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

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Interior
Aerial view
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Outdoor dining
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom2 bathroomsSleeps 81200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Washer
    Washer
  • Hot Tub
    Hot Tub
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Shell Rock, IA
  • Wartburg College
    8 min drive
  • Waverly Municipal Golf Course
    10 min drive
  • University of Northern Iowa
    25 min drive
  • Waterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional)
    24 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Shell Rock

Located in Shell Rock, this vacation home is on the waterfront, within a 10-minute drive of Wartburg College and Heery Woods State Park. .This family-friendly vacation home is 6.2 mi (10 km) from Waverly Municipal Golf Course and 6.7 mi (10.7 km) from Waverly Dog Park.

What's nearby

  • Wartburg College - 8 min drive - 5.7 miles
  • Cedar Falls Community Main Street - 21 min drive - 19.2 miles
  • UNI-Dome - 25 min drive - 21.5 miles
  • University of Northern Iowa - 25 min drive - 21.5 miles
  • Young Arena - 27 min drive - 24.9 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Vfw Waverly - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Four Queens - ‬9 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.

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

Iowa cities and colleges within 10 to 25 minutes:
• Cedar Falls -University of Norther⁷n 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.




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 bar and grill are a short walk across the bridge.
>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.

NOTE: If you rent the 2nd floor, deck-level 0. The sleeping level is accessed by stairs inside the deck unit.
-- Sleeping level is $120 per night for 1 to 4 adult guests, 4 children or a combination.
PLUS $25 per stay per adult for 5 to 8 adult guests. No extra charge for children under 18.



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 (1st floor) and #1136016 (2nd floor):
To sleep 12 adults if beds are shared.

ADD THE 3RD-FLOOR, dorm-style, sleeping area:
To #1136016 (2nd-floor) to sleep an additional 6 adults + 2 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.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private balcony. Wireless internet access (surcharge) keeps you connected, and a Smart television is provided for your entertainment. The bathroom has a jetted bathtub and a hair dryer.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a spa tub or take in the view from a garden.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Diana & Daryl Pals

Languages

English

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

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
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • 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
  • Smoke-free property
  • 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

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM
Contactless check-out available

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 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

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 54 out of 56 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 56 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 56 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 56 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 56 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amanda P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place!!!
We loved staying here!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark R., Lake Clarke Shores

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Place
I have been staying at this historic place now for three straight years. Simply put there isn't a better place to stay on a vacation. The owners are the nicest people to work with, they treat you like family. They supply almost everything you need...just bring your suitcase because that is all you really need. This historic mill is quiet, except for the falls outside that put you to sleep or create a peaceful calm, it's always clean, and it's right downtown in Shell Rock. Look no further than this serene setting for a place to stay whenever you are staying anywhere close to Shell Rock Iowa!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nadine J.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Great Place
Wonderful place and definitely a place to stay when in the area!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey T., Iowa

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy and unique historic stay
We had a wonderful stay! We enjoyed starting our days with the complimentary Belgian waffles, exploring the area, then coming "home" to the mill for a relaxing evening. Diana and Daryl are great hosts and have added so many thoughtful details that make this a comfortable place to stay. Upkeep on historic homes is a labor of love and it is clear they have it in spades! We hope to come back when it's warmer so we can spend more time enjoying local parks and the amazing view from the mill's deck.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jodi K., Watertown

Liked: Cleanliness
Another Great Stay at the Mill
We've stayed here several times and always enjoy it. The Mill is very comfortable and it has everything you need. Diana and Daryl are great to deal with. It is a great place to stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend getaway
We had a great stay this weekend. The mill was so quiet and peaceful. The owners were wonderful to work with and there was nothing that we needed that they hadn’t already thought of.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

January M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing!!
We absolutely loved the ambience. It was such a relaxing atmosphere. The sound of the water as we sat on the deck, the cozy feeling inside the mill, I can't think of anything that I could even compare it to. I loved everything about the whole experience!!! Thank you so very much!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jill H.

Liked: Cleanliness
She’ll Rock
Great place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debora B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Love the coziness & living in the past.
Those steps are a killer for this 65 year old, with a bum knee, but so worth it! All the detail, extras & time you put into this exquisite, quaint, "home away from home" was very appreciated! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark R., Lake Clarke Shores

Liked: Cleanliness
Home away from Home!
This historic place was beautiful, tranquil, and a home away from home atmosphere! I visit Iowa every year and I will never book a place to stay except for the "Old Mill" owned by Mr. & Mrs. Pals. The Pals treat you like family and make you feel very welcome in their place. You literally just have to bring clothes because everything else is supplied for you! As I wrote them they are the best hosts I have ever stayed with! Look no further than the Old Mill in Shell Rock Iowa if you need a place to stay! Definitely 5 out of 5 stars! I promise you that you will enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the beauty of this old renovated flour mill just as I did!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cathy M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Really enjoyed the unique setting.
Loved the old mill. Setting was beautiful along the river and close to eating establishments and walking/biking trail.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Deborah m.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wedding weekend
We were in the area for a wedding and this was the perfect place to stay with extended family. Very unique property in nice location!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jodi K., Watertown

Liked: Cleanliness
Another Great Stay at the Mill
Second time at this property and we had another great stay. This place is very homey and they have everything you need. Thanks so much and we hope to stay again soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Escape
A clean, quiet, beautiful space to escape. Comfortable. Well appointed. Nice soak in the claw foot tub. Helpful communication from owners
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Troy K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Heaven on earth
Simply if it’s not already stocked for your use at this rental you don’t need it. Everything is well-maintained and extremely clean. The fishing for walleyes was excellent. The beds were very comfortable in the kitchen was well stocked. This is my second time renting at this location and I would highly recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021