Entire home

1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill Perched By River Beckons You To 40'x30' Apartment

Photo gallery for 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill Perched By River Beckons You To 40'x30' Apartment

Beach
Pool
Exterior
Combined shower/bathtub, hair dryer, towels, soap
TV, DVD player, books
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Hot tubHot tubHot tub
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer

Check out the area

Map
Shell Rock, IA
  • Popular LocationWartburg College8 min drive
  • Popular LocationWaverly Municipal Golf Course10 min drive
  • AirportWaterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional)23 min drive
  • Popular LocationUniversity of Northern Iowa25 min drive

Space details

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 8
111 sq m
Bedroom 1
    1 queen bed
Bedroom 2
    1 double bed
Common area
    1 sofa bed
Bathroom 1
    Combined bath/shower
Bathroom 2
    No shower or bath

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill Perched By River Beckons You To 40'x30' Apartment

If you're a history, architecture or engineer buff, you'll find The Old Mill's structure and interior intriguing. If you're looking for relaxation, the sound of water over the dam will sooth you. The Old Mill's a great location from which to launch your bicycling, fishing, and kayaking adventures, to host family gatherings, to attend the University of Northern Iowa or Wartburg events or to shop Cedar Falls, Waterloo or Waverly, Iowa.

Enter the apartment under the red porch roof. Unique architectural accents from grain milling days entice you to marvel at the high ceilings graced by maple floor joists that are braced by black walnut columns and saddles in this clean, comfortable living space. Original, massive, 13 1/2-by-12 inch, mortise-and-tenon constructed beams provide the framework for this 5-story mill (three levels can be rented) with a limestone foundation that is 4 feet thick at its base. Sunlight streams through 6-pane windows removed from the mill prior to 1985; then reinstalled in 2011 above the interior doors of the bedrooms and full bathroom.
Relax in the 1,200 square foot, 2-bedroom , 1.5 bath, street-level apartment furnished with antiques and decorated with mill artifacts. The larger bedroom has a queen bed and walnut gentleman's dresser with mirror and marble inset between the handkerchief drawers. The smaller bedroom has a full bed with antique spoon-carved commode. Both have river views. Red accent walls remind you of barns from earlier days.

The full bath has a tub/shower combination and large vanity with single sink. The half bath has a pedestal sink, toilet and washer/dryer. Towels, linens, hair dryer, soap and shampoo are provided.

The living room is furnished with a comfy leather couch, two recliners, and a futon that makes into a full-size bed with extra thick mattress.
Walnut columns divide the living and dining areas, and the kitchen is open to both with plenty of cabinets and counter space. The dining room's antique-oak table seats four to six with an eclectic mix of captains chairs and walnut chairs with caned seats.

The kitchen is fully equipped and has basic, complimentary provisions including:
coffee, tea, hot cocoa, flour, sugar, spices, waffle mix, syrup and cooking oil; plates, mugs, glasses, flatware; casserole dishes, baking and muffin pans. You can enjoy preparing popcorn or a four-course meal using the microwave, blender, electric glass-top range, oven, refrigerator and crock pot. A dishwasher makes your clean-up easy.

You don't need to leave your cozy place for breakfast as the coffee pot and toaster are within easy reach. If you prefer not to cook, friendly staff await you at the cafe and pub a short walk across the river bridge.

WiFi is at the mill!

Your private entrance overlooks the Shell Rock River, a tiny perennial garden and a sidewalk to the river's edge. Off-street parking for vehicles, including recreational vehicles, is on-site just steps from the porch entry.

Remnants of milling days, including massive turbines and partial millstones, are lawn ornaments in the mill's park-like setting. You may walk up the mill's outside stairs to a deck 25 feet above the river where you can gaze at an adjacent, three-arch bridge built in 1916 which is on the National Register of Historic Places, the upstream rubble dam, and mesmerizing sunsets. A pool below the dam is spawning territory for walleye in early spring, as well as a popular fishing spot year round so bring your fishing rod. Adjacent to the mill is a city park overlooking the dam which has a shelter that can be rented. The shelter has picnic tables, adjacent deck, modern restrooms and electric outlets. Beyond the park is a boat launch area for small craft, kayaks and canoes to go upstream.

Listen to nature calling as you relax on the private patio overlooking the river, flanked by a rustic bridge railing and millstones. A grill, tools, picnic plasticware, even the picnic basket are provided for your convenience. You may glimpse blue herons, Baltimore orioles, cardinals and migratory species like the colorful cedar waxwing. During winter chickadees, nut hatches, woodpeckers and an occasional hawk land in nearby trees. Eagles sometimes perch on ice above the dam as they enjoy their morning meal. At night you may catch a glimpse of a deer, raccoons, beaver or otter in the yard.

A favorite day for the owners involves launching kayaks at Heery Woods Park near Clarksville, Iowa (home of 2018 American Idol winner Maddie Poppe) about 8 miles away. Then floating down the Shell Rock River, picnicking and skipping rocks along the way. Kayaks are taken out above the dam at the park next to the mill. At the mill we mount our bicycles, ride the Rolling Prairie Trail back to Heery Woods where we retrieve the transport vehicle. What a wonderful way to combine relaxing with nature and exercise!

