Entire home

1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks

Holiday home in Boone with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for 1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks

Children staying during the "Santa Train Season" get a gift under the tree.
Close to Santa Express Train @ Boone Scenic Valley RR & Museum Tickets-bsvrr.com
Decorated with Holiday Spirit end of November thru 1st week of January
Holiday decorations & stocked with cookies, hot cocoa & marshmallows -coffee too
Decorated with Holiday Spirit end of November thru 1st week of January

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 10164.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Boone, IA
  • Place, Birthplace of Mamie D. Eisenhower
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Gabrielson Clinic for Women
    ‪13 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Living Room 1

1 Queen Bed

The Eisenhower Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

The Kate Shelley Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

The Prairie Rose Bedroom

2 Double Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

1st Floor Half Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

2nd Floor Full Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks

Step Back in Time – with Modern Comforts!
Featured in the 2025 Travel Iowa Guide (pg.94)

The 607 Guest House is a 150+ year-old vintage vacation rental that was once owned by railroad tycoon John Insley Blair. Built in 1867—the same year Iowa's first railroad tracks were laid—this thoughtfully restored home highlights its historic charm, allowing you to immerse yourself in Boone’s rich history while enjoying modern-day conveniences like a heated bathroom floor and zoned central air. After sitting vacant for years, the home has been lovingly brought back to life, with the interior carefully restored to reveal its original beauty. The exterior retains its original character, with future updates planned to further showcase its 1800s roots.

Inside, you’ll discover artwork, décor, and details inspired by Trains, Iowa, and the Midwest, making your stay a true Boone experience. From its original heart pine floors to restored windows with working pulleys and leaded glass panes, history comes alive in this one-of-a-kind stay. Whether you're here for adventure, relaxation, or a step back in time, the 607 Guest House is more than just a place to sleep—it’s an experience.

SLEEP IN COMFORT & PRIVACY
Accommodating up to 10 guests (2 per bed), featuring 3 themed bedrooms + additional sleeping space:
• The Kate Shelley Room (1st Floor): Queen Bed + En-suite Half Bath
• The Eisenhower Room (2nd Floor): Queen Bed
• The Prairie Rose Room (2nd Floor): Two Double Beds
• Living Room: Queen Sealy AlwayzAire Mattress with headboard (adjusts to your preferred firmness)

WAKE UP TO BREAKFAST – ON US!
Unlike most vacation rentals, we provide complimentary self-made breakfast options including:
• Pancake mix, oatmeal, and toppings (chocolate chips, sprinkles, powdered sugar)
• Coffee Bar with Keurig, French Press & Drip Coffee makers, creamer & flavorings like Caramel Latte, Chocolate Creme & Sugar-Free Hazelnut.

RELAX, COOK & GATHER
• Living Room: Cozy couches, blankets, fireplace, Smart 4K Roku TV, desk
• Dining Room: Large table for 6+, perfect for meals, games, puzzles & more
• Kitchen: Fully stocked with full-size appliances, cookware, utensils & dishes

MODERN AMENITIES WITH VINTAGE CHARM
• Two Bathrooms (Full upstairs, half downstairs) stocked with toiletries
• Spacious Off-Street Parking (Motion-activated security light)
• Walkable Location – Steps from dining, attractions & a short drive to Ames & Des Moines

EXCLUSIVE GUEST PERKS! (No Other Stay Offers These!)
We’ve partnered with local businesses to offer you exclusive discounts & freebies during your stay like:
• NO hidden CLEANING FEES
• Rail Explorers: FREE Tote Bag (1 per reservation)
• Seven Oaks Rec: 15% OFF activities (except snow tubing)
• Lavender Basket: $10 Gift Certificate (Pretzels, Boba Drinks & More!)
• Bottled Bliss: Special Guest Discount
(Find More at 607GuestHouse.com)

KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK: No Fine Print, Just Transparency
We want your stay to be amazing, but please note:
• No pets allowed (Cleaning fee applies if a pet is brought on the property.)
• Rate Based on Occupancy, Additional guest(s) fee may apply
• No smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes indoors (Designated outdoor area available)
• No parties/events (Family gatherings with approval are welcome—just ask!)
• Max 10 registered guests (No overnight unregistered guests—please update your reservation)
• Security Notice: Property has a Ring Smart Doorbell at the front entrance.

Ready to book? Have questions? Text, email, or call anytime!
Visit 607GuestHouse.com to see local events & plan your stay.

