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The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼‍🌾Quirky Little Shanty. Better than staying with family! 😉

Holiday home in Wellman with kitchen

Photo gallery for The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼‍🌾Quirky Little Shanty. Better than staying with family! 😉

Exterior
Interior detail
Dining
Interior
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 7

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View map
Wellman, IA
  • Place, Kalona Historical Village
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Riverside Casino and Golf Resort
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Place, University of Iowa
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Airport, Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa)
    ‪53 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 7)

Bedroom

1 Double Bed

Living Room 1

1 Single Murphy Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Kitchen
Outdoor play area

About this property

The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼‍🌾Quirky Little Shanty. Better than staying with family! 😉

All the comforts of home…..One bedroom shanty with the ability to sleep six plus one on the couch. Refrigerator and cupboards are stocked with breakfast staples and variety of snacks. Fully equipped kitchen including basic cookware. Bathroom with shower. Washer and dryer. Linens provided. No internet but there is a dvd player and a variety of movies. TV gets local stations. Located 30 minutes SW of Iowa City. Variety of attractions and things to do within an hour drive. Kalona historic/shopping, Riverside Casino, Amana Colonies, Iowa City, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Stead’s Children Hospital. Coral Ridge mall, the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk….., English River Wildlife Area offers hunting and non hunting activities. https://washingtoncounty.iowa.gov/facilities/facility/details/English-River-Wildlife-Area-7

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Max guests dependent on planned use of space.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 1 total)
Ask for special accommodations
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please wash up any dishes. You can just leave them to air dry. I will put away.
Check for runaway socks. They are the most commonly left behind item. Blanket/pillow is the second.
Pull the door closed behind you and travel safely. Love Auntie
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, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Max guests dependent on planned use of space.
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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 deadlock

About the area

Wellman

Wellman is home to this holiday home. Outlets Williamsburg and Westcor Business Park are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Frytown Conservation Area and Redbird Farms Wildlife Area. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Kinnick Stadium or Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Wellman, IA

What's nearby

  • Kalona Historical Village - 11 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Frytown Conservation Area - 19 min drive - 28.7 km
  • Riverside Casino and Golf Resort - 25 min drive - 35.1 km
  • University of Iowa - 32 min drive - 48.8 km
  • University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics - 33 min drive - 49.1 km

Getting around

  • Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪The Well - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Los Amigos Taqueria - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪DJ's Casual Cafe - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Stone Wall Brick Oven Pizza - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼‍🌾Quirky Little Shanty. Better than staying with family! 😉 pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total).

How much does it cost to stay at The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼‍🌾Quirky Little Shanty. Better than staying with family! 😉?

As of 18 December 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼‍🌾Quirky Little Shanty. Better than staying with family! 😉 on 22 December 2025 start from NZ$124.59, 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 The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼‍🌾Quirky Little Shanty. Better than staying with family! 😉?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼‍🌾Quirky Little Shanty. Better than staying with family! 😉?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼‍🌾Quirky Little Shanty. Better than staying with family! 😉?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼‍🌾Quirky Little Shanty. Better than staying with family! 😉 located?

Situated in Wellman, this holiday home is 7.3 mi (11.8 km) from Kalona Historical Village and within 20 miles (32 km) of Frytown Conservation Area and Riverside Casino and Golf Resort. Redbird Farms Wildlife Area and Sunset Park are also within 20 miles (32 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. 42 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice, quiet and clean property.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alex B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very friendly host
Stayed 22 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donald S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great communication before, during and after our stay. An abundance of snacks and food available to us.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miranda E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed here while visiting Iowa to see family for our daughters 3rd birthday. The host, Jennifer, was so sweet and accomodating. She left the light on for us after learning we would be in late and there were so many helpful amenities that may our stay much easier. The neighborhood was quiet and we didnt have any issues while staying there. Would highly recommend this to anyone needing somewhere to stay in small town Iowa.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carrie s.

