Entire home

River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction

Riverfront vacation home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction

Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
TV, books
1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, WiFi
Escape big city life for smalltown friendliness and 'Iowa nice' at The Old Mill, where modern amenities blend with 1867 craftsmanship. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing or golfing nearby; then unwind by the river with a campfire and sounds of nature to lull you into relaxation.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom2 bathroomsSleeps 8111 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor Space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

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

River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction

Iowa cities and colleges 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 & free! Off-Street parking free.
Rent the 1867 Old Mill's second-floor, studio apartment unit. Relax in rustic surroundings with the comfort of modern amenities. Enjoy 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. Just imagine the architectural and engineering prowess that created Shell Rock's landmark.

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 surfaced.
• Fishing - Walleye, bass, catfish and more.
• Golfing within 10 to 30 miles.

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 near the patio (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. Below the dam is spawning territory for walleye in early spring. People fish year around.
>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. Blender.
Belgian waffle maker. Electric skillet. Crock pot. Stand mixer.
Utensils, silverware, linens, cookware, dinnerware, and bakeware. BBQ tools.
Dish soap, hand soap, detergent.

COMPLIMENTARY:
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/grill as well as a steakhouse are a short walk across the bridge. Summertime Ice Cream shop with pizza.
>24-hour convenience store: breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups, daily specials, pizzas and pastry items, heat and eat meals. Full line of hot and cold drinks. ATM. Gasoline. Propane tank exchange.
>Community outdoor pool open in summer. College wellness center with indoor pool open year round, guest passes, 5.8 miles from mill.
>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. Additional rail trail in Waverly.
>Playground equipment is behind the elementary school, diagonally across the street.

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

The Old Mill is a wonderful place to combine relaxation with nature and exercise! 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 is the studio apartment on the second floor:
- 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. Twin or full Air mattresses, sleeping bags, available for children and teens. Maximum adults = 6. Maximum occupancy 8.

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.

NOTE #1: Unit may not be suitable for active toddlers due to stairs and open areas UNLESS constantly supervised.
NOTE #2: LET US KNOW if you need a card table or TV trays.

NOTE #3: THIRD FLOOR SLEEPING LEVEL: If you rent the 2nd floor studio apartment unit, the 3rd-floor sleeping level can be rented for $120 per night. The 3rd floor is accessed by stairs inside the 2nd floor unit.
-- ADD $120 per night for 1 to 4 adult guests, + 4 children or a combination, with a
MAXIMUM OF 6 ADULTS OR 6 ADULTS + 2 CHILDREN AGE 17 AND UNDER. (added as additional beds/lodging).
PLUS $25 per stay per adult guests #5 & #6 with 6 adults maximum. No extra charge for children under 18. Air mattress, fainting couch and a small couch could sleep children.
One queen, one double, two twin beds are dorm-style with privacy curtains or a screen.

SEE MILL'S SEPARATE LISTING FOR:
VRBO PROPERTY ID #1056730 This is the mill's two-bedroom apartment unit on the 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 to ID #1136016 (second floor studio apartment unit) for:
Dorm-style, sleeping area to sleep an additional 6 adults maximum + 2 children (if two beds are shared) with full bath. (OR a combination of adults + children = 8 guests but no more than 6 adults or 6 children.)

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

From Daryl & Diana Pals, Old Mill Proprietors
NOTE #1: If you rent both 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 amenities

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
  • TV

Outdoor areas

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

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • 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
  • Smoking not allowed
  • 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

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 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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you 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 trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Call us when you depart to check-out Diana 515-491-4016. Daryl 515-491-3585
If you moved it or got it out, please return it to its spot. Exception: pillows and blankets, used kitchen, bath and bed linens . We want to wash anything you used.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

No candles or incense. No fireworks on premises.
Spray stall/bath walls after showering. Follow check-in and check-out lists.
Provide full name, age; city\state of residence for each overnight guest prior to check-in. Vehicle description and License plate/state required.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Not childproofed. Constant supervision under 5 yr.

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and weddings
Owner's consent prior to event. Small gatherings.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside, on porches or deck.

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

About the neighborhood

Map
Shell Rock, IA

What's nearby

  • Hoyt Elliot Memorial Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Benny Gambaiani Public Library - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Shell Rock Historical Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • McCauge Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area - 10 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪VFW - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction?

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

What time is check-out at River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction?

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Where is River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction located?

This family-friendly Shell Rock vacation home is located on the waterfront, within a 5-minute walk of Hoyt Elliot Memorial Park, Shell Rock Historical Museum, and Benny Gambaiani Public Library. Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area and Shell Rock County Park are also within 15 minutes.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

River View. Rent Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 63 out of 65 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 65 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 65 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 65 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Carla B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very comfortable and loved the patio and river
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vicky

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Such a unique piece of property staying at the mill. Beds were so comfortable. Lots of wonderful amenities from the host. Excellent communication.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tia B.

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

Few days stay

Loved the little extras that they put out for the guests, this makes the house different than other places we have stayed
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monica W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Extremely helpful, friendly. Most vrbos i pack a tote of things they never have or dont have enough of (griddle for pancakes, enough towels..)this has it all!!!ice-cream maker, any cooking item you can think of and enough towels!!!Amazing comfy beds and pillows! Check in was easy, communication was incredible. Highly recommend you check it out
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda P.

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

Great Place!!!

We loved staying here!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nadine J.

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

A Great Place

Wonderful place and definitely a place to stay when in the area!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

John F.

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

Historical place and fantastic stay!

We absolutely loved staying here. Everything was provided for us, a fantastic view, such a cool atmosphere, we recommend staying! The Pal's are wonderful! Restaurants are about 10 minutes away to Waverly, every place we went too was amazing!Book this place!! 5 out of 5!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leanne R.

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

Old Mill never disappoints!

This is our second Thanksgiving staying at the Old Mill. Cozy, full of history, beautiful river views! Diana was great at communicating and personalizing our stay. Thank you for another wonderful stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill H.

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

She’ll Rock

Great place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

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

Brenda B.

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

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

Jodi K., Watertown

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

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

Deborah m.

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

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

myron l.

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

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

Jodi K., Watertown

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

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

Nancy J.

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

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

William S.

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

Vacation

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

10/10 Excellent

Barbara R.

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

Great place

We enjoyed our stay. Had a little problem with TV as it flicked. Sounds of water was very relaxing. Place was very clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Steve G.

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

The Old Mill for my 40th

An amazing experience at one of Iowa's most unique VRBO locations. Six of us stayed and had a great weekend celebrating my 40th birthday and we will definitely be back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ann C.

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

Perfect Spot

The Mill is wonderful and perfect! It has everything you need and things you didn’t know you needed! We appreciate everything you did for us.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Eugene L.

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

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

Jason W.

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

Excellent small town experience

We came from nearby Cedar Falls to enjoy a nice weekend in a great property overlooking a river and to experience small(er) town life. The whole weekend was great: trail bike ride, trail walk, disc golf, pizza, ice cream, river view, deck, bats, sunsets, comfortable/quaint/tastefully-appointed quarters. Very recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Leanne R.

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

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

Lindsey T., Iowa

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

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

Kathy P.

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

Unique historical stay

We loved the historical aspect of staying at this unique old Mill VRBO. Everything we needed was right there. Diana was helpful answering our questions. We loved watching the fisherman by the dam. Shellrock was such a quaint welcoming town. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021