Pier D Lite 4 bdrm Houseboat on River Downtown Knoxville - walk to Univ. of TN
Step aboard Pier D Lite for a lodging experience on the TN River, just a short 8 min. walk to downtown Knoxville. The Sommerset Houseboat is a 1200 Sq Ft (16â x 75â), 4-bedroom vessel remodeled throughout in late 2024. The open floor plan provides guests a space to relax and share a memorable stay. The forward and aft outdoor patios together with an upper-level Ÿ length deck boast ample space to take in river views and enjoy the outdoors. The Master Stateroom occupies the aft of the houseboat, and has its own private bath, king size bed, two hanging closets, and full height sliding glass doors allowing for an amazing river view both day & night. You will be able to watch the sun rise over the water from bed. The guest bedroom off the hallway has a full-size captain (elevated) bed and one hanging closet. The lower level has two additional full-size beds separated with a pull privacy curtain. The lower cabin has a low ceiling height (apx 5 feet clearance). A queen size sofa bed is available in the living room for additional sleeping arrangements.
The Kitchen is equipped with all the essentials to host a hungry crew. The HVAC unit is a residential heat pump with a traditional home thermostat temperature control for both a/c and heat. Internet (wi-fi) is provided along with smart TV apps and Bluetooth music connection for speakers inside & outside.
Grab your First Mate or the entire Crew for a tranquil on-water experience surrounded by captivating bridges and convenience of a downtown/University location.
Staying on the water is different than a traditional structure. The houseboat entrance onto requires a step from the dock. Gentle rocking is possible due to occasional boat traffic on the river; those sensitive to motion may not be comfortable relaxing or sleeping on a houseboat. Please consider the conditions and water hazards as these may not be suitable for children or pets. Neighbors are adjacent; some are full time residents. Your cooperation is required to be respectful of noise; no parties are allowed and additional guests must be approved at time of reservation. Violations of noise and/or excessive guests may result in loss of home privileges. Pets are allowed with permission at time of reservation and additional fee.
*The houseboat will not leave the dock*
Swimming is not permitted from the houseboat or within 100 yards of the marina per TN State law due to risk of electric shock (common hazard to avoid near all marinas). Fishing is allowed from the slip area and from the houseboat decks but not on the shared common areas of the Marina, bring your own fishing equipment.
Paddleboard (1) is provided on the houseboat for guest use. Kayak & Paddleboards are available for rent at The Knoxville Adventure Collective which is adjacent to the Marina. No open fires (grills) are allowed anywhere within the Marina (or on the houseboat).
Parking area is a 5-minute walk from the houseboat. TA pull wagon is provided to assist with transportation of luggage. Check-in & Check-out times may be flexible upon request.
Over a thousand dollars for one night, and I had to take the sheets and pillowcases off of the bed myself, be my own house keeper, and walk to the car and back multiple times for an inefficient parking pass system. Crazy. If you want to get some steps in and walk for a long time, it might be worth it. We had to walk to the boat to get the pass, back to the car to put it on, and back to the boat to sleep. Then back to the car to get the pass in the morning, back to the boat to return it, then back to the car to drive home all before 10am. The host was cold and direct in their messages. Nothing really happy to say, just wanted to remind me several times to not have a party... I'm an adult spending a ton of money on a stay. It wasn't very welcoming. That being said, the boat was well decorated and comfortable, though I think next time I'll find a better priced option with better service.
I was not born in the South, but I got to Tennessee as fast as I could. As a resident of Knoxville for now 20 years, it is a joy to share it with guests. Knoxville is the perfect mix of natural treasures and the just right size of a scruffy city. As a traveler myself, I have covered 49 US states (missing Alaska) and a handful of countries. It is my pleasure to share my corner of the world as others have for me.
Volunteer Landing Marina is a unique gem of a Marina due to its location in a downtown community (Knoxville) & proximity to the University of Tennessee. The TN River waterway connects to the ocean, and it is not uncommon for boats to stop in on their travels and stay the summer or just the weekend. The Marina is walking distance to University of Tennessee and the vibrant downtown. A paved Greenway trail runs adjacent to the Marina and travels West along the River to the University (apx 1.3 miles) and East to Riverside Landing Park & public boat launch (apx 1.5 miles). Downtown is accessible by sidewalk walking or free trolley that has a route stop at the Marina. Knoxvilleâs downtown boasts abundant activities with festivals, theaters, restaurants, breweries, farmers market and chic shops.
Pier D'Lite is large enough to host your gathering and intimate enough to maintain its charm. With an entire remodel completed in 2024, she is ready to welcome guests.