Escape big city life for smalltown friendliness and 'Iowa nice' at The Old Mill, where modern amenities blend with 1867 craftsmanship. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing or golfing nearby; then unwind by the river with a campfire and sounds of nature to lull you into relaxation.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
1 bedroom2 bathroomsSleeps 8111 sq m
Popular amenities
Dryer
Washer
Parking available
Kitchen
Barbecue grill
Outdoor Space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction
Iowa cities and colleges within 10 to 25 minutes: • Cedar Falls -University of Northern Iowa • Waverly - Wartburg • Waterloo, Iowa - Hawkeye Community College and John Deere Museum Cultural and sporting events abound.
WiFi is on-site & free! Relax in The Old Mill's second-floor, studio apartment unit in the comfort of modern amenities with a mix of cozy, eclectic, antique and handcrafted furnishings and a fully-furnished kitchen. Marvel at The Old Mill's 1867 craftsmanship and mortise and tenon construction. Spectacular wooden beams, columns, timbers and ceiling joists were left exposed when the building was repurposed. Flooring was salvaged to frame the doors and windows. The architectural and engineering prowess that created Shell Rock's landmark is hard to imagine.
Escape big city life for smalltown friendliness and "Iowa nice" which are refreshing characteristics of Shell Rock, Iowa. Recreational opportunities abound from outside the door to within 35 miles in county and state parks, lakes, and on Cedar, Shell Rock and Wapsipinicon Rivers: • Canoeing and kayaking. • Hiking and biking on 100+ miles of bike trails - most are hard surface. • Fishing - Walleye, bass, catfish and more. • Golfing.
Use The Old Mill as your base for daytrips to Northeast Iowa's scenic landscape including Amish country; the quaint Little Brown Church at Nashua, Iowa; dairies or a buffalo ranch; train exhibits. Explore area historical or agricultural museums. Return to The Old Mill for a campfire or cozy relaxation with sounds of the river to lull you to sleep.
LOCATION: 103 N Cherry Street, Shell Rock, Iowa. Easy access from Iowa Highway 3. Located two miles west of the Avenue of the Saints, i .e., Highway 218, which connects St. Louis, Missouri, and St. Paul, Minnesota. OR Located 50 minutes/43 miles east of I-35 on Iowa Highway 3.
DECK UNIT's 2nd FLOOR ACCESS: >Ascend outside stairs (19 easy steps with handrail. No elevator.) and a walkway to the deck. >Glass sliding doors lead into the living area. Blue carpet reminds you of the river.
AWESOME VIEWS INSIDE AND OUT >A "tree house" view overlooks the river bank two stories below. Glimpse eagles or blue herons soaring above the river. In summer the tree canopy blocks the view of the shelter house at the adjacent city park. >Water tumbles over the rock rubble dam upstream. Below the dam is spawning territory for walleye in early spring. People fish year around. >Sunsets are stunning.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT: Refrigerator, gas stove, microwave, dishwasher. Keurig, Ninja coffee and latte maker plus a 30-cup drip coffee pot. Tea kettle. Belgian waffle maker. Electric skillet. Crock pot. Stand mixer. Utensils, silverware, bed and bath linens, cookware, dinnerware, and bakeware. BBQ tools. Dish soap, hand soap, detergent.
COMPLIMENTARY: Cappuccino, coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Keurig pods. Basic spices, sugar, flour, oil and vinegar staples. Waffle mix, syrup, butter. LET US KNOW if you have special dietary needs or restrictions.
IN TOWN: >A hometown bar/grill as well as a steakhouse are a short walk across the bridge. Summertime Ice Cream shop. >24-hour convenience store: breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups, daily specials, pizzas and pastry items. Full line of hot and cold drinks. ATM. Gasoline. Propane tank exchange. >Community pool open in summer. >Frisbee golf four blocks from mill. >Walking and biking trail along river two blocks from mill. Another paved, 26-mile trail, less than two miles from the mill. >Playground equipment is behind the elementary school, diagonally across the street.
LAWN ORNAMENTS - PARK SETTING: • Three huge turbines • Partial millstones • Gears, pulleys, milling equipment, and a wagon lift from the mill • Perennial plantings •Patio with gas grill. •Fire ring. Gather wood along river. • Double lot, park-like setting. • Adjacent park above the dam has a shelter that can be reserved with a deck, picnic tables, restrooms May- October, electricity plus plenty of parking for friends or family reunion.