With so much to enjoy—history, comfort, and special bonuses—you’ll want to "EXTEND YOUR STAY Because "WHERE YOU STAY should be part of YOUR DESTINATION EXPERIENCE, too."

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 20
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Baby gate provided-don't leave children unattended
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Host's Expressed permission required for gathering
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Designated smoking area outside on back patio.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Return Remotes & Furniture to Original Locations
Pay for Any Additional Overnight Guests
Don't forget! You're invited to the Sign the Guestbook & Leave a Review on what you enjoyed most!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
NO STEALING -theft will not be tolerated. Any theft of furnishings, supplied kitchen wares or decor may result in prosecution and VRBO notification.
DECLARE ALL PERSONS STAYING -be honest, select total number of people staying. Falsified bookings -VRBO will be notified and may result in charges.
BE RESPECTFUL OF PROPERTY AND NEIGHBORS

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, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 16
Note from host: Host's Expressed permission required for gathering
Long-term renters welcome
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Boone

Located in Boone, this holiday home is in the city centre. Honey Creek Golf Club and Seven Oaks Recreation are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum and Iowa Arboretum. Furman Aquatic Center and Trailhead Park and Arboretum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Boone, IA

What's nearby

  • Birthplace of Mamie D. Eisenhower - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Gabrielson Clinic for Women - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • McHose Park - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Iowa State University - 15 min drive - 23.5 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 62 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Taco John's - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Scooter’s Coffee - ‬10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is 1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at 1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks located?

Located in the heart of Boone, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Birthplace of Mamie D. Eisenhower and Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum. Gabrielson Clinic for Women and McHose Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 56 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 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

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bob M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We couldn't have had a better experience. Perfect for our group of 4. Alison was a wonderful host. Great communication - we will stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brooke V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Alison is truly personable and made the stay so nice with all her extra touches. She truly cares and wants you to have the best stay. Highly recommend. Also so close to the train.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent location for a weekend stay of a family reunion at Ledges and golf at Honey Creek. We appreciated all the amenities. Will definitely be staying again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brad C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay over a long weekend. Lovely older house that had a fantastic train theme that our boys loved! Plus the newly opened up front porch was great for morning coffee.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

John W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Alison is the greatest!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shannon S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home with original oak floors and trim. It was warm and cozy for a winter stay. The ground floor bedroom and half bath were perfect for the grandparents who would prefer to avoid steps. Host shoveled the snow several times to ensure we safely walked to the car. I want to go back in warmer weather just to sit on the inviting front porch!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What an awesome place for us! Thank you for everything. We will be keeping yopu in our contacts!!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill D.

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

Dobson Family Stay

Would stay there again and highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This was an awesome place! The host went above and beyond for the comfort of our stay. If i could give 100 stars, i would.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jaime & Ann S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We only had an overnight stay here, but we were very impressed with the accommodations and the attention to the guests needs. We loved the special touches like the multiple options for coffee, tea and cocoa. They also provided snacks and breakfast choices of oatmeal and pancakes. Alison was very prompt with answers to any questions we had and worked with us for an early arrival time. Definitely a 5 star review from us!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sally J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at the 607 Guest house! The decor was exquisite, the house was spotless, the host was awesome. It was easy to get to and easy to get in. We were treated like guests not housekeepers!We spent the evening on the front porch watching/listening to the rain after our trip on the bike rail.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

JEFFREY H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
From booking to checkout, Allison (Host) was top-notch. Great communication, gracious and hospitable. Beautiful 1800's interior with all needed updates and comforts of today. Well stocked / equipped kitchen. Quaint decor emphasizing train themed history of the town and the home. In town for to ride Santa Express and Allison went above and beyond with tasteful holiday decor and gifts for the toddlers. Highly recommend 607 Guest House and will stay again when return in summer for the pedal train!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place was perfect for our needs- its a real easy quick drive to ISU where we attended the football tailgate. So much more affordable than the crazy hotel room prices during game weekends! The house was clean and perfect space for our group. Super comfy bedding, clean baths (one up and one down). We loved the unique character of the home and all the little extra touches- interesting to learn about the Boone history. LOVED OUR stay and would recommend and book again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bobbi D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely property. Super clean. Beds were comfy. Loved Boone-Oply. Close to town. Within walking distance. We ate at 2 places in town. Both food and service were great. Whistle Stop & El Viejo. We came into town for Rail Explorers which was a blast! If we are ever in Boone again I would book again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natalie H.

