Serene rural accommodations minutes away from Ames and Iowa State University
Loya's Little House B&B sits on 12 acres of Grandad's Farm just north of Des Moines and Ames, Iowa. The beautiful four bedroom, four bath house is surrounded by landscaped gardens and flowing water features. Our two farms have a total of 5 miles of trails to explore. Access to the river for kayaking or canoeing is available on site, one mile north, and one mile south. Families can use the big, fully equipped kitchen for preparing meals. The house also includes lovely furnishings and original artwork. By booking the entire house, guests have exclusive access to the house's common living areas. Our place is good for families (with kids) and big groups.
Guests will have access to the entire main level of the house and the extra room above the conference room. They also have access to the front patio, the two decks, and the paver patio with a dual barbecue grill outside the kitchen. The property also provides three large lawns with various lawn games available and hiking trails through tall grass prairies. These trails also have 50 active bluebird boxes. A great spot for birdwatchers!
This property does not charge any hidden fees. We only ask guests to clean up the kitchen before they leave (fill and start the dishwasher) and to take empty cans and bottles with them. We do all the stripping of the beds and laundry. We guarantee this property has no hidden cameras.
While the innkeepers are on site, they do not share any living quarters with guests and are available for questions and assistance as needed.
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Guests can, with the agreement from the hosts, have small gatherings. This does not mean the guests can have a large, unlimited party.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1995143vb
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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
About the area
Ames
Located in Ames, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Wilson Farm Prairie and Ada Hayden Heritage Park, while Farm House Museum and Stephens Auditorium are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Story City Carousel, or check out an event or a game at Jack Trice Stadium. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the sledging and ice skating.
Main Street Cultural District - 17 min drive - 18.3 km
Iowa State University - 19 min drive - 20.1 km
Jack Trice Stadium - 21 min drive - 23.2 km
Getting around
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 81 min drive
Restaurants
Casey's - 17 min drive
Casey's - 20 min drive
Arby's - 21 min drive
McDonald's - 17 min drive
Starbucks - 20 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Serene rural accommodations minutes away from Ames and Iowa State University pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Serene rural accommodations minutes away from Ames and Iowa State University?
As of 4 August 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Serene rural accommodations minutes away from Ames and Iowa State University on 11 August 2026 start from NZ$1,018, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Serene rural accommodations minutes away from Ames and Iowa State University?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Serene rural accommodations minutes away from Ames and Iowa State University?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Serene rural accommodations minutes away from Ames and Iowa State University?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Serene rural accommodations minutes away from Ames and Iowa State University located?
This family-friendly Ames holiday home is located on a river, 5.7 mi (9.2 km) from Story City Carousel, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Furman Aquatic Center and Octagon Center for the Arts. Iowa State University and Main Street Cultural District are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We enjoyed the home, gardens and artwork immensely. There is plenty of seating inside and out, and the kitchen is very well stocked for any cooking plans you might have.
The accommodations were very nice! For our group, it turned out not to have enough private bedrooms! Also, the toilets are VERY low and a bit difficult to use! However, the location was very good and the kitchen was well stocked!
Beautiful home with amazing art, space and supplies nestled in the country along a river. Plenty of outdoor activities to be had along with firepit and tables that overlook the countryside. Comfy beds, sauna and fireplace to enjoy our weekend.
Rebecca H.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 November 2024
Thanks for your nice comments, Rebecca. We are glad you enjoyed your stay. We appreciate how your family respected the property. The house was in great shape when you left. Please come stay with us again. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Denise and Peter
Thank you for opening your property to us. It was the perfect location for our chapter FFA officers to bond, develop leadership skills and plan activities for the upcoming year. There were plenty of bedrooms, beds and bathrooms for our large group. We enjoyed the beautiful gardens, peaceful location and overall relaxing atmosphere. The artwork throughout the house was an absolute delight. So many beautiful and interesting pieces. Thank you again. Hoping to return in the future.
Innkeepers Denise and Dean Biechler, have lived at the end of 160th St., for nearly 40 years. They were friends with four of the Grandad's Farm generations and were thrilled when the Getz/Vance family approached them about buying it. Acquisition of Grandad's Farm helps expand the dreams the Biechlers have shared with their children to establish a farm that uses sustainable farming practices, nourishing both the soil and their family. They are proud to be able to share the beauty of the Skunk River Valley, the beauty of both Grandad's Farm and RiverRidge Farm, and the farming practices recommended by the leaders in sustainable agriculture.
Dean retired from Iowa State University as an instructor in the Biomedical, Pre-medical Illustration Program. He has operated a free-lance illustration studio from his home for many years. He is also a farmer who raises extensive vegetable gardens, chickens, eggs, grass fed beef, and hay. Dean has a special interest in birds. He has built and maintained a 50 house bluebird trail for the past 30 years, fledging approximately 1000 baby bluebirds over those years.
Denise taught high school English for 32 years. She works along with Dean on the farm. She has a special interest in wildflowers and garden blooms. Denise loves literature and movies with interesting characters and good stories.
Why they chose this property
The house sits tucked back into the Skunk River Valley, surrounded by timber, prairies, and the natural beauty of central Iowa. Guests get to enjoy watching all the local birds as they visit our extensive feeder system and walk among beautiful flower gardens.
What makes this property unique
As many guests have noted on previous stays, the house very much feels like home. The house is equipped with all the comforts of home away from home. We make sure to provide lots of comfortable seating areas throughout with great views of the beautiful property outside. Every wall in the house features original artwork from local artists and adds to the beauty of the hand-crafted word work throughout the house.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests