Historic Charm, Riverside Views, Storybook Magic...
🌿 Welcome to Riverside Storybook Cottage 🌿
Step into a fairytale along the banks of the Ohio River with a stay in your very own mini castle! Nestled along a hillside on land formerly owned by the founder of historic Aurora, Indiana—named for the Goddess of the Dawn and also the name of Sleeping Beauty—this peaceful retreat invites you to wake up to breathtaking sunrises over the water and end your days surrounded by the beauty of nature and the laughter of friends and family.
The home was lovingly built by German immigrants between 1937-1940 using hand laid stones taken from the hillside and nearby farms. Ralph Huxsoll, son of a Henry Huxsoll, a farmer and prominent member of the community, purchased the 1 acre of land for only $1.00 from the Veraestau estate (Latin meaning "Perpetual Sunshine") located on the bluff at the top of the hill, originally built in 1810 by the Holman Family who founded Aurora and were neighbors of the Huxsolls on "Holman Hill". The estate is now owned and operated by the Indiana Historical Society and is available for tours and special events.
This lovingly preserved all stone cottage offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort with three levels to explore giving each guest a chance to choose a space of their own to retreat too and relax. It includes two living areas, a reading loft, kids cubby, 3 bedrooms, workspace with high speed internet, 2.5 fully remodeled baths, outdoor covered dining area with gas grill, gazebo with rocking chairs and river views, wooded glen with firepit, a large yard with games provided offering plenty of space to run and play, a hammock and tree swing for relaxing. Another unique feature about this home that guest's will love is the "Hoosiers Pub" in the lower level. A vintage sports themed bar with memorabilia from the movie "HOOSIERS" and the real life HS team the movie was based on from the nearby small town of Milan, IN who won the Indiana HS State Basketball Tournament in 1954 against all odds. The town is only 15 miles north of Aurora and features the 1954 Milan Museum for guests to explore which has original movie props and other historical items from the team to purchase, including autographed basketballs and pieces of the original Milan HS gym floor!
Relax. Recharge. Rewind Time...
Why Choose Riverside Storybook Cottage?
Whether you’re enjoying your favorite beverage under the gazebo, gathering with loved ones by the firepit, or exploring the quaint streets of Aurora and other nearby river towns (located close to Cincinnati, OH), you’ll find yourself enchanted by the serenity, history and cozy charm of this home located right on the Ohio Scenic Byway, also known as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail driving tour and US Highway 50 which goes from coast to coast, over 3,000 miles, across America. With spectacular views of the river from the property, occasionally you'll catch a glimpse of large riverboats and barges slowly drift by as they have done for centuries.
Whether you're here for a romantic escape, weekend with friends,, fun ski trip to nearby Perfect North Slopes, or a much needed family getaway to visit the Cincinnati Zoo, Newport Aquarium or The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum this is a place to slow down and savor the simple magic of the Ohio River Valley!
✨Located on the Ohio River, Aurora, IN
🏡 Accommodations at Riverside Storybook Cottage
Welcome to Riverside Storybook Cottage, a one-of-a-kind vacation rental in Aurora, Indiana, where historic charm meets modern comfort. Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, this lovingly maintained 1940's European style stone cottage offers plenty of space, cozy details, historic charm and thoughtful amenities to make your getaway unforgettable. With room for 8-10 guests, it’s the perfect retreat for families, couples, or groups of friends.
🛏 Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements
Riverside Storybook Cottage features three comfortable bedrooms plus additional sleeping options to accommodate larger groups:
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King bedroom with a thick gel/memory foam topper, plush pillows, individual window A/C and ceiling fan.
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Queen bedroom with its own window A/C and ceiling fan for personalized climate control.
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Twin bunk room (woodland themed) perfect for kids or extra guests.
For additional flexibility, the home also includes a sleeper-sofa sectional in the newly finished basement with full bath, a large couch on the main level just off the bunk room, and an XL twin air mattress, allowing the cottage to sleep up to 10 guests. All rooms also include fans for comfort and white noise.
Families will appreciate the thoughtful extras: a Pak-n-Play, adjustable high chair, potty training seat, Bumbo foam baby seat, safety gates and outlet plugs, making traveling with little ones stress-free. Kids will love our forest themed bunk room and the "Kids Cubby" area under the stairs with their own TV, games and comfy cushions. There's also a kids table and chairs in the basement family room for enjoying family games or other activities together and lots of fun outdoor activities and yard games available on our 1 acre property.
