Need to get away? To unplug and go off the grid for a while? Is it time to return to a simpler time, simpler than anything you have probably experienced before? What if we told you that you can do that, and that you only have to drive about 20 minutes from downtown Louisville for this quick escape?

Here’s your answer: The Captain’s Cabin. This 175-year-old log cabin is a bed-and-breakfast with modern amenities, and it is located in Jeffersontown, near Charlie Vettiner Park.

Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
This beautiful log cabin is just a short trip away in nearby Jeffersontown.

Captain’s Cabin is the guesthouse on a piece of property tucked back off a main road in Jeffersontown. This bed-and-breakfast is actually a private cabin just for the guests; the property owners, Tammy and J.P. Donelson, live next door in a renovated larger log cabin. Captain’s Cabin is originally from Indiana and was dismantled and moved to this location by its previous owners.  J. P. Donelson is an architect that specializes in log and timber homes. They also specialize in log cabin restoration, a skill that is evident in the authenticity of the cabin.

Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
The Captain’s Cabin
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
A front porch where you could sit all day.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
Doors have the original locks and skeleton keys.

Cross the front porch, enter through the original front door, and you’ll be in the main room of the cabin. Centered by a large, stone fireplace, the space features plenty of cozy seating and natural light. There is a nod to Captain Meriwether Lewis in the corner (owner J.P. Donelson is involved in a historical re-enactment association, playing the role of Captain Lewis), and noticeably absent is a television, radio or computer.

Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
The cabin features a quaint living area with couches and a large stone fireplace.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
In the corner is a nod to Captain Meriwether Lewis of Lewis & Clark.

Off the main room is the kitchen area, with a nook that can seat three to four people, though it’s more comfortable just for two. The kitchen is completely modern, but the expert historic design by cabinetmaker David T. Smith makes the aesthetic still feel authentically primitive. He designed all the cabinetry and built-ins, which hide the top-shelf appliances, notably the dishwasher and refrigerator.

Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
The kitchen nook with a view
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
A small, but top-of-the-line, kitchen with custom cabinets and luxury appliances
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
Is this a pantry?
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
No, it’s the custom fridge. (Note the champagne!)
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
A Bosch dishwasher is hidden in the cabinetry.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
An antique copper teapot sits on a modern cooktop.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
Ball jars reflect the wonderful natural light that streams through the kitchen.

Upstairs in the master suite loft, guests see the exposed original planks and floorboards of this carefully restored cabin. The loft has the amenities of a luxury hotel, including plush robes, a cedar closet and a claw-foot tub. It’s a bedroom you can snuggle up in and admire the beautiful views through the windows, which, by the way, should definitely stay open as you sleep.

Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
Looking down the stairway from the master suite
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
The upstairs loft is cozy, but large.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
Guest robes await you.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
The cedar closet smells divine!
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
The claw-foot bathtub came with the cabin.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
The vanity was custom designed by David T. Smith and features a copper sink.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
If you choose to wash here, you may. But you have a copper sink a couple feet away in the bathroom, too.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
Candles in the window that overlooks a beautiful view of the woods.

There are so many places to sit and enjoy the sounds of nature. The front porch is a headliner to this cabin, but don’t discount the side porch, which is off the main living room and has a pair of hammock chairs.

If you want to be social, check out the fire circle at the front of the property. The owners can build a fire for the guests who can sit and enjoy the outdoor air and see the stars.

Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
A side porch has two hammock chairs.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
A bonfire pit is set up on the property.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
A stash of wood for the entire large property, which has other residences.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
The private pond on the property is available for guests.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
The canoe comes with the pond access.
Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
The creek runs off the pond, which is fed from Charlie Vettiner Park.

Guests can also enjoy the three-acre lake that feeds from the larger lake at Charlie Vettiner Park. There is a canoe, a creek and plenty of exploring to do down here, and it’s only a short walk down the driveway to the pond.

But we think it is here that you will spend most of your time. This front porch is simply lovely and serene.

Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY
Take a seat and stay awhile.

The cabin awaits you, and they’ll leave a light on.

Quick Getaway in Time: The Captain's Cabin in Jeffersontown, KY

The Captain’s Cabin can be rented through Airbnb. Though it is recommended for two people, more people can be accommodated if need be. Homemade breakfast is provided by the owners, and you can rent this cabin for a night or for a week; it is up to you. Who’s ready for some peace and quiet in nature?

Do you like learning about all these treasures in and around Louisville? Sign up for our emails here:

SB-ad-email-Sign-Up-Today-r1

Avatar
About the Author
Heidi Potter