Check out the iron doors! C. 1914 jailhouse turned Airbnb in Arkansas. $575,000.
This is a 1914 jailhouse in downtown Ozark, Arkansas, that has been turned into a home and a short-term rental. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2,512 square feet over two stories. The listing says it keeps iron doors, exposed brick and limestone walls, and even prisoner name etchings from its days as a working jail.
209 W River St, Ozark, AR 72949 — $575,000
A Working Jail Built in 1914
The listing calls this a distinctive residence that lets you own a piece of Ozark history. It sits in the heart of downtown Ozark, in Franklin County.
Features:
- Built in 1914
- Former working jail
- Two stories, 2,512 square feet
- 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
Iron Doors, Brick, and Limestone
Much of the original character is still here. The listing names iron doors, exposed brick and limestone walls, and distinctive keystones.
The walls are 14-inch concrete construction. The data lists block and concrete as the building materials.
Features:
- Iron doors
- Exposed brick and limestone walls
- Distinctive keystones
- 14-inch concrete construction
Prisoner Etchings
Names etched by prisoners have been preserved in the building. The listing counts them among the details that remain from the jail days.
Features:
- Prisoner name etchings preserved
Cell Blocks Turned Bedrooms
The former cell blocks have been worked into the bedrooms and living areas. The listing says that gives the house a floor plan unlike a typical home.
Features:
- Former cell blocks used as bedrooms and living areas
- Unusual floor plan
- Concrete floors
The Gourmet Kitchen
The kitchen is described as gourmet. The data lists a gas range, gas cooktop, gas oven, and a range hood.
Features:
- Gourmet kitchen
- Gas range, cooktop, and oven
- Range hood
Updates and Systems
The listing notes updated plumbing and central heat and air. The water heater is electric.
Features:
- Updated plumbing
- Central heat and air
- Electric water heater
- Asphalt shingle roof
The Rooftop Patio and River Views
A rooftop patio takes advantage of Arkansas River views. The listing data also records a river view for the property.
Features:
- Rooftop patio
- Arkansas River views
A Proven Airbnb
The listing pitches this as a unique Airbnb opportunity and says the property is a proven short-term rental. It doesn’t give income figures, so ask for the booking history before you count on any numbers.
Features:
- Operating as an Airbnb
- Downtown Ozark location
Metal Shop and Buildable Lots
The property also includes a metal shop and what the listing calls spacious buildable lots. Zillow’s lot-size field shows only 1,537 square feet, which doesn’t match that description, so confirm exactly what land conveys.
Features:
- Metal shop
- Buildable lots, per the listing
- No driveway listed
Utilities and Taxes
Electricity, natural gas, and sewer are listed as available. Annual property taxes are listed at $496.
Features:
- Electric, natural gas, and sewer available
- Annual taxes: $496
Price History
The property is listed at $575,000, which is about $229 a square foot. It sold for $475,000 in December 2025 after being listed in March 2025 at $600,000 and cut to $550,000 that August. Before that it sold in November 2021 for $200,000. That means the new asking price is $100,000 above the last sale.
Features:
- Listed September 30, 2026 at $575,000
- Sold December 2025 for $475,000
- Sold November 2021 for $200,000
Nearby Schools
Elgin B Milton Primary School (PK-3) is 0.9 miles away, Ozark Upper Elementary School (grades 4-5) is 0.8 miles away, and Ozark High School (grades 8-12) is 2.4 miles away. GreatSchools rates all three 6 out of 10.
At $575,000, this is a former jail with river views, a rooftop patio, and a working Airbnb business attached. It suits a buyer who wants something truly different and is comfortable with a short-term rental. There’s also a virtual tour from the listing agent.
Full Listing Description
Unique Airbnb opportunity in the heart of downtown Ozark! This 1914 jailhouse at 209 W River St has been thoughtfully transformed into a distinctive residence and short-term rental, offering the opportunity to own a piece of Ozark history while operating a proven Airbnb. The property retains much of its original character, including iron doors, exposed brick and limestone walls, distinctive keystones, 14″ concrete construction, and prisoner name etchings preserved from its days as a working jail. The former cell blocks have been incorporated into bedrooms and living areas, creating a floor plan unlike a typical home. Modern improvements include updated plumbing, a gourmet kitchen, and central heat & air. The rooftop patio takes advantage of Arkansas River views, while the property also includes a metal shop and spacious buildable lots. Located in downtown Ozark, this property offers a combination of historic character, short-term rental potential, river views, and additional land that is difficult to replicate.
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