Entire home

Large Historic Estate on the shores of Lake Winona

Photo gallery for Large Historic Estate on the shores of Lake Winona

A grand staircase with a stained glass window, wooden flooring, and a chandelier.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, green and red patterned rug, and a green armchair.
A large house with a porch, surrounded by dense trees and a lake.
A dining area with a wooden table set for six, surrounded by chairs, a chandelier, and a painting on the wall.
A bedroom with a large bed, a desk, and two chairs. There are multiple windows providing natural light and views of the outside.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

9 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12409 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Alexandria, MN
  • Place, Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Big Ole Viking Statue
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Runestone Museum
    ‪11 min walk‬

Room options

About the area

Alexandria

At this holiday home you'll be within just a 15-minute stroll of Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum and Runestone Museum. Highlights at this holiday home include a kitchen, a washing machine and a fireplace. .Home features 2.5 bathrooms, a Smart TV and a coffee/tea maker. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A hairdryer and an iron/ironing board are also available. .Sights within a 30-minute walk of this Alexandria holiday home include Big Ole Viking Statue and Alomere Health.

What's nearby

  • Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Big Ole Viking Statue - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Runestone Museum - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Douglas County Historical Society - 1 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Big Splash Indoor Waterpark - 8 min drive - 8.6 km

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Angelinas - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Taco John's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Eagles 3063 - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

Large Historic Estate on the shores of Lake Winona

Welcome to {Starling House}. This spacious historic home is an architectural gem nestled in the heart of Alexandria’s historic district on the shores of peaceful Lake Winona. This elegant estate built in 1909 boasts 8 bedrooms plus a seasonal sleeping porch totaling 11 beds and 2.5 baths. With original features such as solid wood floors, stained glass, gorgeous built-ins, a grand staircase, a sleeping porch, and more, Starling House exudes charm and character on all 4 levels.

Amenities:
- Fully equipped kitchen & original butler’s pantry
- Luxurious bedding, towels & toiletries
- Complimentary Wi-Fi & smart TV
- Gas fireplace
- Pack ‘n play available for guest use
- Ample on-site parking
- Peaceful waterfront property on non-motorized lake with dock and paddleboat(Note: not an ideal swimming lake due to excessively nutrient-rich water)
- Outdoor fire pit with plenty of firewood
- Fishing rods & tackle
- Yard games
- Ping-pong table
- Seasonally decorated for fall and Christmas

Location:
Starling House is situated in the silk stocking district of Alexandria renowned for its rich history and walking distance to historic downtown. We are extremely close to the following local attractions:
- Historic downtown featuring shops and restaurants
- Legacy of the lakes museum and gardens
- Alexandria Chamber of Commerce
- Big Ole Park (Home of the farmer’s market, art market, skating rink, Big Ole statue, bike trail access)
- Runestone Museum
- Central Lakes Trail

Ideal for:
- Lodging for groups
- Family reunions
- Retreats
- Book clubs
- Bridal parties
- Holiday parties
- Photoshoots
- Weddings

Short-Term Rental License #2175

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 9 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Porch/lanai

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

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.
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • In-room accessibility
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

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
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 4,400 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 50
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 50. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock in all accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to Large Historic Estate on the shores of Lake Winona?

The closest beach to Large Historic Estate on the shores of Lake Winona is Sandy Beach (19 km).

Does Large Historic Estate on the shores of Lake Winona have a pool?

No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Large Historic Estate on the shores of Lake Winona?

No, Large Historic Estate on the shores of Lake Winona does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Large Historic Estate on the shores of Lake Winona?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Large Historic Estate on the shores of Lake Winona?

No, pets are not allowed.

