This holiday home puts you in the heart of Shell Rock, within steps of Hoyt Elliot Memorial Park and Benny Gambaiani Public Library. Highlights at this holiday home include a kitchen, a washing machine and free WiFi. .You can enjoy a TV with a DVD player, and home features 1.5 bathrooms, a balcony and a sofa bed. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A living room, a coffee/tea maker and a hairdryer are also available. Housekeeping is available on request. .This smoke-free holiday home offers a garden and barbecues. Added amenities include laundry facilities. .Sights within a 15-minute walk of this Shell Rock holiday home include Shell Rock Historical Museum and Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area.
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
Den-Rittersaal Restaurant - 9 min drive
Starbucks - 8 min drive
Casey's General Store - 8 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.
1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River
Before you enter the 1st floor, 2-bedroom apartment under the red porch roof, view the graceful, 100+ year-old bridge's arches where the river dances. If you're a history, architecture or engineer buff, you'll find The Old Mill's interior structure 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 attend the University of Northern Iowa or Wartburg events, to shop Cedar Falls, Waterloo or Waverly, Iowa, or to host family gatherings. Inside, 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 40-by-30 foot framework for this five-story mill. NOTE #1: Three of the five levels can be rented. The 1st floor's two-bedroom, 1,200 square-foot apartment is Vrbo property ID# 1056730. SEE NOTE #2 BELOW.
The limestone foundation is 4 feet thick at its base and 3-feet where the basement meets the 1st floor. Sunlight streams through 6-pane windows removed from the mill prior to 1985; then reinstalled in 2011 above the interior doors of the two bedrooms and full bathroom.
●1,200 square foot, 2-bedroom, 1.5 bath, 1st floor (also referred to as street-level) apartment is furnished with antiques and decorated with mill artifacts. ●BEDROOMS ▪︎Larger bedroom has a queen bed and walnut gentleman's dresser with mirror and marble inset between the handkerchief drawers. ▪︎Smaller bedroom has a full bed and an antique, spoon-carved commode. ▪︎Bedrooms have river views. ●Red accent walls remind you of barns from earlier days. ●BATHROOMS ▪︎ Full bath has a tub/shower combination and large vanity with single sink. ▪︎ Half bath has a pedestal sink, toilet and washer/dryer. ●Towels, linens, hair dryer, soap and shampoo are provided.
● LIVINGROOM ▪︎ 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.
●DINING AREA: Antique-oak table seats four to six with an eclectic mix of captains chairs and walnut chairs with caned seats. ●KITCHEN: Open to both living and dining areas with plenty of cabinets and counter space. Maple flooring from 1940's country school. ▪︎ Fully equipped plus basic, complimentary provisions including: popcorn, coffee pods, tea, hot cocoa, sugar, spices, waffle mix, syrup and cooking oil; plates, mugs, glasses, flatware; casserole dishes, baking and muffin pans. ▪︎ Appliances: Prepare popcorn or a four-course meal using the microwave, blender, electric glass-top range, oven, refrigerator and crock pot. A dishwasher and double-sink make your clean-up easy. ▪︎Coffee pots: drip, old gold perk, modern Keurig, plus a toaster and Belgian waffle maker are within easy reach for a cozy breakfast. ▪︎Prefer not to cook? Convenience gas station five blocks away has prepared foods or heat and eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. ▪︎Bar/cafe across the river with pub food. Steak house across the river. ▪︎Waverly has breakfast spots ten minutes away, plus fast food and local eateries.
●WiFi is at the mill!
●PRIVATE ENTRANCE overlooks the Shell Rock River, a tiny perennial garden and a sidewalk to the river's edge. ●PARKING. Off-street parking for vehicles, including recreational vehicles, is on-site just steps from the porch entry.
●LAWN ORNAMENTS Remnants including massive turbines, partial millstones, and metal parts are in the mill's park-like setting. ●DECK (also referred to as balcony) Respect the second floor guests' privacy if you walk up the mill's outside stairs to a deck 25 feet above the river. 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 gear. ●CITY PARK Is adjacent to the mill property and overlooks the dam. The shelter can be rented with picnic tables, adjacent deck, modern restrooms and electric outlets. ●BOAT LAUNCH beyond the park above the dam allows small craft, kayaks and canoes to go upstream.
