How Creating High-End Spaces for Out-of-Town Guests Helps Drive Tourism in Henderson

Photos by Darrin Phegley

Nestled among the historic buildings of downtown Henderson, Kentucky, Curt and Emily Hamilton are quietly transforming their hometown into a destination for travelers from across the country. With three unique Airbnb properties—the Nest, the Lifeboat, and the Brokerage—the Hamiltons are not only offering luxury stays but also helping to fuel the local economy and breathe new life into the city’s downtown corridor by creating an inviting, high-end home-away-from-home that blends design, comfort, and local flavor.

It all started with a building at 223 Second Street, which Curt and Emily purchased and fully renovated. Rather than converting the upper floors into traditional long-term rentals, they decided to create boutique-style, short-term accommodations, a rare find in downtown Henderson. “There was nowhere else to stay downtown besides the L&N Bed and Breakfast,” Curt explained. “We love to travel, and we thought, why not create a space where visitors can really experience the flavor of Henderson?”

What began as a simple investment in a historic building turned into a passion project. “We love to travel, we love decorating, and we love our hometown,” said Curt. “This was our way of combining all three.” Each unit is themed and thoughtfully furnished, with each property having its own theme and personality.

The Nest, a two-bedroom Victorian-inspired space, is adorned with wrought iron beds, steampunk accents, and vintage touches like steamer trunks and a bicycle-turned-coffee-table. It’s also filled with John James Audubon prints, many of which came from Holy Name School, paying homage to Henderson’s deep connection with the famed naturalist.

The Lifeboat, a one-bedroom studio, was named after an early tenant going through a life transition. Its nautical theme, complete with a striking seven-foot redheaded mermaid sculpture, gives business travelers and solo guests a quirky, cozy escape.

Then there’s the Brokerage, a three-bedroom loft above Curt’s law office that nods to the building’s past as a brokerage firm. With turn-of-the-century industrial décor, original wood countertops from 1884, and a display of historic elevator gears, it’s a blend of history and high-end comfort.

“We’re going after the luxury crowd,” Emily said. “But more than anything, we want people to feel at home and immersed in something special.”

And people are taking notice. In just three years, the Hamiltons’ properties have hosted more than 150 stays with guests from across the U.S. from California to New York to Alaska. Many come for weddings, business trips, or simply to experience small-town charm with a big personality.

The Hamiltons pride themselves on maintaining superhost status, ensuring every guest receives five-star service with local recommendations, sparkling-clean spaces, and personal touches like champagne for special occasions.

“These properties aren’t just for us—they’re for Henderson,” Curt said. “We believe in investing where we live, and we want our guests to fall in love with this town just like we have.”

The success of these Airbnbs has had a ripple effect on Henderson’s local economy. Guests are encouraged to dine at local favorites like Hometown Roots, grab coffee from nearby cafés, and shop at boutiques like Cheekwood Studio, all within a few blocks’ walk from the rentals so guests can easily walk to anywhere they need to go.

“We make recommendations, and so do the restaurants and shops,” Emily said. “It’s a supportive network. If we’re full, we’ll call around to help visitors find another spot in town.”

The Hamiltons said they wanted to show off Henderson and all that it has to offer. “We’ve raised our kids here. We’ve built our lives here. This is where we wanted to invest,” Curt said. “And if we can help make Henderson a place people want to visit—or even move to—then we’ve done our job.”

The Nest, The Lifeboat and The Brokerage can all be booked through airbnb.com.