🛋 Cozy Living Spaces
The cottage offers multiple gathering areas, so everyone has room to relax. The Living Room on the first floor features a Roku TV for streaming your favorite shows (we offer HULU and Disney complimentary), an electric fireplace, and oversized seating for cozy evenings in.
The Family Room in the new finished basement provides a modern touch with an large flat screen Roku TV for watching movies or sports, another full bath with walk-in shower, and the newly added "HOOSIERS PUB", a custom-built bar with a vintage sports themed vibe. There's also plenty of room in the attached garage to store your outdoor adventure gear (located close to Perfect North Slopes).
For quiet moments to yourself, retreat to the storybook themed reading nook in the loft area with comfortable vintage chairs and river views. In warmer weather, escape to the gazebo just a short distance away from the house with its relaxing views of the river. Near the gazebo is a shaded hammock in the lighted glen for relaxing outdoor naps, or grab your favorite book and enjoy the oversized chair swing under the Magnolia Tree. And for work or study, a dedicated workspace with fast Wi-Fi ensures you can stay connected when needed.
🍳 Fully Equipped Kitchen
Step into a charming retro 1940s kitchen with the original metal cabinets that are fully stocked with modern essentials. Cook meals with ease using the fully stocked spice rack, modern microwave, toaster oven, crockpot, pizza pan, cookie sheet, pots, pans, utensils, hand mixer, mixing bowls, and storage containers. Dishes and glassware (both glass and plastic for kids and adults) are provided, along with paper products for convenience.
Coffee lovers will adore the themed coffee bar, complete with espresso machine, assorted teas, sugars, drink mixes, and even an old-fashioned milkshake maker. Guests also enjoy a complimentary supply of “Pops Signature Blend Coffee” — our own bold yet smooth European custom blend roast with a hint of hazelnut made exclusively for use at the cottage.
Note: A dishwasher is not yet installed, but dishwashing supplies are provided.
🌅 Outdoor Relaxation & River Views
Soak in the beauty of the Ohio River and the surrounding wooded hillside (preserved by the Indiana Historical Society as our land once belonged to the Veraestau Historic Site located just at the top of the hill) from the comfort of your private outdoor spaces. The cottage includes a covered patio with river views, a gazebo with rocking chairs, and a fire pit with seating for eight.
Explore the shaded glen strung with lights, relax in the hammock, chair swing, or play games in the yard. Guests also have access to two adult bikes for riding the nearby Dearborn Riverfront Trail, with additional rentals available at the bike share station in town only a short walk from the house (less than 1 mile along a scenic riverwalk).
On-site parking is available for up to five vehicles, with additional parking across the street at the Dearborn Trail access.
🏰 Historic Charm with Modern Comfort
Originally built in 1940 using hand laid stones from the Ohio River Valley, the Riverside Storybook Cottage blends old-world character with modern upgrades. The home has been newly remodeled with a finished basement and updated bathrooms.
Guests will find two full baths with walk-in showers, a stocked half bath, and thoughtful touches like handheld showerheads, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hairdryer, and oversized plush towels.
For longer stays, enjoy the convenience of a high-capacity washer and dryer (detergent included). Winter guests will appreciate the attached garage with heater and ski equipment storage, making it a great choice for those visiting Perfect North Slopes.
To ensure comfort, the home also provides central A/C and heating, fans in every room, and air purifiers.
(Please note: pets and smoking are not permitted inside the property.)
✨ Why Guests Love It
From the storybook architecture to the peaceful river views, this cottage offers something special for every guest. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, ski trip, or weekend with friends, you’ll find that Riverside Storybook Cottage is a cozy, well-appointed home base for exploring Aurora, Lawrenceburg, Rising Sun, and even Cincinnati.
Book your stay today and experience the perfect balance of historic charm, modern comfort, and unforgettable Ohio River views.
✨ A stay at Riverside Storybook Cottage isn’t just a getaway—it’s a lasting memory in the making. ✨
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⚠️ IMPORTANT GUEST NOTICES
Our cottage is a well-built, structurally sound (confirmed by engineers), 3 story, all stone home on a hill with concrete walls from the basement to the attic, which is part of what makes it so unique. However, as with many historic homes, and due to the solid stone construction, it has settled over time, creating a lean in some areas on the first and second floor that are noticeable. A few sensitive guests may experience mild vertigo.
For safety, please use extra caution on the original Indiana limestone steps at the front entry and side porch. Our home is not handicap accessible and not recommended for those with mobility issues. For easiest access, we recommend entering through the attached garage, which opens into a convenient mudroom area.
Follow us on FB and IG @RiversideStorybookCottage for more information and updates.