Entire home

Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination

Photo gallery for Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination

Donkeytown view from road
Exterior
Property grounds
Golf
You never know who is coming to visit you.
Reviews
9.8 out of 10 Exceptional
8 bedrooms6 bathroomsSleeps 21557 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space
  • Mountain viewMountain viewMountain view

Explore the area

Map
Heltonville, IN
  • Popular LocationLake Monroe23 min drive
  • Popular LocationIndiana University Bloomington39 min drive
  • AirportBloomington, IN (BMG-Monroe County)49 min drive
  • Popular LocationBrown County State Park64 min drive

Most relevant reviews

Rooms & beds

8 bedrooms (sleeps 21)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5

1 King Bed

Bedroom 6

1 Queen Bed, 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Bunkhouse

1 King Bed, 2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Single Bed

game room

2 Single Bunk Beds

6 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 4

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 5

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 6

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

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

About this property

Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination


Many say their visit was life changing. Come welcome a stress-free farmcation where you'll experience therapeutic donkeys and lots of love. Something for everyone. Escape away from normal to farm country where you have your own farm and stay in newly renovated rustic barndominiums on an active 40 acre farm of Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys, the most lovable creatures on the planet, and we're not open to the public only to our guests. Designed with a large family gatherings in mind, you'll have two of your own barn buildings with 7 bedrooms, 14 beds, 6 bathrooms. Activity area where kids can play, large enough for cornhole. You'll also have your own 900 sq ft tea room to congregate with family and friends, and two kitchens including a large kitchen in the Tea Room where your group can cook their meals and enjoy camaraderie.

We can now accommodate conferences for up to 40 people with meeting space and when you add the 7 br 1884 Farmhouse.

The Farmhouse, a 7 br, 4.5 bath in the original 1884 farmhouse see listing #2710662

This price includes over 6,000 sq ft in two buildings so your family will have plenty of room to spread out.
Building 1 consists of 4 large king bedrooms, 3 baths, family room with 2 sets of bunk beds and pull out sofa. We have a poker table, card table, air hockey, corn hole game, chess and checkers. In the Kitchen and living room area, you'll enjoy the garage door opening up to an outdoor bar overlooking the orchard. Large sectional sofa and big screen smart TV.

Building 2 is a 3 bedroom, 3 full bath barndominium with two king beds, a queen bed, full and a set of bunk beds. Also a sectional sofa in tea room with smart tv.

You'll have a large blacktop area between the barns for outdoor activities and a basketball goal as well as 40 acres to hike and picnic on. Bring your fishing poles, both ponds are fully stocked or just enjoy sitting on the pier while drinking a cup of coffee or watching the sunset.

We are proud to be a breeder of Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys touted as the "most lovable animals on the planet." You can have as much or as little interaction with them as you desire. Feel free to hang out in barns/pastures with them, each day we close the gates and let a few free range on the farm. They'll be glad to hang out with you on your patio, are very social and want lots of hugs and kisses. You'll be able to say you "kissed ass at Donkeytown" when you leave. In addition, we have two free range goats, Willie and Waylon, plus two lambs, Pancho and Lefty, that will greet you daily. If you see some big hairy creatures those are the miniature horses, not quite as social as donkeys but very gentle.

Getting Here
If you use google maps, 3522 Pleasant Run Road, Heltonville should bring you here. If you are coming from the northeast or southeast it is probably best to go 65 to 50 west. If you are coming from the northwest or southwest it is probably better to take 37 to 58 east. If you go through Bloomington, it is best to come down 446 across Lake Monroe Causeway.
We have a small neighborhood general store that carries the basics but if you need to buy groceries it is best to stop at Jay C’s in Brownstown or Bedford, or Kroger in Bloomington depending on what direction you are coming from.
You will see black/wood fencing, please come in the farm stay entrance with the Donkeytown sign, to enter the gate, just push the garage door opener. You will come down Donkey Drive and turn left on Ass Avenue. There you will see the barndominiums. The black one with brown shutters, Rustic Roost, is large/main barn, then the white one with green shutters is the second one, the cottage. All barns are unlocked, we are in the country and don’t lock doors or use blinds here, welcome to the country!

Farm
Once you get settled-in we can show you around the farm, how to open gates, where alfalfa treats are. These are the only treats permitted to give donkeys, no treats from farm stores in can cause upset stomach. The donkeys love to be petted especially inside their ears but they have to get to know you first so move on them slowly it will only take a few minutes. They love to be brushed and each of the pastures have brushes you can use. We can let a few out each day to free range with you. No running or chasing donkeys or screaming at them, they are very calm animals and running toward them will scare them away. You are welcome to enter any pasture/barn to see them, just please make sure gates are closed. We will keep front gates closed so if some do get out it is no big deal. However, we do have two jacks and some of our donkeys are male geldings and young females that can’t be with jacks. So don’t let any donkeys out yourself without our permission. At night we bring the baby foals in the back barn. Feel free to go through the white double doors in there to see them at night or first thing in morning.
We have four kayaks for your use plus a rowboat to get out in the pond or you may put them on our trailer and take them to Lake Monroe.
There are 40 acres here, feel free to roam all of it. The back 20 acres is a nature lovers dream! We’ve been clearing the woods in the very back to make for a great picnic area in the shade. We also have a large tree down that makes a good natural jungle gym for kids. You will see steep hills, more beautiful pastures, a spring fed creek, a second larger pond, geode field and maybe a creepy doll graveyard. (This used to be Turner Doll Factory for 34 years) Feel free to take a picnic lunch or a bottle of wine and hang out back there. If you prefer primitive camping feel free to bring a tent and sleep in the back woods for a night. The ponds are fenced off and well stocked, feel free to fish all day and have a fish fry at night. We do have a couple fishing poles on site if you don’t have one and a fish cleaning table with water. We have chairs/benches throughout the pastures and near barns with great views. If you hang out there with some carrots the donkeys are likely to find you. But not too many they will get the runs :/. You are coming to a farm so you’ll want to bring clothes you can get dirty in and boots, comfortable shoes. No open- toed shoes around donkeys. Many folks have brought rain gear and stayed out during rain to fish or play. You’re in the country you can do what you want. Our neighbor has a cattle farm you do want to stay out of the cattle farm, there is a bull that might chase you but they are a joy to watch from our farm!

Games
So far we have set up corn hole inside the game room but you are welcome to move it outside on nice days, poker/game table with poker set, several board games, basketball goal, footballs, soccer balls with plenty of room to play. We also have a volleyball/badminton net and horseshoes. Large families can play an old-fashioned game of football in the pastures/fields. Feel free to bring your own outdoor activities there is plenty of room.

Kitchens
There are two kitchens, one in tea room and one in large barn Rustic Roost. Feel free to use either of them and rob pots and pans from either one. The smaller Cottage Creek barn has a kitchenette with a set of pots and pans, one burner, microwave, coffee pot etc. We have 4 auto drip coffee makers throughout, plenty of dishes, crockpots, electric griddles, three refrigerators, one chest freezer in tea room. Light for kitchen in tea room is actually in the bathroom on wall adjoining kitchen. We have a wood fire pit with a grill on top that makes for great cooking, and a weber charcoal grill. We do provide charcoal and wood for your fires. Being able to cook for your friends and family helps make this a very affordable vacation.

Check Out
Please take all used sheets and pillowcases off beds and leave in room, hang towels on hooks to dry in bathroom, please start dishwasher before you leave and put furniture back in its place if moved. Take out all trash to dumpster behind Rustic Roost. We’ll leave donkeys in on check out day you may open back service gate so everyone can go through there.


Trash
There is a convenient dumpster behind the black barn. Please put all trash in there, should be new trash bags at the bottom of each trash can. Please do not leave trash outside door it will draw in racoons that will leave you a nice mess by morning.



Food
There is a small general store within a couple of minutes you can buy most any of the basics, beer is sold there but no wine or alcohol. For pizza we recommend Farmers Market 8 minutes away on hwy 50, large supreme pizzas are only $15, lunch they have cheeseburgers, tenderloins and chicken strips, breakfast is biscuits and gravy, bacon, breakfast sandwiches. My favorite restaurant is Truffles on east side of Bloomington, high end culinary and drinks. For a closer nice dinner out we recommend Scenic View north on 446 near Lake Monroe (they also have a wonderful brunch) or Limestone Café in Bedford for breakfast and lunch. For bars we recommend Court Room Sports Grill in Bedford (great canjun) or Mammas and Pappas in Bedford. For Chinese carryout, 99 Restaurant, Bedford.