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

Great stay

Cute place
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Do not miss out staying here at the Aunties Shanty. I felt like I was at home with every thing I needed. The shower is great and the bed is comfy. It’s clean and the hosts are just fabulous. I will be back.
Bathroom
Shower
Kitchen
Living room with plenty of sleeping room
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home was impeccably clean. Some say they are dog friendly, but really don't want pers. Here I really felt like mine were welcomed. And so many snacks and such to choose from!! This home was so welcoming, my husband made the comment that he felt like someone lives there, but they just left for the weekend and let us use it.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lechance S.

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

Amazing house

More amenities than the Hilton, I enjoyed every second of our stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

shannon l.

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

Comfortable stay

Cute place and was a comfortable stay for our family while traveling through the area. Lots of little touches that made it extra special.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

CJ S.

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

Recommended

We had a very nice stay. Incredibly stocked and it was cozy and easy. Will stay again for sure.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carl

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Jennifer had our lil welcome package all complete. Nice stay for a lil shanty! Thanks a mint
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebekka G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My husband and I were stressing because we needed to find a last minute spot to stay with our two dogs for a wedding in Iowa City. We were coming from out of state in Michigan. I reached out and was met with a prompt and incredibly kind response and we booked right away. Even with it being 25 minutes away from the wedding venue, we couldn’t be more pleased with our stay. We drove through historic Kolona and enjoyed checking out some cute shops, and the land in Iowa is just beautiful. The home was adorable, and it was perfect for our two night stay. It had everything we needed and we loved the added goodies too, of course. Thank you for allowing us to bring our puppers with us. We will definitely be back again if we are ever back in the area!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great little place that had everything we needed! The snacks were an added bonus!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sam & Shari M.

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

Quiet and Comfy

We were happy to find this little house, it was comfortable, quiet and very clean. Would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra c.

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

The Shanty

Wonderful place to stay. Everything was nice and quiet. This was exactly what we needed for a short stay and wonderful price. We really appreciated all the little extras around. If you needed anything this place had it.Loved it and will definitely stay next time we need a place in this area.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very comfortable and provided several comforts. I hope to stay here next January every year!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel R.

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

A charming stay in a beautiful town

Such an amazing stay and so much extras on the property, felt at home right away and rested very well. Very well equipped property, it was a breeze finding the basics at the house and I can tell there was so much thought and attention to detail from the host 10/10
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

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

We loved Aunties Shanty

Everything was clean and was a nice break for us.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica H.

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

Quaintness Galore

Such a fun and quaint stay with some teens for a volleyball tournament. Met our needs perfectly and the snacks were an added bonus!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew O.

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

Home away from home

Quiet area of town. The home had everything and more. Nice place to get away from reality!!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Bob O.

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

Cozy

It was very comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved everything about this little home! It was so comfortable and was stocked with snacks and drinks galore! Lovely little shanty!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy C.

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

Family

Great time and great host
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim H.

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

Love the Shanty

We felt right at home. All the comforts of home. Very clean and cute. Nice and quiet area. We hope to be able to stay again.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy C.

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

Family trip

Cant say enough great things about the house and hospitality from Jennifer. We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Jennifer aka the Iowa Auntie

Host profile image
The Shanty was originally purchased to rent to our children but they have both moved to the city to find their fortunes. We found neither of us had any real desire to be landlords so the house was sitting empty. UNTIL I realized that it was perfect to host family that is visiting from out of state. Which just naturally evolved into the idea of listing it as a rental. I was sure that there would be other people that have family in the area that would be happy to find a place to stay locally to avoid all the awkwardness of staying with family. My husband was skeptical but I am happy to say he was proved wrong which he has graciously accepted and now he helps with all the cleaning and preparations. I couldn’t do it without him.
The place got its name from my nephew and niece referring to my sister and I as the Iowa Aunties. I loved the moniker. And I love rhymes and puns and being silly. And hence was born The Iowa Aunties Quirky Little Shanty. Which is a pretty apt description of the place. 👩🏼‍🌾 If I say so myself.

What makes this property unique

The Shanty is quirky in a number of ways. The original house was built in the 1800’s and was added onto a number of times but always in what seems to be rather small additions. What has resulted is a small boxy cabin with floors that are different levels. That is sitting on a spacious lot with a garage/shed that is probably larger than the house.
I have a lot of ideas about upgrades and amenities I would like to add, almost too many…
Definitely will be adding outside entertaining area.

Languages:

English

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