With travel limited, it’s great to have getaway options that are close to home and gorgeously executed. Enter Michele Campbell, an interior designer and the founder of Red Whale Rentals, a collection of luxury spaces in the heart of the Mount Adams neighborhood of Cincinnati.
Campbell started by renting out her rustic chic home on Airbnb, but quickly realized that there was a greater demand. Now she owns and rents three properties in Mount Adams, each named after its iconic street: Celestial, Gregory and Overlook. Each house contains two units that can be rented together or separately, the grandest being Overlook, which sleeps 10 and offers panoramic city views.
What really makes Red Whale stand out are the interiors. The spaces are inviting and serene, offering a calming, sanctuary-like feel, with unique, regional design styles. “It’s almost impossible to find spaces like this in the city that evoke the same ambiance that Michele’s unique design style attains,” Red Whale’s marketing manager said. “The Red Whale experience is extremely curated, with an intuitive and intentional style of service.”
Campbell often defines her design style as "esoteric, but beloved by all.” From lighting to linens to artwork and even coffee table books, each detail is hand selected and curated by her. She has a passion for creating beautiful spaces and extending that to help create lifelong special memories in these spaces.
It’s no surprise that Red Whale has become the go-to for Hollywood A-listers staying in town for movie shoots, visiting executives and a lengthy roster of professional athletes, making these properties their temporary “home away from home.” However, Red Whale makes for the perfect local staycation for anyone in the area looking to get out of their normal routine for a weekend.
The Mount Adams area, where all three Red Whale rentals are located, is full of unique history. It’s one of Cincinnati’s oldest and most iconic neighborhoods, with beautiful architecture and arguably the best views of the city and river that you can find. People often call it a “mini San Francisco,” in the way that its Victorian homes line beautiful cobblestone streets on a hill that overlooks downtown. Especially to those who don’t reside in Cincinnati full time, it can feel like a true vacation town.
Up on the hill, it is easy to forget that you are even in Ohio. The neighborhood is incredibly charming, with a welcoming, community-like feel. It’s walkable and centrally located. Though many people check in and stay on the hill until departure, it’s less than a five-minute Uber ride to some of Cincinnati’s top attractions, such as Great American Ballpark and Paul Brown Stadium, several museums, and the top dining and nightlife destinations downtown.
To learn more about Red Whale Rentals, visit www.RedWhaleRentals.com.
DO
Mount Adams’ central location means the neighborhood itself is full of things to do. The Cincinnati Art Museum and Krohn Conservatory (home to the renowned annual butterfly show) are both less than a 10-minute walk from Red Whale’s rentals.
SEE
The neighborhood boasts two of Cincinnati’s oldest and most famed parks, Eden Park and Mirror Lake. Active travelers will enjoy endless walking and running trails adorned with stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city from almost any vantage point.
EAT
The great thing about Mount Adams is that there is something for everyone. The Blind Lemon, one of the oldest establishments on the hill, has live music, a charming lit-up outdoor patio and amazing classic cocktails. Perfect for date night!
