Entire home

Awesome River View From Historic Mill's Balcony. Timber-frame Construction.

Photo gallery for Awesome River View From Historic Mill's Balcony. Timber-frame Construction.

Property grounds
Exterior
1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, WiFi
Interior
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

Explore 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

1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 8
111 sq m
Bedroom 1
    2 queen beds
    1 sofa bed
Common area
    1 queen bed
    1 double bed
    1 child bed
Bathroom 1
    Combined bath/shower
Bathroom 2
    Shower
    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.

Awesome River View From Historic Mill's Balcony. Timber-frame Construction.

Iowa cities and colleges are 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!
Relax on The Old Mill's second-floor 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.

NOTE: If you rent the 2nd floor, deck-level unit, the 3rd floor "sleeping level" can be rented for your family gathering, cousins or college reunion or grandchildren's slumber party. The sleeping level is accessed by stairs inside the deck unit.
-- Sleeping level is $110 per night for 1 to 4 adult guests ,
PLUS $25 per stay for 5 to 8 adult guests.
-- Sleeping level has one double, one queen, and two twin beds. Room to bring an air mattress.
-- Two small children can sleep on a fainting couch and a "wagon couch."
-- Not suitable for toddlers due to open stairway (unless very closely supervised.)

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. A pool below the dam is spawning territory for walleye in early spring, as well as providing year round fishing.
>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. Wok. Electric skillet. Crock pot. Stand mixer.
Utensils, silverware, 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 cafe and pub are a short walk across the bridge. People come from surrounding towns for their Friday night fish special. (Hours -Open for lunch and dinner. The cafe is closed Saturday, Sunday & Monday).
>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.

LAWN ORNAMENTS - PARK SETTING:
• Three huge turbines
• Partial millstones
• Gears, pulleys, milling equipment, and a wagon lift
• 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 + plenty of parking for friends or family reunion.

What a wonderful place to combine relaxing with nature and exercising! 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- Studio apartment:
- is on the second floor which is 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.
•but may not be suitable for active toddlers due to stairs and open areas.
LET US KNOW if you need a card table or TV trays.

SEE MILL'S SEPARATE LISTING FOR:
VRBO PROPERTY ID #1056730 which is the mill's two-bedroom apartment unit (on first floor, street-level).

RENT BOTH #1056730 and #1136016:
To sleep 12 adults if beds are shared
(Mill's 1st & 2nd floors ).

ADD THE 3RD-FLOOR, dorm-style, sleeping area:
To #1136016 (2nd-floor unit) to sleep an additional 6 adults + 4 children (if two beds are shared) with full bath.

THE OLD MILL'S "House Rules" ARE SIMPLE:
No pets.
No smoking.
No candles.
No illegal activity.
Return items and furniture where you found them.
Spray the shower after use.
Take good care of the gem we've entrusted to you.
Relax & Enjoy!

From Daryl & Diana, Old Mill Proprietors
NOTE #1: If you rent both the mill's 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 manager

Diana & Daryl Pals

Languages

English

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi (surcharge)

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Kitchen island
  • Spices

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Games
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near a laundromat

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
  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: No smoking inside, on porches or deck.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

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

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Tennis on site
  • Golf on site
  • Kayaking on site
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Basketball nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Cycling 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
Contactless check-out

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: Not childproofed. Constant supervision under 5 yr.

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 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 a rural area and on the waterfront. Heery Woods State Park and Cedar River reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Cedar Falls Community Main Street and Falls Aquatic Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Palmer's Family Fun, or check out an event or a game at UNI-Dome. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting 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 Awesome River View From Historic Mill's Balcony. Timber-frame Construction. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Awesome River View From Historic Mill's Balcony. Timber-frame Construction.?

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Awesome River View From Historic Mill's Balcony. Timber-frame Construction.?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Awesome River View From Historic Mill's Balcony. Timber-frame Construction. located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Wartburg College, Cedar River and Waverly Municipal Golf Course. Heery Woods State Park is 7.3 mi (11.8 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 53 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 53 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 53 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 53 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 53 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

William S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Vacation
Unique and cozy property. Host provided everything that we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leanne R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location
Family vacation for Wartburg's first 2 playoff games and to celebrate Thanksgiving. Easy drive to Waverly and Waterloo. Cozy, with enough room for 6 of us to have our own space. Diana is friendly and helped up out by readying the 3rd floor for our additional guests after we checked in. Very relaxing on the river.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

myron l.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Fall get-a-way
We hope to be back and bring family. lots of room, gorgeous location, very little street noise, tremendous views, and a great launch pad to explore N.E. Iowa. The hosts are very accommodating and responsive.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christie P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great fall getaway
We stayed in the lower unit with my kids and parents. Upper and lower units could be combined for a bigger group, which we may try next time. Location is amazing for fishing! We originally had planned to go explore some other parts of the river but had all the action we could have wanted right below the rapids by the mill. Lots of walleye, smallmouth bass, and a couple northern pike. Had a fish fry in the fire pit one night and still had plenty of fish to bring home with us. We also brought bikes and did a lot of riding around town. The streets in Shell Rock are quiet and safe. We didn’t go to any restaurants, but the gas station in town does have a lot of food options. The house had all of the kitchen and grilling utensils we needed. Only complaint is that the older TV only has antenna channels (we didn’t watch a lot of TV, but a streaming option would be nice). Overall a very fun and relaxing trip. We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sharon M., Prairie du Chien Wisconsin

Liked: Cleanliness
Family wedding
We were in town for a family wedding so we booked this rental. Very clean and so many nice touches! My grandchildren loved the snacks you provided. Loved sitting on the deck in the evening watching the river. The owners were very responsive!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brenda B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Reunion memories
We had a wonderful stay at the Mill. Such a great place with everything needed to be able to enjoy spending time with our family!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark C., Jonesboro,la usa

Liked: Cleanliness
History buff
I'm a history buff- Mrs Pals brought up 2 history books which I enjoyed (amougst other history books at the site).
Stayed 16 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark R., Lake Clarke Shores

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome...as usual
This is the only place I will stay when I visit my children and grandchildren in Waverly Iowa. When you stay at the old sugar mill it takes you back in time to a very peaceful and serene place. Sitting on the deck with my morning coffee or at night with my iced tea listening to the waterfall is just so relaxing. Mr. & Mrs. Pals are the most accommodating hosts you will ever find. They literally provide almost everything you need. So just bring your clothes and relax. They are always there to provide any help or answer any questions you may have. So rent this place and enjoy...look no further than the Old Sugar Mill in Shell Rock, Iowa.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eugene L.

Liked: Cleanliness
The most relaxing
I don’t know if it's because we are older, but we actually said "oooh" when we entered. It was so roomy and welcoming. Sitting out on the deck, was awesome! Can't say enough. Thanks for a great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness
Very quaint and beautiful surroundings. The hosts were very friendly and accommodating. I would stay here again and recommend it to my family and friends.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023