River view: Glen Osborne Airbnb is located on a house boat
Imagine waking up and looking out the window to a view of the water and feeling waves moving under you.
That can be a reality aboard an Airbnb right here in Western Pennsylvania.
The Serene Houseboat Hideaway is an Airbnb docked on the Ohio River in Glen Osborne. Owned by Jordon Miller, a Burgettstown native, he has been renting out the 57-foot houseboat for three months.
Miller purchased the 1983 Harbor Master boat in September 2023 and converted it into a comfortable place to stay. He gutted the craft to create a two-bedroom that accommodates six people. It has 1½ bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room and a hot tub. Pets are permitted to come aboard.
Prices start at $200 per night.
The boat is located on a private dock, which is also where Miller also houses his bow fishing charter company, Nocturnal Addiction Bowfishing. Bowfishing is a way to catch fish with a bow and arrow. The bowfishing experience is an additional cost.
Miller hosts 300 charters per year between Pittsburgh and South Florida, where he goes in December and January. He started the bowfishing company after family and friends wanted to go bowfishing.
Miller got the idea for the Airbnb from sleeping on a boat he uses for his bowfishing company. Sometimes fishing guests also reserve the Airbnb, he said.
“I love waking up on the water,” Miller said. “It is so calm and relaxing. I wanted to share this with my customers. I am considering expanding to another houseboat.”
He has already had inquires to reserve the boat for when the NFL Draft comes to Pittsburgh in 2026.
The Airbnb is a fantastic idea, said Steve Kobrine of Potomac, Md., who owns Vader Bows and met Miller through his fishing business.
Kobrine and his 15-year-old son went on one of Miller’s bowfishing trips. When they heard about the Airbnb, they decided to stay overnight. They got a good night’s rest before heading home, Kobrine said.
Kobrine said what makes the experience nice is that it’s not far from the city or from Sewickley.
“It has such a natural feel to it,” Kobrine said. “You feel close to nature on the boat. I think he is on to something with this. What is also nice is he can move the boat around to different locations if he wants.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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