About

The house was built in 1890 by Abraham Johnson who was the founder of the Historic St. Elmo community in Chattanooga, TN. In 1992, the house was bought by Steve and Sharman Sherfey. We are the 6th and current owners of the house and reside on the main floor of the Bear House. We raised our 4 children in the home and had a long dream of turning the house into a B&B of sorts when we retired. Almost three years ago that dream became a reality for us after much renovating of our loving home we were able to turn the property into the Historic Bear House Circa 1890.

Where did “The Bear House” name come from?

We have a love for the Smoky Mountains. It is the place where we go to relax; we wanted to bring a piece of the mountain tranquility back to our Chattanooga home. The Smoky Mountain black bears remind us of the calm and peace of the Smoky Mountains. Thus the name, “The Bear House”. You will see many bear carvings on the property and in the decor of the apartments. 

We look forward to your visit and may you have a beary good time!