The Carriage House at The Circus House

⭐ Featured on Condé Nast's best of Columbus list, May 2025 ⭐

The "Circus House" is a Columbus landmark, standing at the northwest corner of Goodale Park since 1895. Originally built for the owner's horses, the carriage house along Buttles now features:

✔️ Two bedrooms upstairs, each with en suite bathroom

✔️ Reserved driveway parking for two vehicles

✔️ Fenced patio area with views of the Circus House

✔️ Unique triangular windows (for the horses to stick their heads through)



This home was built in 1895 by renowned architect Frank Packard for his client Peter Sells, the owner of the Sells Brothers Circus. The adjacent carriage house was built on the estate as an outbuilding for his horses and sheltered parking for his carriage. Rumor has it that the building was used on occasion for temporary housing of the circus lions and elephants. In the 1940s, the home was converted to a private residence and has since been used for that purpose.



Outdoor space: The private driveway is long enough for two vehicles, stacked end to end. Through the kitchen door, guests will have access to a large outdoor patio space, including an outdoor bar and seating areas. There is a metal fence with a locked gate that leads to the owners' pool - you will not have access to this gate.



First floor: The front door opens into the living and dining area. The kitchen features a large countertop with eat-in barstools. A drip coffee maker, grinder, and whole coffee beans are provided. The half bath and laundry facilities are here on the first floor. Recently added is a king-size sleeper sofa, so the home can accommodate up to 6 guests. For guests sleeping in the living room, please be aware that the triangular windows do not have blinds or curtains. If you plan to use this, please let us know in advance so we can set out extra bedding.



Second floor: Upstairs, in what was originally the hay loft, guests will enjoy the character of 120-year old original pine wood floors. If you look closely, you'll see the remnants of a trap door in the floor that could be opened from above to drop hay down to the horses below. The front bedroom has a queen bed and private en suite bathroom with a clawfoot soaking tub and a shower; the rear bedroom features a California King bed with another private full bathroom (shower only, no tub).



You will be able to access the entire carriage house and the courtyard through the kitchen door. The courtyard leads to a garage and to a gate into the owner's yard - guests will not have access to the garage or pool area.



Please be advised that the property does have an exterior security camera system and that the owners live on the property, in the main house.



Most of your interaction will be with the property co-hosts, Kate and Nat. We are friends of the property owners and we live here in the neighborhood (a few blocks away). We’ll be available to help if you need anything. The owners will be on site during your stay (in the main house), but it's unlikely that you will meet them due to the private layout of the property.



The Short North Arts District is home to some of the best restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and night life in the city. Park your car and walk everywhere!



Victorian Village (our local historic district within the Short North) features incredible turn-of-the-century architecture and is known for its annual Tour of Homes. Take a Sunday stroll around Goodale Park or along Neil Avenue to enjoy the sights.



The Carriage House at the Circus House is at the northwest corner of Goodale Park (the corner of Buttles Ave and Dennison Ave).



Nearby destinations:

Greater Columbus Convention Center: 0.5 miles, 10-minute walk

Kemba Live (music venue): 0.6 miles, 12-minute walk

Nationwide Arena: 0.7 miles, 17-minute walk

Wexner Medical Center: 1.4 miles, 30-minute walk

Ohio Stadium: 2.2 miles, 45-minute walk



Please note: this is a pet-friendly listing, so we do not recommend it for anyone with severe pet allergies. We charge a fee per pet, and all pets must be included in your guest count when you book (on Vrbo, check "I am traveling with pets" under Travelers).



For our guests with pets, please note that the owners have dogs (small dogs). It is possible that the owners' dogs will try to say hello to your pets through the patio fence. Please be aware of this and do not leave your pets unattended in the courtyard area.



*The TV does not have cable or access to any free live channels. It is a “smart” TV only. You will need to log into your own streaming accounts to play content on the TV.