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

Rail tours trip

Loved this house. Very clean and the host is a delight
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family loved staying at the 607 house. It was a convenient location for visiting with family in Boone. The house is very clean and charming. Our grandchildren loved all the details added for kids and counting all of the trains throughout every room. We used the front porch often. There was plenty of seating for all of us to visit, play board games, and watch cars go by. We enjoyed the breakfast choices left for us in the kitchen, and the beds were very comfortable. We plan on staying here again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kris K.

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

Passing through

Awesome overnight in Boone. Everything was perfect!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kellie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was charming, clean, comfortable, and well supplied. The little touches including coffee and treats were a pleasant surprise. The property manager, Alison, was amazing! Lookong forwars to our next visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carissa C.

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

Perfect Location in Boone!

Such a clean and welcoming house with character and original woodwork charm. The host provided all the extras that we would need. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Crystal Pineda

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This was a beautiful home. Our group really enjoyed it and would definitely stay here again. The hosts were very accommodating and made it easy to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Allison D.

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

Lovely stay!

We stayed here and walked to Rail Explorers for a fun adventure. The house is charming and historical. Lots of thoughtful amenities.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barb J.

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

Family fun.

Highly recommend, so nice for a family of 8.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Venessa M.

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

So cozy!

This was a beautiful place! It had everything we need and then some. They went above and beyond for my sons birthday. They had every detail just right and gave us tons of information and little goodies to feel at home away from home.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

John B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magnificent Property! Great attention to detail by the host. Wonderful extras included from no cleaning fee to make your own breakfast to goodies to area information to games and so much more! A great thing was no air fresheners and the great museum like quality of the decorations and descriptions of the art.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ellen W.

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

Excellent stay in Boone

Lovely older restored home with beautiful woodwork in the heart of Boone, walk to everything. Near state parks and the Iowa Arboretum, ISU, etc. Very well equipped and the host communication was excellent. Recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

About the host

Hosted by Alison

Host profile image
Current owners, Eric & Alison, bought this property after it had been left vacant for a few years as their first home and have worked on restoring some of its natural beauty, charm and history while incorporating modern day conveniences. The couple formerly from Illinois, raised a family in the home while restoring it until they moved to "newer" Boone home built in 1870. We love the character and charm that "vintage" homes bring and it takes a special person to appreciate the "challenges" that they often present too, but it is rewarding to see History Come Back to Life!

Why they chose this property

Next to downtown Boone, it's walking distance to many attractions and restaurants including: Boone Scenic Valley Rail Road & Rail Explorers, Boone River Valley Brewing, Downtown Boone, Mamie Eisenhower's Birthplace and a short drive to the Ames and Des Moines areas. If safety is your concern, this friendly neighborhood property is located 5 blocks or 0.3 miles from the Boone Fire Department and located 5 blocks or 0.3 miles from the Boone Police Department.

What makes this property unique

This is a ONE-OF-A-KIND vacation rental to EXPERIENCE. Formerly owned by Railroad Tycoon, John Insley Blair, this is a 150+ years old home that was built in 1867. The same year the first railroad tracks were laid in Iowa. Immerse your stay in the Boone, Iowa experience with the added artwork, decor and charm themed with Trains, Iowa and the Midwest in this vacation property referred to as the 607 Guest House.

The home’s interior has been restored to bring back some of its natural beauty, charm and history, while incorporating modern day conveniences like a heated bathroom floor and Zoned Central Air Conditioning System. From refinishing the 150+ years old heart pine floors to restoring the interior wood windows with functional weights & pulleys and maintaining the original lead glass window panes, it’s an ongoing process that we will continue to the exterior. While you enjoy the Iowa/Midwest history and train decor throughout this home built in 1867, please remember to leave a 5-star review for others to find this unique experience too.

*BONUS*
The 607 Guest House is excited to be a PREFERRED PLACE TO STAY with the Rail Explorers, Boone, Iowa Division! When you stay at the 607 Guest House and attend your Rail Explorers Reservation, mention you're staying at the "607 GUEST HOUSE" and you will receive a FREE Rail Explorers Tote Bag. This Explorers exclusive bag will be perfect for carrying all your belongings on board your rail bike while you enjoy the breathtaking, scenic views of your Boone, Iowa tour. (You get 1 bag per Rail Explorers Reservation when you mention the 607 Guest House.)

Languages:

English

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