Why they chose this property

We chose this area because it reminds me (Michael) of the rolling hills of West Virginia where I grew up. This house is a place of rest and prayer from the busyness of ministry life. And it's great being so close to the Ark Encounter. Almost all of our guests are Bible believing Christians!

What makes this property unique

This house is an old, renovated farm house with lots of character. The view from the back deck is so quiet and peaceful, and we love to pet the horses that live on the farm next door when they're out.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests