This former jail in Indiana, now a cheeky themed inn, lists for $445K

In Rockville, Indiana, the former Parke County Jail has listed for sale — not as a lock-up, but as a themed hotel called the Old Jail Inn.

“It’s very comfortable,” listing agent Jeff Moore of Jeff Moore Real Estate told Realtor.com of the 10-bedroom former penal institution, which is seeking $445,000. “If you have to spend a night in a jail, this is a cool way to do it.”

Think: sleeping in jail cells that still resemble their former lives, with guest beds set behind bars. Images additionally show exposed brick, cheeky jail decorations in reference to the property’s past — as well as modern touches, such as a spacious kitchen.

Built in 1879, the Italianate-style brick block of a building served as a detention center from its construction until 1998, and was subsequently converted into a successful short-term lodging business, Realtor.com reported.

“The way the rooms are set up, you know it was a jail, and it’s really a unique experience,” said Moore, adding that the sellers “kept the details” and the structure maintains many of its historic features: “They haven’t taken anything out, and the history of the place is intact.”

On the lower level, where once the solitary confinement cells were located, there is now a liquor license-equipped wine bar called the Drunk Tank known for encouraging customers to write on the walls. This watering hole is included in the sale, liquor license and all.

(An adjacent beauty salon, however, is an independent entity with a separate entrance and its own leased renter.)

Upstairs are the nine rental rooms, and the second floor contains the owner’s suite — a “totally refinished” one-bedroom in what was once the clink’s juvenile section.

The property comes with all of its memorabilia, costumes and even its online reservation system, as well as a built-in fan base, as Moore assures “people want to stay in a jail.”

And during Rockville’s wildly popular, 10-day Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, stays at the Old Jail Inn are regularly booked “a year in advance.”