Chefs
Chef Paul comes to us from the Chicago Culinary Institute and offers gourmet dinners. With the chefs you will work with them to choose your menu and pricing. Dinners can be prepared and eaten in the Tea Room or Roost.
Chef Paul – 765-318-8519
Adam Thomas – barbeque and chuckwagon – 812-583-7818
Taco Truck – 812-219-8997



Property manager

Tonya Figg

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Mountain view
Barbecue grill

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Can set up in advance rides on donkeys and wagons

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
This is perfect for family reunions'

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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: 30
Note from host: This is perfect for family reunions'
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Heltonville

Located in Heltonville, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Lawrence County Museum of History and T.C. Steele State Historic Site are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Wonderlab Science Museum and Jump-N-Joey's. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Bloomington Speedway or Bill Armstrong Stadium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Heltonville, IN

What's nearby

  • Lake Monroe - 23 min drive
  • Paynetown Beach - 30 min drive
  • Bluespring Caverns - 32 min drive
  • Indiana University Bloomington - 39 min drive
  • Brown County State Park - 64 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Rusty Spur - 14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination?

As of 16 May 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination on 19 May 2024 start from NZ$1,197.56, 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.

What time is check-in at Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination located?

Offering ski-in/ski-out access, this holiday home in Heltonville is on a lake, within 12 mi (20 km) of Lake Monroe and Otis Park Golf Course, and close to winter activities, such as sledging. Lawrence County Museum of History is 11.6 mi (18.7 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

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. 55 out of 62 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 62 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 62 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 62 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 62 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karen K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Spring Trip
Our family ages 90 to 6 years old really enjoyed our stay at Donkeytown . Loved the donkeys, sheep ,ponies , and goats . There was so many activities on the property for us to do , lots of fun !
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rakesh j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome farms house . Everyone from the group enjoyed lot
Simply awesome
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the farm
Our weekend was wonderful. There were 20 of us (ages 10 - 92!) Tonya and Amy were so attentive and helpful. Donkeys , sheep, goats and chickens were fun. We had everything we needed plus. You don’t want to miss this place…it is absolutely terrific!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Christmas
We stayed here with our kids and grandkids (18 of us) for our family Christmas. The experience was amazing, everyone from 4-64 enjoyed the property and all the things there were to do. The indoor spaces were beautifully decorated and spacious , the kitchens offered everything we needed for our large group meals. The donkeys were definitely everyone’s favorite experience! Our grandkids spent most of their time interacting with the donkeys, goats, sheep, ponies and chickens. Even though the weather was a little cold and rainy at times, they were outside with the animals most of the time. As were the adults. The donkeys ever rated higher than opening Christmas presents! Everyone was asking the day we left , when can we go back! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peggy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful time at Donkeytown!
Donkeytown was the perfect spot for our family fall trip. We had a group of 18 and there was plenty of room for all of us. The donkeys, goats, chickens provided great entertainment! We found everything we needed in the kitchens and we happily surprised at all the toys for the kids. Tonya and Amy were great at communicating and so nice and accomodating! Already talking about coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

About the host

Hosted by Tonya Figg

Host profile image
Tonya has lived in southern Indiana for most of her life and is a wealth of information on best places to eat, backroad studio tours, art galleries featuring local and heritage artists, kayaking spots, hiking, caves, mountain biking, shopping or just enjoying locally craft-made libations in southern Indiana.
Tonya was the Founder/Publisher of Travel Indiana Magazine in 2008 and retired in 2020 to start Donkeytown at Turner Farms and has traveled all of Indiana finding unique gems and out-of-the way places.
Tonya's has wanted miniature donkeys since she was 18 when she fell in love with a donkey named Libby while house sitting and has wanted them her whole life. In 2017, she finally realized her dream and was able to start her donkey farm in Brown County where she specialized in vacation homes. She quickly outgrew her small 5 acre farm and found this wonderful 40 acre farm, formerly the famous Turner Doll Factory for over 34 years. The farm has been owned by 3 generations of Turners and had been a working cattle farm for many years. Virginia Turner shipped her handmade dolls all over the world and frequently had bus tours come in to view the factory afterwards and she made them lunch in the Tea Room. Some of the original buildings were built in the 1800's and are currently under renovation. The barns used by the Turner Doll Factory were built about 25-30 years ago and have been converted into the newly renovated barndominiums your family will be staying in.

