How many times have you driven past something and never really noticed it? Take, for example, the houses on Davis Road—you know the ones past Rich Road, down the hill where the street meets up with the Little Miami? I think about the dozens of times I have driven that route, passing a pair of nondescript, cedar-shingled homes off to the left, my attention drawn instead to the right, off toward the sweeping views of the river.
Perhaps there was never really a good reason to notice them ... until now. The buildings, along with a boathouse, a landing dock and the nearly three acres of riverfront, park-like grounds they sit on, are all now a part of the Watershed, a renovated, historic-property-turned-AirBNB—thanks to property owner Paulette Yarosz.
Paulette’s Watershed Moment
A designer and marketer by trade, Paulette says she’s innately drawn to creating happy, inviting spaces with an eye toward good design in both form and function. She’s also no stranger to historic renovations, having reno’d homes in Norwood, Indian Hill and St. Louis.
However, it wasn’t until after a recent family vacation that Paulette and her husband considered taking on a project water-side. “We found ourselves wishing that we had a little property of our own on the water, but much closer, so we could just pop out there with the kiddos any time we wanted,” she shares.
After starting a search for a lake house within a three-hour drive (that also included nearby shopping and amenities) to no avail, the properties on Davis appeared.
“We never considered a riverfront option, but the pictures and description were intriguing, so we called our realtor and asked to see it,” Paulette explains. “To say we were sold right away is an understatement—it felt like we drove down the hill and took a right at paradise!”
Since the properties were in need of extensive renovations, Paulette says they realized they would need to subsidize the expenses with short-term rental income. A search led them to partner with Drew Homan, an experienced property manager who now helps with the AirBNB side of the rental of the two newly updated abodes.
The Lookout
Constructed in 1900, The Lookout is the “main” house on the property, and was originally used for family gatherings and summer fun. While some updates were made over the past 120 years or so, the Yaroszs really revamped the space—leveling floors, adding and remodeling bathrooms and bedrooms, opening up the floor plan, adding a laundry room, installing new plumbing and electric, adding a completely new, modern kitchen and so much more.
Now the four-bedroom, three-bathroom space sleeps up to 14 people, and there’s the convenience of onsite parking and direct access to the Little Miami and a natural creek—providing hours of relaxation and fun.
The Heist
Built in 1860, the nearby rustic cabin went from a utilitarian, bare-bones, hunting and fishing shack to a fully renovated, two-bedroom, one-bathroom home sleeping up to six.
The Yaroszs updated The Heist’s HVAC system, fully restored the wood-burning stove, built a new roof, added skylights (with direct river views), added all-new plumbing and flooring, remodeled the bathroom and added a new hearth, among other improvements.
In addition, the ceilings on both screened porches were reinforced, where the Yaroszs added tons of comfy, swinging, gliding furniture and a private campfire area.
Home Away from Home
Now, if you’ve ever wanted to get away from it all (without actually having to go too far), the Watershed checks all the boxes. Rent one or both properties for a romantic weekend, a friend's getaway, or to host gatherings or house extended family for the holidays or other events.
“The Watershed was built as a place to unplug and reconnect with friends and family,” Paulette smiles. “As the holidays approach, I’m excited for guests to experience and take advantage of well-appointed kitchens, large dining tables, ample couch seating, comfy Adirondacks around large firepits and outdoor spaces—to soak in the beautiful seasonal changes in Loveland.”
WatershedLoveland.com | 9051 David Rd, Loveland | 513.500.7197
Fun Fact: The Heist isn’t just a cutesy name. This building played a role in a true art heist—a stolen Rembrandt from the Taft Museum was revealed to be under the cabin’s steps in 1973.
Fun Fact: There was also “buried treasure” found at The Heist: A giant stone patio around the firepit that was so buried over the years, no one knew it was there.
Fun Fact: While there are two parking spaces for each house, there’s plenty of parking for additional cars on the lower driveway.
Fun Fact: There’s a new kayak rack right by the river—bring your ’yaks, if you like! Plus, keep an eye out for two additional riverside amenities soon to be complete for more water access and fun—The Boathouse and The Launch.
Fun Fact: If you live in the area and are hosting a holiday, this is the ideal spot for your family to stay. Whether you have your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas dinner there, or just want a fun, comfortable place for everyone to hang out together (that’s not YOUR house), this is the perfect solution!
Fun Fact: Nearly every guest has commented on how unbelievably comfortable all the beds and pillows are—no worries about getting a great night of sleep.
Fun Fact: If the weather is cold or crummy, there are loads of puzzles, games and a two-player arcade video game to keep everyone entertained.
If I take on a major renovation, I believe it’s my duty to respect the people who built it, the families who lived in it and the new life I can breathe into it.