Large Historic Estate on the shores of Lake Winona Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 35 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a lovely home, perfect for a girls trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gave us very comfortable space for meeting up with family here for family reunion. Enjoyed indoor and outdoor spaces, lovely weather as well!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun place to stay. Everything was as it should be.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the property!!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cool old house. Great vibe!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful and charming house for a writers’ retreat! The hosts are very responsive, and the rooms are lovely.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful old home

Great house to be with family
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a beautiful home to stay in. We were having a girls weekend and absolutely had a great time. The place and hosts were very accommodating. We would definitely stay here again if we came to Alexandria.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was very beautiful! Great location, plenty of parking, plenty of space. Host was very communicative about check in and check out. Everything went smoothly and was a great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very unique, historic property! So fun to explore the features of the home and imagine life there 100 years ago. Beautiful features and decor, fully furnished kitchen. We enjoyed the fire pit, paddleboat, scattered reading materials, and downstairs games. Though you cannot actually view the lake from the house (and cannot swim in it), it is just a few minutes from several other swimming lakes.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Golf Weekend

Beautiful Old Mansion with lots of room.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mike

Plenty of space and the game room on lower level is a great place for the family.We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Annual Buddies Golf Trip

The perfect location for our large group playing golf in the area. The many bedrooms and the several common areas, inside and outside, provide the perfect setting for a relaxing stay. Impeccably decorated and maintained historic property.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful 100 plus year old homr with true character. Plenty of rooms for all of us. Perfect for our family!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Xmas

We had a wonderful weekend get together here. Beautiful house and the hosts are excellent!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Starling 2024

Beautiful home in a nice neighborhood close to downtown and great shopping! Great place for a family to stay. Has all the amenities you need. Check-in was simple. We loved our stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Historic Home!

We truly enjoyed our annual family ladies weekend at this home. We each had our own room and the common spaces were very comfortable. Loved the historical aspect of the home. Communication from the owners was great! Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Starling House was perfect for a women’s gathering. We enjoyed the historical information on the home. The host was very responsive when we had a question. Everything was clean and well-maintained. This setting gave us easy access to pontoon rental and a visit to a winery.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Trip to Remember

We booked this stay for my sister and her bridal party. We had the most wonderful time. The house is absolutely beautiful, every single detail was so well thought out. The location of the house was perfect. I cannot recommend this place enough! Thank you so much for making this trip so memorable for my sister and her ladies!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for our large family

The house is beautiful and no detail went un-noticed. Loved how the decor and furniture felt like it fit with the history and era of the house. Plenty of space amongst the 4 levels and yard. Ample parking. Loved the dock and paddle boat. Would love to come back and do it again sometime!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gathering of Friends

Loved the property, communication with the owners, and their careful attention to details of the historic property. This was a perfect place for 8 women to connect. We each had our own room with beautiful common areas to cook, eat, and hang out together. We biked, kayaked, and hiked nearby. Loved how walkable the area was for listening to music and visiting area businesses.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Carlos Creek Girls Weekend

This property is amazing. We love the historical homes and pretended we lived in that era. The beds were comfy ,cozy and we all slept great. Easy check-in and check out is a breeze. We thought 10am was a bit early as at previous properties it was always 11am. Everything was absolutely wonderful for our stay. I would like to stay over Christmas just to see the house decorated.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Starling house was beyond amazing! I think we said 100 times how cute, pretty, and beautiful the house was. We loved that history of the house has been preserved. The amount of bedrooms was a bonus for our large group, as we didn’t have to share rooms with one another. The house is furnished with anything you could think of, and was very clean. I could go on and on about the house. 10/10 would come back to stay there again. We loved it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our laughter filled the house during our restful weekend stay

We had an amazing stay here for a long weekend celebration of friendship and sisterhood! The atmosphere was lovely and the accommodations had everything that we needed. It was great being so close to downtown, but also having a (mostly) quiet neighborhood. The race track was loud from 6:30-10:30 on Saturday and Sunday night for the holiday weekend. Other than that, it was a very peaceful experience. We want to make this trip an annual tradition!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wow! Just wow! Stayed at The Starling House for my the weekend of daughter's wedding at Carlos Creek Winery. The home is beautiful and the pictures don’t do it justice! Everything we needed was provided and our large family enjoyed every minute of our stay. The bridesmaids all got ready at the house and we took some amazing photos around the house. Thank you for helping make great memories! Will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025