Entire home

Private Historic House, in Downtown Bristol Virginia!

Photo gallery for Private Historic House, in Downtown Bristol Virginia!

A room with a wooden staircase, a green sofa with a floral cushion, a patterned rug, and two potted plants.
A room with a large sliding glass door leading to a patio, a wooden dresser with drawers, two wall-mounted lamps, and a framed map on the wall.
A two-story house with a front porch, a staircase leading to the entrance, and a street lamp.
A traditional living room with a fireplace, red upholstered chairs, a chandelier, and a portrait on the wall.
A kitchen with white cabinetry, a round wooden table, and four wooden chairs.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
With space for 4 guests, this vacation home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It offers mountain views that enhance your experience. Explore the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and Cumberland Square Park, both within easy reach for outdoor activities and local culture.

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation

    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.

  • Firepit available

    One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.

  • Centrally-located

    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

  • Discover nearby landmarks

    Walk to Paramount Center for the Arts
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Air-conditioning
  • Onsite parking available
  • Internet
  • Refrigerator
  • Firepit
  • Garden

Explore the area

View map
Bristol, VA
  • Place, Bristol Public Library
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Paramount Center for the Arts
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Davis Room

1 Double Bed

Laura’s Room

1 Double Bed

Norma’s Room

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

First Floor Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Second Floor bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Private Historic House, in Downtown Bristol Virginia!

Welcome to Pleasant Hill—a lovingly restored historic home built in 1872 in beautiful Bristol, Virginia.

Once the residence of attorney and developer James H. Wood, and later the home of beloved local historian Bud Phillips, this house is full of stories and Southern charm. Jefferson Davis even addressed townspeople from its front porch in 1873.

Now fully modernized, Pleasant Hill is perfect for couples, families, history lovers, and remote workers seeking a peaceful, memorable stay.

The Space:
    •    3 bedrooms with hotel-quality linens
    •    2 updated bathrooms with modern fixtures
    •    Full kitchen with new appliances
    •    Cozy reading nook with local history books
    •    Large porch for morning coffee or relaxing evenings
    •    High-speed Wi-Fi
    •    Central heat and AC

Why You’ll Love It:
    •    Peaceful and private, but close to everything
    •    Rich in historical character—without sacrificing comfort
    •    Beautiful touches throughout, including original woodwork and tall windows
    •    Ideal base for exploring Bristol’s cultural scene, hiking trails, and attractions

Other Things to Note:
    •    Includes custom guidebook with Pleasant Hill’s history and local tips
    •    Parking included

Book your stay and experience the magic of Pleasant Hill—a place where history lives on and relaxation begins.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

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Children

Adults only

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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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Gather used towels

Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks

Turn off the lights and lock the doors

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3149012vb
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 indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Bristol

Bristol is home to this holiday home. Paramount Center for the Arts and Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Euclid Shopping Center and Lee Garden Shopping Center. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Bristol Motor Speedway or Ida Stone Jones Community Tennis Center.
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Map
Bristol, VA

What's nearby

  • Southeast Culinary & Hospitality College - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Cumberland Square Park - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Bristol Public Library - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Birthplace of Country Music Museum - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Paramount Center for the Arts - 9 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

  • Abingdon, VA (VJI-Virginia Highlands) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Riendo - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Southern Craft BBQ - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Corner Dog House - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Pins & Friends - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪McAlister's Deli - ‬20 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Private Historic House, in Downtown Bristol Virginia! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Private Historic House, in Downtown Bristol Virginia!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Private Historic House, in Downtown Bristol Virginia!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Historic House, in Downtown Bristol Virginia!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Private Historic House, in Downtown Bristol Virginia! located?

Situated in Bristol, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Southeast Culinary & Hospitality College and Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Bristol Public Library and Cumberland Square Park are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

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. 7 out of 10 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 10 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 10 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 10 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 10 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was amazing being able to sleep in a home that displays the history and heritage of the Bristol area. The home is spacious, offers plenty of room for a group, family, or an individual. Everything was clean and organized. I highly recommend the stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hostess was great - nice historical place and good location. Missed the soap and bathroom supplies.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely adorable, what a historical gem. I highly recommend this place.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My mom, aunt, sister and I absolutely loved our stay! The place was even better than pictured. Daniel gave an excellent historical tour of the home and told us all we needed know for our stay. The place was very clean, the beds were comfortable and it was easily walkable to the downtown area. We will definitely stay here again in the future.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy! Very comfortable beds close to State Street! Everything was great best vacation rental that we’ve ever had! Clean….smells good inside! Very safe neighborhood
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at this VRBO in Bristol! The home was exactly what we were hoping for—clean, comfortable, and very welcoming. It was clear the hosts put a lot of care into maintaining the property and making sure guests have everything they need.Communication with the host was also excellent. They were responsive, friendly, and made the entire process smooth from booking through checkout.Overall, we had a fantastic experience and would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful girls trip and were blessed to stay in such a historic home. We were close to everything. Blackbird bakery right around the corner and close to downtown Bristol VA/TN the documented history of the home was very interesting and the in person check-in was amazing getting a tour of the home and hearing the history. Definitely will be back in the future. Love, Love, Love
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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

A page out of history

The owners Monica and Daniel were amazing. They greeted us and gave us a tour and history about the house. They are very proud of the history of their house that was like a museum. Gathering together for 6 adults was challenging.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location was great and very convenient for our events. House was very interesting and I’m glad we stayed. I will say that some of the rooms were not practical. Ex- there is a bedroom you aren’t allowed to sleep in. Coffee not good. Would have liked soap inBathrooms. But it was well decorated and unique. I would still recommend it for the right people.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026

About the host

Hosted by Monica R.H. Shew

Host profile image

We’re Daniel and Monica Shew—longtime residents of Southwest Virginia and proud stewards of Pleasant Hill. Daniel is a local historian and realtor with deep roots in Bristol, and Monica is a property manager with a passion for hospitality and historic preservation.

When we found Pleasant Hill, built in 1872, we knew it was something special. This home has welcomed generations of families and even historic figures like Jefferson Davis. Today, we’re honored to share it with guests who appreciate beauty, quiet charm, and a sense of history.

We’ve carefully restored Pleasant Hill to keep its original character while offering modern comforts that make your stay feel easy and relaxed. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, a special occasion, or exploring the heritage of the region, we’re here to help you make the most of your stay.

We love sharing local recommendations, from the best walking trails to hidden food gems. Let us know what kind of experience you’re looking for—we’re always happy to help.

Welcome to Pleasant Hill. We’re so glad you’re here.

Why they chose this property

Nestled just above downtown Bristol, the Solar Hill Historic District is one of the city’s most storied and charming neighborhoods. Named for a 19th-century solar eclipse observatory, Solar Hill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is known for its elegant homes, tree-lined streets, and quiet, walkable setting.

Once home to Bristol’s founding families, judges, and local leaders, the neighborhood features a stunning collection of Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman-style homes—many dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Pleasant Hill, built in 1872, is one of its crown jewels.

Just a 5–10 minute walk from downtown Bristol, Solar Hill offers the perfect balance of peaceful retreat and easy access to everything the city has to offer—from live music and local brews to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and State Street’s iconic Virginia–Tennessee line.

Today, Solar Hill remains a tight-knit community of artists, professionals, and preservationists. It’s a place where neighbors greet each other on evening walks, porches are made for conversation, and history is always just a step away.

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