Why they chose this property

Attractions
Hoosier National Forest – 12 minutes, we are located at the foothills of 200,000 acres and 266 miles of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails.
Allen’s Creek Boat Ramp – 12 minutes, boat ramp for Lake Monroe, great place to fish and hang out in lawn chairs or rafts and kayak. In summer this is a busy hang out area for boaters.
Deam Wilderness – 13 minutes, my favorite hiking, Patton Cave, lots of ravines and creeks, cool to hike in summer, but easy to get lost must be prepared with compass.
Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower – one of my fav things to do each year is climb this 110 foot tall tower with 133 steps. Once at the top you can see a 360 degree view of three counties. Absolutely breathtaking.
Hardin Ridge State Rec Area – Over 260 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding or biking. My fav is the Allen’s Creek trail, 4 miles roundtrip (roughly two hours) to tip of Allen’s Creek and wonderful views of Lake Monroe. Moderate trail some hills.
Paynetown State Rec Area – 14 min, Lake Monroe boat rentals, marina, beach, Lake Monroe is Indiana’s largest lake. You can rent anything from kayaks to large double-decker pontoon boats. There is an admission fee here, $7 per car Indiana, out-of-state $10.
Pinegrove State Rec Area – 18 min, Lake Monroe, this is one of my favorite places to kayak, it is a nature preserve/bird sanctuary and many times will see an Eagle perched. Lots of unique types of wildlife here and very shallow so it is safe. Many can fish while a few go out on water.

Bluesprings Caverns – 25 minutes, features a famous boat ride through the longest river cave in the country and gemstone mining. April-October.
Spring Mill State Park – South 40 minutes, Working Pioneer Village open May-October, Twin Caves tour, Donaldson Cave, Virgil Grissom astronaut memorial, Spring Mill Inn and restaurant, endless recreation.

What makes this property unique

Antiquing and shopping – Bedford and Bloomington are filled with lots of antique stores and boutique shopping. Nashville is only 35 minutes away and features over 200 shops and artist galleries. On 37 south of Bedford in one location you can find three antique shops with over 100’s of individual booths.
Salt Creek Brewery – 10 miles away on beautiful country roads. Music on weekends.
Salt Creek Winery – One of my favorite places with a wonderful seven-mile view! 30 min drive to Freetown music in afternoons on weekends.

Farm Tour – Visit the Amish Family of Sam and Annie Hershberger where you can see the Amish children selling their wares. Buy baskets, rugs, jams, jellies, soap, syrup and farm fresh eggs. The address is 675 Buddha Road, Bedford, you will need to drive a little farther than what google says to find the driveway.
We have several maple syrup farmers including Millers and Burtons and Grounhog.
Fourwinds Marina and Resort – Lake Monroe, this is the largest inland marina in the country with two restaurants, a beach and a pool, outside bar service on weekends. Great views from the restaurant of the lake. Great breakfast buffet and music/weekends.
Eagle Pointe Golf and Tennis Resort – great place for golfing on the west side of Lake Monroe, good to pair this with lunch or dinner at Fourwinds.
Bloomington – home of Indiana University, you’ll find cultural events same caliber of a large city, Opera, Broadway shows, wonderful culinary and shopping. Drive through the beautiful limestone campus and you will see why they call this the “limestone capital of the world.”
French Lick/West Baden – 1 hour SW. Indiana’s Crown Jewel! If you are traveling from any distance at all this is a must see. Renovated resort, large historic hotel dome from the 1800’s has been fully restored. French Lick Winery has free wine tastings and is a great lunch place. My favorite restaurant in the state is 1875 Steakhouse and located inside the French Lick resort.


Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

More Holiday Rentals ideas

People also search for