Canoe and kayak rentals are available 6.5 miles away in Waverly, IA. Bring your bicycles! More than 100 miles of hard-surfaced trails in the Cedar Valley are within 25 miles of the mill at Cedar Falls and Waterloo, IA. Check out Waverly's Rail Trail to Denver or Readlyn, Iowa, or the Rolling Prairie Trail which is less than one mile from the mill's front door in Shell Rock.

Come and stay in the comfort of our small town's landmark where grain was milled in the late 1800s through 1978. The mill is located two miles from The Avenue of the Saints, a four-lane highway which connects St. Louis, Missouri, and St. Paul, Minnesota.

NO PETS. NO SMOKING.
For this vacation property under ID # 1056730, the mill's first floor (street level) is the rental unit.
•Private entrance.
•Two-night minimum stay.
•Weekly rates available.
•Maximum six persons.
NOTE: The deck-level studio apartment of The Pals' Old Mill is available separately under ID #1136016 (sleeps 6). Rent both levels for a gathering of friends or family! The inner stairway can be unlocked for direct access between the two levels.

AMENITIES
Central air & heat controlled within the space
Keurig single serve coffee maker
Drip or perk coffee pot
Belgian waffle maker
Grill (propane with electronic ignition)
Deck
Patio
Iron & board
Kitchen fully furnished
Dishes & utensils
Linens & towels provided (Bring your own beach towels)
Off-street parking
Washer & dryer
Hairdryer

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS & SERVICES - MOST WITHIN ONE MILE
ATM
Bank
Beauty salons
Bicycle Trails
Cafe & pub
Campground
Canoe & kayak rental (6.5 miles)
Churches
Convenience store with food including breakfast sandwiches, pizza & gas
Fishing
Golf within 10 minutes
Library
Medical Clinic (Hospital within 10 minutes)
Municipal swimming pool
University of Northern Iowa at Cedar Falls, Iowa, within 20 miles.
Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, within 10 minutes.
Casino, large waterpark, wrestling, art & science museums less than 30 miles.

Property manager

Diana & Daryl Pals

Languages

English

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Paper towels
  • Toaster
  • Blender
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV
  • DVD player
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near a laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Cobblestone flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: NOT inside or within 25 ft of mill. Built in 1867

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • On the waterfront
  • In the city centre
  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Golf on site
  • Kayaking on site
  • Tennis on site
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Golf 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

  • Unit size: 1200 sq ft (111 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 12:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Supervise kids due to RIVER, stairs & street!

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Preapproval required for small family gatherings.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that 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 transport to and from this property

About the area

Shell Rock

Located in Shell Rock, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Waverly Municipal Golf Course and Pheasant Ridge Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Cedar Falls Community Main Street and Falls Aquatic Center. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at UNI-Dome or McLeod Center. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and water tubing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and cycling.

What's nearby

  • Wartburg College - 8 min drive
  • Waverly Municipal Golf Course - 10 min drive
  • UNI-Dome - 25 min drive
  • University of Northern Iowa - 25 min drive
  • Lost Island Waterpark - 33 min drive

Getting around

  • Waterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • McDonald's - 8 min drive
  • Casey's General Store - 8 min drive
  • The Wooden Foot Saloon - 9 min drive
  • Sasquatch Jacks - 8 min drive
  • Casey's General Store - 8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill Perched By River Beckons You To 40'x30' Apartment pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill Perched By River Beckons You To 40'x30' Apartment?

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill Perched By River Beckons You To 40'x30' Apartment?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill Perched By River Beckons You To 40'x30' Apartment located?

Located in the heart of Shell Rock, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Wartburg College, Waverly Municipal Golf Course and Heery Woods State Park. Cedar River is 7.3 mi (11.8 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 86 out of 93 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 93 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 93 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 93 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 93 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Living in history
The history of this mill is incredible! Host thought of everything and created a warm, welcoming place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Allan W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Well-appointed
One of the nice things about staying here was the abundance of towel bars in the bathroom. Also the kitchen was very well supplied. We arrived early and were made to feel welcome while the owners finished preparing for our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great ztay
Very nice
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debra W., Rose Creek, MN

Liked: Cleanliness
Comfort
Unique, clean, charming. It’s like we got to spend the weekend at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Trudi D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved the setting and historic ambience
We found this the perfect place for our family as it was a home away from home while we attended a family reunion. It is very relaxing and the proprietors, Diane and Daryl went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable. We enjoyed our daily walks through the streets of Shell Rock, meeting and talking with friendly residents. The Mill's history and structure were very interesting and its setting on the Shell Rock River very pretty. My brother fished the Shell Rock, checking it of his bucket list. Our evenings were spent laughing and telling stories and reminiscing with cousins from Virginia that were staying in the 2nd floor unit. It was a great week.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful weekend
A quiet, peaceful place, close to Cedar Falls. We think we saw an eagle in the park!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda R., St Paul, MN

Liked: Cleanliness
Great historic stay
Wonderful property if you find yourself in ShellRock. Host does a wonderful job of providing the history of the mill.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terri S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Shell Rock visit
We had a wonderful stay at the Shell Rock Mill. It is such a special property and we made wonderful family memories there!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Holly F.

Liked: Cleanliness
The mill
Such an abordable, cute, clean perfect place!! Perfect for a girls weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terri T., GRAFTON

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Water Works
Amazing stay at an incredible property. Family reunion that created unforgettable memories. The incredible waterfront view was a great backdrop with the waterworks of love surrounding us. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your beautiful home.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023