●PATIO. Listen to nature calling as you relax on the private patio overlooking the river, flanked by a rustic bridge railing and millstones. A gas 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 soar over in summer or perch on ice above the dam as they enjoy their morning meal in winter. At night you may catch a glimpse of a deer, raccoons, beaver or otter in the yard.
● OWNERS' favorite day involves launching kayaks at Heery Woods Park near Clarksville, Iowa (hometown 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. ●BICYCLES. Bring yours! 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.
●LANDMARK. 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. ▪︎FOLLOW CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT INSTRUCTIONS, INCLUDING CONTACTING THE OWNER WHEN YOU ARRIVE AND WHEN YOU LEAVE.
THE MILL'S FIRST FLOOR on the street level is Vrbo property ID # 1056730 (Headline: 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor...) Under this ID you are renting the two-bedroom apartment. •Private entrance. •Two-night minimum stay. Three-night minimum for special rates OR during holiday, summer or seasonal events. •Weekly rates available. •Maximum six adults plus two small children if beds are shared OR children/teens sleep on air mattress and couch. No extra charge for children under 18.
■NOTE #2: The deck-level (aka balcony on second floor) is a studio apartment of The Pals' Old Mill. It is available separately under ID #1136016 (sleeps 6 if beds are shared). RENT BOTH 1056730 and 1136016 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 Bed, Bath & Kitchen Linens & Towels provided (Bring your own beach towels) Off-street parking Washer & dryer Hairdryer Board games and cards.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS & SERVICES - MOST WITHIN ONE MILE ATM Bank Bar & Grill Beauty salons Bicycle Trails 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 in Cedar Falls and Waterloo, Iowa.
Similar properties
River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction
River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction
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
No lift
Stair-free path to entrance
Thin carpet in public areas
Tile flooring in public areas
Well-lit path to entrance
Smoke-free property
Note from host: NOT inside or within 25 ft of mill. Built in 1867
Services and conveniences
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Housekeeping (on request)
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
In the city centre
Near a hospital
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Bicycle parking
Golf
Kayak
Tennis
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Swimming nearby
Water tubing 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
Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
Bed sheets changed on request
Bicycle parking
Cleaning products are eco-friendly
Composting
Comprehensive recycling policy
Eco-friendly toiletries
Garden
Housekeeping (on request)
Local culture and ecosystem education
Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
Towels (changed on request)
Unit size: 1,200 square feet
Water-efficient showers
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 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to 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 rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Put furniture and items back where you found them UNLESS items are throws or used linens. We want to wash all used linens, including mattress and pillow protectors, throws, comforters, pillows.
Call or text us when you lockup/ leave 515-491-4016 OR 515-491-3585.
Safe travels. Thanks for choosing The Old Mill!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
CALL when you arrive.
CALL when you depart no matter what time it is. Thanks.
Follow "Check Out" list on refrigerator: strip bed linens. Leave by bed. Start dishwasher or wash dishes. Take trash & recycling to outside bins.
No burning candles or incense.
No fireworks on property.
No smoking inside, on deck, porches or patio. The Old Mill was built in 1867.
Pets
No pets allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Note from host: Supervise kids due to RIVER, stairs & street!
Events
No events allowed
Preapproval required for small family gatherings.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
NOT inside or within 25 ft of mill. Built in 1867
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
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.
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Note from host: Preapproval required for small family gatherings. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
Does 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River have a pool?
No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.
Is 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River family-friendly?
You bet! With amenities such as laundry facilities and a BBQ, as well as children's dinnerware and children's books, it's no surprise that 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River is a winner with our family travellers.
Is there a free airport shuttle available at 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River?
No, 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River does not offer an airport shuttle service.
What time are check-in & check-out at 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River?
Check-in begins at 12:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Are pets allowed at 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River?