Skip to main content
Entire home

Historic home freshly renovated on the Bourbon Trail

Photo gallery for Historic home freshly renovated on the Bourbon Trail

A two-story house with a red front door, white trim, and a small front porch.
A spacious living area with a wooden staircase, a chandelier, and a sofa set.
Living area
A living room with a grey sofa set, a fireplace, a flat-screen TV, and a colorful painting on the wall.
A wooden staircase with white balusters and a decorative wooden handrail.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • At the centre of it all
    Stay in a top rated central location, steps from the best attractions, dining, and entertainment.
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 7

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Balcony

Explore the area

View map
Shelbyville, KY
  • Place, Shelby County Community Theatre
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Clear Creek Tennis Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Kentucky Exposition Center
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Airport, Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.)
    ‪35 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Beach Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Floral Bedroom

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

Master bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Downstairs Pink Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Master En Suite

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Upstairs Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Historic home freshly renovated on the Bourbon Trail

The Washington Belle is an historic home, freshly renovated with all the modern conveniences, centrally located in Shelbyville, Kentucky. She's the perfect base from which to explore the distilleries of the Bourbon Trail, with easy access to Louisville and Lexington. There are restaurants, cafes, bourbon bars and antique stores in easy walking distance. Boasting two large living areas, three large bedrooms (including a master with ensuite), 2.5 baths, and private off street parking.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

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

Similar properties

Enjoy the serene, country living while sitting in the lower deck. The stary sky and the serenade by the frogs will be simply magical.
Bourbon Trail Retreat: spa pool, games
Bagdad
  • Spa pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (24 reviews)
Bourbon Trail Retreat: spa pool, games

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

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Please read and agree you accept our pet policy.
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Pet Policy 1. If you leave the house we ask that you crate your pet. 2. We ask that you don’t allow pets on the beds.
Pet Policy (con’t) 3. You agree you are responsible for any cost regarding damage caused by your pet. 4 Please dispose of pet waste in bin outside.
Any guests beyond the maximum 7 or not approved by the owner will incur a charge of $100 per person.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3401478vb
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Shelbyville

Located in Shelbyville, this holiday home is in the city centre. Buffalo Trace Distillery and Old State Capitol are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass and Stonefield Square Shopping Center. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens and IceLand Sports Complex are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby swimming, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails, horse riding and cycling.
View more Holiday homes in LouisvilleOpens in a new window
Map
Shelbyville, KY

What's nearby

  • Shelby County Community Theatre - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Clear Creek Tennis Center - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Kentucky Exposition Center - 35 min drive - 60.8 km
  • Kentucky Kingdom - 35 min drive - 60.4 km
  • Churchill Downs - 39 min drive - 64.9 km

Getting around

  • Louisville, KY (LOU-Bowman Field) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Milano Italian Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Buffalo Wings & Rings - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Cracker Barrel - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic home freshly renovated on the Bourbon Trail pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Historic home freshly renovated on the Bourbon Trail?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Historic home freshly renovated on the Bourbon Trail?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic home freshly renovated on the Bourbon Trail?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Historic home freshly renovated on the Bourbon Trail located?

Located in the heart of Shelbyville, this holiday home is 4.8 mi (7.7 km) from Talon Winery and within 12 miles (20 km) of Jeptha Creed Distillery and The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. Beckley Creek Park and Valhalla Golf Club are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

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. 15 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenifer F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location was fantastic - close to walkable downtown area. Living room was as cozy and comfortable. House was clean and inviting.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Grover C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home with lovely hosts!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cathy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The home was beautiful and had everything we needed for our stay. We loved the history and the art work. We loved all of the windows. The traffic noise could be a bit much at times and it was weird being able to see the dentist next door working on patients. The floors were wonky but wonderful. We would definitely stay there again. The location is fantastic and the house is very comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy D.

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

Great location and lots of room

We enjoyed our stay at this quaint house. It was a good location and had plenty of room inside as well as plenty of parking.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne F.

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

Perfect house for family gathering

This house was perfect for my family and we hosted thanksgiving there as well. Would definitely stay there again
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Nov 2023
We are so glad you enjoyed it Suzanne. Thanks for being easy guests, you’re welcome back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gene R.

