Entire home

1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River

Escape to a charming getaway where history meets comfort. Take in breathtaking sunsets from your deck overlooking the river.

Photo gallery for 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River

Beach
Interior
Exterior
TV, DVD player, books
Outdoor dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8111 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor Space
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

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.

Property manager

Diana & Daryl Pals

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Blender
  • Spices
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

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

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV
  • DVD player
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

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

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near laundromat

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
  • 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 center
  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • In a village

Things to do

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

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Composting
  • Recycling
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
  • Water-efficient showers only
  • Unit size: 1200 sq ft (111 sq m)

Similar properties

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 11:00 AM
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: 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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Preapproval required for small family gatherings.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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

About the neighborhood

Map
Shell Rock, IA

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

Frequently asked questions

Is 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River?

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River located?

Located in the heart of Shell Rock, this vacation home is steps from Hoyt Elliot Memorial Park and Benny Gambaiani Public Library. Shell Rock Historical Museum and Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area are also within 10 minutes.

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1867 Timber-framed Flour Mill's 1st Floor Apartment Overlooks Shell Rock River Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 96 out of 104 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 104 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 104 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 104 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 104 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Justine B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Small Town Vibes
Excellent views and location! This historic structure is so neat. We enjoyed our stay with friends and would definitely come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Barn Tour weekend
Our second time at the Mill. Just as well he first time it was excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Mike D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Old Mill
We enjoyed our stay in the historic mill on the Shell Rock River. It was a peaceful stay. There was a nice walking path along the river, and Waverly was only a few miles away for fun shopping and restaurants. Our favorite eateries wereThe Wild Carrot.and the Other Place.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
I enjoyed staying at the mill. It was very comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hannah P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relax by the Shell Rock River
As a guest here, lacked for nothing. Diana and Daryl were gracious in their welcome. Very reasonable rate, easy to clean up. The best part was having the rushing waters of the Shell Rock River right out the window. Like a lullabye.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allison S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
First Time College Parents
We stayed here due to the close proximity to Waverly where our daughter is attending college as a Freshman. It was so convenient to be able to go back and forth for all of the activities planned for move-in weekend. Our younger children took advantage of fishing on the river and treated us to a fish fry at night.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Old Mill is a gem
We enjoyed our stay at the Old Mill. We rented the street-level apartment which was perfect for the four of us. The kids enjoye d the toys and we all had fun playing some board games. The place was very clean. There were some Asian beetles present but this was not unique to just this property. We saw them everywhere we went around Shell Rock, Waverly, Cedar Falls, etc. Just that time of the year. We would definitely stay again. saw them everyhey were
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Must stay at property.
The hospitality was above and beyond any expectation, communication was excellent. The cleanliness and everything was awesome! The view of the river was amazing. HIGHLY RECOMMEND STAYING HERE!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The mill had a great atmosphere. We enjoyed the river, and the park next to the mill. The nice grill was a great benefit as well. The owners were very friendly and responsive.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terri S.

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

Jon

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Could use some new mattresses
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
River property
Was a great place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Hannah S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adorable
The Old Mill is an adorable space! Every detail has been thought of from the basket of snacks to the stocked coffee/tea bar to a gluten free waffle mix to the toiletries to yoga mats and kids toys! Everything we could possibly need was provided! The evenings listening to the sound of the damn just outside the home was so peaceful and the perfect way to relax after a busy day!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda R., St Paul, MN

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

8/10 Good

Kenna A.

Great peaceful retreat
The Pals were wonderful hosts, and we couldn’t have asked for a better-appointed, more relaxing place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jill M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another perfect trip!
Our second stay at The Mill was perfect! We always have everything we need and more provided! Great location and perfect place to enjoy family time tighter!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wedding weekend!
We had a wonderful stay at the old inn! Very unique property and fun location!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Todd G., Nampa

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome Place!!!
This place was amazing and the perfect place to stay for vacation. They offered so much more than we were expecting, the place was well equipped and the owners were very amazing and helpful, we can't say enough great things about them. We would stay here anytime and hope to return in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Robin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place
Had a great time exploring the area. Place was clean, unique, and had everything one could need. Owners are polite and friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeff E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend Visit
My brothers and I grew up in Waverly and came into town for the weekend to visit. We loved everything about the property and the location next to the river is great. We will definitively stay here again when we come back to the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elisa E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay!
Daryl and Diana were excellent hosts. Everything needed for a most enjoyable stay was provided. The snacks, coffee and personalized note were such nice touches. We will definitely return to The Mill!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Holly F.

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

10/10 Excellent

Susan Y.

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

Gary G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great ztay
Very nice
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023