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River View From Historic Mill's 2nd Floor. Rustic Timber-frame Construction
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom 2 bathrooms Sleeps 8 111.5 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Shell Rock, IA
- Benny Gambaiani Public Library2 min walk
- Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area10 min walk
- Wartburg College10 min drive
- Waterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional)29 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 8)
2nd Floor Sleeping Area
1 Double Futon and 2 Queen Beds
3rd Floor Sleeping -Add $110 a night in 2023
1 Queen Bed, 1 Double Bed and 1 Child Bed
3rd Floor Sleeping Area Continued
2 Single Beds
2 bathrooms
2nd Floor Bath
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer
3rd Floor Bath (if 3rd floor is rented)
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
River View From 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!
Relax in The Old Mill's second-floor, studio apartment 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. 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.
Belgian waffle maker. Electric skillet. Crock pot. Stand mixer.
Utensils, silverware, bed and bath 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/grill as well as a steakhouse are a short walk across the bridge. Summertime Ice Cream shop.
>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.
>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.
What 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.
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: If you rent the 2nd floor studio apartment unit, the 3rd-floor sleeping level can be rented. The 3rd floor is accessed by stairs inside the 2nd floor unit.
-- Sleeping level is $120 per night for 1 to 4 adult guests, 4 children or a combination.
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.
• 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!
Relax in The Old Mill's second-floor, studio apartment 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. 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.
Belgian waffle maker. Electric skillet. Crock pot. Stand mixer.
Utensils, silverware, bed and bath 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/grill as well as a steakhouse are a short walk across the bridge. Summertime Ice Cream shop.
>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.
>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.
What 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.
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: If you rent the 2nd floor studio apartment unit, the 3rd-floor sleeping level can be rented. The 3rd floor is accessed by stairs inside the 2nd floor unit.
-- Sleeping level is $120 per night for 1 to 4 adult guests, 4 children or a combination.
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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Water view
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10.0 out of 10, (111 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 12:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Not childproofed. Constant supervision under 5 yr.
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings and weddings
Owner's consent prior to event. Small gatherings.
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside, on porches or deck.
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
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.
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 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
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Shell Rock
Located in Shell Rock, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Waverly Municipal Golf Course and Prairie Links Golf Course & Event Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area and Shell Rock Bend Wildlife Management Area. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hunting.

Shell Rock, IA
What's nearby
- 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
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
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Diana & Daryl Pals

We are intrigued by old structures and strive to protect them. Our first restoration projects included restoring a barn and its two-story farm house that one person said should be "dozed." We disassembled a carriage house in town, numbered the boards, moved it and reassembled it on the mill property. Our latest venture has been restoration of a Queen Anne-style house. In our spare time we enjoy nature, bicycling, kayaking, and restoration of antiques. We believe the mill's awesome ambiance should be shared with others. We lived in the mill from 2002 through 2015.
Why they chose this property
Why did we buy this property in Shell Rock? The mill was here! It was waiting for a new opportunity in its long life. The challenge was to take it from a shell with minimal electricity and no plumbing to an insulated, habitable residence while retaining the charm of the massive wooden beams. The previous owner purchased the mill after the business of milling animal feed closed in 1978. He focused on saving the mill from demolition by straightening it, then working from foundation to roof replacing mortar, windows, doors, siding and shingles. We did the "easy" work - drywalling, tearing up flooring, patching floors where all the belts and chains passed through, building walls, cabinets, insulating, painting and various other chores.
Visitors remind us of the mill's fascinating character which we now take for granted. As a child, Daryl traveled across the bridge with his parents to visit relatives in a nearby town. He would stand up to see the mill. No car seats then!!
Visitors remind us of the mill's fascinating character which we now take for granted. As a child, Daryl traveled across the bridge with his parents to visit relatives in a nearby town. He would stand up to see the mill. No car seats then!!
What makes this property unique
Stay in a mill built in 1867 where craftsmanship surrounds you.
•Walls enclose the spacious bathroom & separate utility room with washer and dryer.
Architectural features:
•Massive beams, columns & their supports.
•"Floating" joists. Pulleys hang from ceiling,
• Ceiling 14 feet above the living room area & beds.
• Drywall & custom kitchen cabinets emphasize the wooden beams.
•Sliding glass doors frame the river scene. •Inside those doors, original mill flooring patched where grain chutes & belts passed through the floor. This leads to stairs that access levels above & below. (The third floor level can be added onto the second floor studio apartment. The first floor apartment are not part of this deck-level rental unit.) Windows and doors throughout the mill are framed with wood flooring salvaged from this level.
BENEFIT #2: Escape big city hustle & bustle! Enjoy nature. Relax by the river or on it! Walk onto the deck above the river. It will take your breath away! Listen to the rush of the river over the dam. First thing in the morning, gaze out at the river as it tumbles by, sparkling in the morning light. Watch dazzling sunsets. Experience Iowa's varied landscape and small town friendliness from the mill's comfortable, convenient location. Kayak, canoe or fish just steps away from the mill. River boat launches for small craft are within 1, 5 or 15 minutes. If it is not high-water, you can carry your kayak to the adjacent park, launch, paddle upstream and float back without getting in your vehicle. No kayak? Crawdaddy Outdoors rents them 6.5 miles away. Over 100 miles of hard-surfaced trails are within 1 to 25 miles. A short one is two blocks away along the river at Rasmussen Park! An eight-mile trail is one mile north. Motorcyclists can enjoy the abundance of scenic county highways in the area. Swim year round - summer @ town pool & all year @ "The W' six miles away.
BENEFIT #3: Wartburg College & University of Northern Iowa are within 6 & 22 miles.
•Walls enclose the spacious bathroom & separate utility room with washer and dryer.
Architectural features:
•Massive beams, columns & their supports.
•"Floating" joists. Pulleys hang from ceiling,
• Ceiling 14 feet above the living room area & beds.
• Drywall & custom kitchen cabinets emphasize the wooden beams.
•Sliding glass doors frame the river scene. •Inside those doors, original mill flooring patched where grain chutes & belts passed through the floor. This leads to stairs that access levels above & below. (The third floor level can be added onto the second floor studio apartment. The first floor apartment are not part of this deck-level rental unit.) Windows and doors throughout the mill are framed with wood flooring salvaged from this level.
BENEFIT #2: Escape big city hustle & bustle! Enjoy nature. Relax by the river or on it! Walk onto the deck above the river. It will take your breath away! Listen to the rush of the river over the dam. First thing in the morning, gaze out at the river as it tumbles by, sparkling in the morning light. Watch dazzling sunsets. Experience Iowa's varied landscape and small town friendliness from the mill's comfortable, convenient location. Kayak, canoe or fish just steps away from the mill. River boat launches for small craft are within 1, 5 or 15 minutes. If it is not high-water, you can carry your kayak to the adjacent park, launch, paddle upstream and float back without getting in your vehicle. No kayak? Crawdaddy Outdoors rents them 6.5 miles away. Over 100 miles of hard-surfaced trails are within 1 to 25 miles. A short one is two blocks away along the river at Rasmussen Park! An eight-mile trail is one mile north. Motorcyclists can enjoy the abundance of scenic county highways in the area. Swim year round - summer @ town pool & all year @ "The W' six miles away.
BENEFIT #3: Wartburg College & University of Northern Iowa are within 6 & 22 miles.
Languages:
English
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