What a wonderful place to combine relaxation with nature and exercise! Come unwind for a long weekend or get away for a week. For rainy days, books, cards, puzzles and board games are provided. Sunny day equipment includes bat, ball, gloves, tennis racquets and croquet set.
Mill Property ID #1136016 is the studio apartment on the second floor: - referred to as the deck or balcony level of the mill's 5-story structure. - is 1,200 sq ft, open concept. Tri-fold screens for privacy. - sleeps 6 adults if beds are shared.
The studio apartment has: • its own 75- gallon water heater, furnace and air conditioner. • separate thermostat to control heat and air. •full bath with pedestal sink, clawfoot tub and separate shower; walnut cabinet with bath linens, hair dryer, toiletries, first aid items. •dining table with leaves to seat 6 to 12 guests.
NOTE #1: Unit may not be suitable for active toddlers due to stairs and open areas UNLESS constantly supervised. NOTE #2: LET US KNOW if you need a card table or TV trays.
NOTE #3: If you rent the 2nd floor studio apartment unit, the 3rd-floor sleeping level can be rented. The 3rd floor is accessed by stairs inside the 2nd floor unit. -- Sleeping level is $120 per night for 1 to 4 adult guests, 4 children or a combination. PLUS $25 per stay per adult guests #5 & #6 with 6 adults maximum. No extra charge for children under 18. Air mattress, fainting couch and a small couch could sleep children. One queen, one double, two twin beds are dorm-style with privacy curtains or a screen.
SEE MILL'S SEPARATE LISTING FOR: VRBO PROPERTY ID #1056730 This is the mill's two-bedroom apartment unit on the first floor (street-level).
RENT BOTH #1056730 (1st floor) and #1136016 (2nd floor): To sleep 12 adults if beds are shared.
ADD THE 3RD-FLOOR to ID #1136016 (second floor studio apartment unit) for: Dorm-style, sleeping area to sleep an additional 6 adults maximum + 2 children (if two beds are shared) with full bath. (OR a combination of adults + children = 8 guests but no more than 6 adults or 6 children.)
THE OLD MILL'S "House Rules" ARE SIMPLE: No pets. No smoking. No candles. No fireworks. No illegal activity. Return items and furniture where you found them. Spray the shower after use. Follow check-in and check-out instructions. Take good care of the gem we've entrusted to you. Relax & Enjoy!
From Daryl & Diana Pals, Old Mill Proprietors NOTE #1: If you rent both 1st and 2nd floor units, the adjoining door is unlocked for easy, inside, stairway access between the two levels. NOTE #2: The Mill was built in 1867. As hard as we try to keep out dust, it is impossible. IF YOU ARE HIGHLY ALLERGIC TO DUST OR GRAIN, The Old Mill may not be for you.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi (surcharge)
Parking and transportation
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
TV
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Cobblestone flooring in public areas
Single level property
Smoking not allowed
Note from host: No smoking inside, on porches or deck.
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
Near a hospital
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Golf
Kayak
Tennis
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hunting nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Swimming nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Unit size: 1,200 square feet
Similar properties
1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River
1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Call us when you depart to check-out
Diana 515-491-4016. Daryl 515-491-3585
If you moved it or got it out, please return it to its spot.
Exception: pillows and blankets, used kitchen, bath and bed linens . We want to wash anything you used.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
No candles or incense. No fireworks on premises.
Spray stall/bath walls after showering.
Follow check-in and check-out lists.
Provide full name, age; city\state of residence for each overnight guest prior to check-in.
Vehicle description and License plate/state required.
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Not childproofed. Constant supervision under 5 yr.
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings and weddings
Owner's consent prior to event. Small gatherings.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside, on porches or deck.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Owner's consent prior to event. Small gatherings.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is required for transportation to and from this property
About the neighborhood
Shell Rock, IA
What's nearby
Benny Gambaiani Public Library - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Shell Rock Historical Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
Wartburg College - 10 min drive - 10.5 km
University of Northern Iowa - 31 min drive - 42.2 km
Getting around
Waterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional) - 24 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 8 min drive
VFW - 11 min drive
Starbucks - 8 min drive
Casey's General Store - 8 min drive
Taco Bell - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction?
Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.
What time is check-out at River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction?
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Where is River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction located?
This family-friendly Shell Rock vacation home is located on the waterfront, within a 5-minute walk of Hoyt Elliot Memorial Park, Shell Rock Historical Museum, and Benny Gambaiani Public Library. Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area and Shell Rock County Park are also within 15 minutes.
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