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

Charming house in downtown Shelbyville

We really enjoyed our stay in this lovely home. Very clean, walkable to Shelbyville Main Street shops and restaurants, and beautiful floral and landscape artwork by the owner.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Glendon C.

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

Great stay!!!

Great stay at this home, love the master shower and the beds were homey and comfortable. Very clean
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Oct 2023
I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay. You’re welcome back anytime.😊 Sincerely, Liz
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jim C.

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

Washington Belle

Hosts made stay very easy.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved Washington Belle! The house is full of amazing character. It’s spacious and comfy. Lots of good books too! The location downtown was perfect. We often walked to get coffee. We also got lucky enough to be there during the Celebration of Lights. We would stay there again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

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

Perfect choice!

We stayed in this property during a recent girls trip for a bridal shower. The accommodations were just perfect! Such a beautiful home in a great location. And, Elizabeth was a wonderful host. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug 2024
Hi Heather, I’m so glad it worked out and you guys had a wonderful time. Thanks so much for your flexibility. You guys are welcome back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary B.

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

Bourbon Trail Headquarters

We spent a long weekend visiting several distilleries each day. This location was perfect for that. It is a neat old home and a nice location walking distance from small downtown area. Lots of other stuff close by
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dawn S.

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

Love the historical home

If you are looking for a home with lots of room and close to many different distilleries, this is a great home. The communication was quick and pleasant. We did have to contact the property manager during the stay and the issue was resolved quickly for us.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Oct 2024
Thanks so much for that Drake. It was a pleasure hosting you. :) Liz
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly K.

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

Hurricane relief trip

We didn't spend much time in the VRBO but it was clean. We did appreciate that they had coffee stocked and sugar. We drove 17 hrs there and didn't have time to go shopping for breakfast foods.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Venugopal G.

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

Responsive host

Liz was very helpful through out the entire process starting when the reservation was made and all the way through check out. She responded to all the communications promptly. The house itself was clean and maintained well with new appliances.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Sept 2023
Thanks so much for that Venu. It was a pleasure to host your group. Please come again. Sincerely, Liz
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adorable house in downtown Shelbyville. Plenty of room in the common areas for several friends or a family to enjoy. Walkable to a few shops, restaurants, and bars. Ideal for a base from which to explore parts of the bourbon trail without the hustle of being in the big city.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026

About the host

Hosted by Elizabeth Bayless

Host profile image
I grew up in rural Ohio and enjoy art, adventure, and meaningful conversations. I know what it's like to be far from home and long for a comfy refuge. My husband and I enjoy a good challenge and exploring together with our two lovely teen boys.

Why they chose this property

Shelbyville is convenient to the larger surrounding cities, but is quaint and has so much character in the historic downtown.

The Shelbyville Convention Center is located just behind the Washington Belle, so if you have an event to attend, we are a very convenient place to stay. Our master bedroom includes a seating area, vanity table, and a full length mirror. A perfect space for a bride and her wedding party to prepare.

We are located half a mile from the Clear Creek Family Activity Center. For a small fee you can swim, workout, have access to basketball courts, or have an easy location for all the baseball fields, tennis courts etc.

Whether you are wanting to sample some
bourbon on the trail, have a family relaxed get together, stroll the town on foot, or just have a comfortable place to stay in a historic home, the Washington Belle is your best choice.

What makes this property unique

This gorgeous home has two living rooms, one with a comfy oversized sectional for movies and snuggling and the second more formal with multiple sitting areas for reading, chatting, or playing games.

The brand new kitchen has a dining table that can easily seat 6 and 2 chairs that pull up to the island. There is a large fridge/freezer, generous gas oven, and fully stocked cabinets for all your cooking/baking needs.

Under the chandelier and up the glamorous wooden staircase to the right is a comfortable seating area under the tall windows for reading or relaxing. On either side of this upstairs entry room are two beautifully decorated bedrooms. The beach room has a plush queen sized bed with closet and a dresser for making yourself at home. The floral room has a double bed and twin bed for flexibility of sleeping arrangements.

These two bedrooms share a full bath with antique claw foot tub with shower. It also includes a washer/dryer available to guests.

The crown of the Belle is the spacious master bedroom with en suite. The calming and rich color palette and fabrics in this room encourage luxurious relaxation. The newly renovated attached bathroom has a large refreshing shower and lots of space to spread out.
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback