Cozy cottage in the woods

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Apartment

Enjoy the large deck overlooking the woods.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 255.7 sq m

Popular amenities

Dryer
Fireplace
Washer
Kitchen
Parking available

Explore the area

Ankeny, IA

Outlets of Des Moines
‪11 min drive‬
Adventureland
‪12 min drive‬
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
‪12 min drive‬
Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

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

Spaces

Kitchen

About this property

This brand new, one bedroom barndominium apartment is private, quiet, romantic and beautiful. It’s located 1 mile East of the Ankeny airport, so a quick drive to anything you want to do, but away from the hustle and bustle. There’s a brand new, super comfy king sized bed with black out curtain. Step onto the deck and take in the woods and pond sounds all around. Watch your favorite movie while soaking in the huge hot tub. There’s an electric fireplace that can even make a warm evening romantic and a fully stocked kitchen so you can enjoy your morning coffee. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, you can enjoy sitting on the comfy deck furniture under the covered deck with ceiling fan. We also have a propane heater in case there’s a chill in the air. We aren’t into fancy, but we love comfort and quiet in nature. If that sounds good-you will love our cozy cottage in the woods!

Property manager

Kevin & Kathleen Nikkel

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

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Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 23

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No glass allowed around the hot tub-use plastic drink ware provided. Do not flush anything but toilet paper down the toilet. We have a septic system.

Keep noise and traffic to a minimum-we are in a quiet neighborhood with shared drive. Only 2 guests, prefer 1 vehicle.

Use the cottage, deck and drive-other areas are private property.

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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Ankeny

Located in Ankeny, this apartment is in a rural area and near theme parks. Some of the area's popular attractions include Adventureland and Iowa State Fairgrounds. Science Center of Iowa and Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Ankeny, IA

What's nearby

Outlets of Des Moines - 11 min drive - 8.9 km
Adventureland - 12 min drive - 9.0 km
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino - 12 min drive - 9.4 km
Iowa State Fairgrounds - 15 min drive - 11.9 km
Wells Fargo Arena - 16 min drive - 19.6 km

Getting around

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

‪Flying J Travel Center - ‬10 min drive
‪Chick-fil-A - ‬7 min drive
‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
‪Casey's General Store - ‬5 min drive
‪Casey's General Store - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cozy cottage in the woods pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Cozy cottage in the woods?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cozy cottage in the woods?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Cozy cottage in the woods located?

Situated in a rural location, this apartment building is within 6 miles (10 km) of Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny Dog Park and Reno Memorial Dog Park. Woodland Hills Golf Course and Margo Frankel Woods State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

William C.

27 April 2025

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

Perfect!

What a perfect spot for an overnight escape! Unbelievable quiet and cozy. Clean. Hot tub was a great way to relax and unwind after a busy week. Caramel rolls were a perfect touch, we enjoyed them for breakfast. Bed is soft and comfortable, slept like a rock. We will stay here again!

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronald K.

13 April 2025

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

Cozy weekend

Absolutely fantastic stay! Perfect getaway weekend. Carmel rolls were a sweet touch. Very accommodating. We inquired about a grill and they set it up and it was so perfect to have our supper and relax. Hot tub was wonderful and relaxing as well. Thank you for sharing your beautiful place!

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nikita A.

2 October 2024

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

Amazing

It was just a like a home away from home. The location was absolutely amazing and was like staying in a little slice of heaven.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maria W.

25 September 2024

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

Cozy cottage in the woods

We very much enjoyed out stay. The property was just as described. The surroundings were wonderful and quiet. We had a wonderful time.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Raymond S.

2 September 2024

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

Better than 5 stars!

The Cozy Cottage had all the comforts of home. It was exactly how it was described in the listing. Very clean & comfortable. Cottage is located in a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle, but close enough to so many things to do. Hot tub was clean and relaxing after a day of riding, luckily we had one evening it wasn't as hot and could enjoy it for a while. I think a winter stay at the Cozy Cottage is in our future. Was neat to see the deer in the morning and evening too. Kathleen responded to me quickly when I had questions. We met Kevin when we got back to the Cottage one evening and talked with him a while. Good people! The cinnamon rolls were a nice touch and so delicious! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angie K.

17 August 2024

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

Peaceful Getaway

While we did have a little trouble finding the place (our own fault), we absolutely loved this VRBO. It was so clean, well decorated, up to date amenities and complimentary cinnamon rolls. Yum! We felt very welcome and comfortable. We definitely want to come back and stay a full weekend!

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael O.

17 July 2024

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

Comfortable and peaceful

In town to attend Iowa Speedway. Just what the pictures show and is very quiet and peaceful.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

J.M. B.

8 July 2024

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

Wooded Hideaway

We had a great time at the cabin even though it was a short one night stay. Kevin was very helpful in assisting us in locating the property in the dark, as it is a bit hidden from the main roadway. Once we got inside the property was so clean, stocked up with many amenities and super cozy. The Nikkel’s even left us some awesome baked goods which we had for breakfast before we headed out for the day! 10/10 would come back. This cabin in the woods with its jacuzzi, awesome deck and comfortable living space is one of the best places to stop and relax! So glad we found it!

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hunter R.

23 June 2024

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

Great place

Very nice place, perfect getway and nice location. Not very far from Altoona, or Ankeny. Place was very clean and welcoming, would come back again for sure!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly S.

12 June 2024

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

Peaceful, relaxing, perfect!

We enjoyed this cozy cabin so much for our anniversary getaway! It was relaxing, quiet, clean, and had everything we needed! We can’t wait to visit again some day!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brooke K.

5 June 2024

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

Perfect little get away

The pictures dont do this property justice it was so lovely and peaceful. Amazing touches around the place and high quality finishes/furnishings/appliances. They really put some heart into this place and the hosts though we didnt get a chance to meet them we so kind with a welcoming letter and cinnamon rolls!

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Justine Y.

26 May 2024

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

Peaceful Get Away!

If i could give 10 stars i would! Cozy is definitely what it was. The location is very quiet and in its own area. The place itself is VERY beautiful. We definitely enjoyed the porch/patio and having the nature viewing experience. We loved the hotub and access to tv to just relax and enjoy time spent. This place checked off everything we were looking for. We wanted a cabin/cottage experience and something that was more off on its own but still close enough to town to go off and do things if we wanted to. There are other homes surrounding/close by, but when you are inside it doesnt feel that way. Its not loud, no traffic. The hosts are very kind, understanding people. Communicate well, and very hospitable. Would definitely recommend to family/friends, and definitely come back.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve W.

20 May 2024

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

A Home Run!

My wife and I were in town for a long weekend of watching our grandson play baseball. We were tired of small, confined hotel rooms during our Ankeny visits, and wanted to try something new. A quick Vrbo search revealed this lovely little option, not hugely more expensive than a hotel, which ticked almost all the boxes we had: outdoor living space, hot tub, king bed, and privacy. We booked it. Finding the place can be a bit challenging, but the owner did a good job of describing the twists and turns to get to the property. Don't be fooled by outer appearances. Yes, the unit is inside a large metal building (which, incidentally, may affect your phones or phone data. It did mine. All good once I stepped out of the metal enclosure. But the unit has wifi, which helps). You will park alongside the building near the door (watch your steps on the large river rock that make up the driveway). Enter the code that the owner gives you in the door keypad and open the door. That's when the fun begins! This little place may not be the largest unit on Vrbo, but it's definitely bigger than hotel rooms, has all the comforts of home, and more than makes up in charm what it lacks in size. The outdoor patio, surrounded by trees, adds considerably to the square footage, and gives a wonderful place to relax. I could go on and on, but my review is limited to 1500 characters. Country living with city amenities just a few minutes down the road! We will be back!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Kevin & Kathleen Nikkel

We built this cozy space to house our family when they are here from out of town. It is so special to us that we thought others might enjoy it during the times it’s not being used.

Why they chose this property

We are within a 10 minutes drive of Ankeny, and the I80 I35 mixmaster. We are conveniently located for anything going on in the Des Moines area. Iowa State is about 20 minutes away. We built this barndominium apartment next to our home in the woods. It is very quiet and private, while also super easy to get wherever you may want to go.

What makes this property unique

We are nestled in the woods, with the sounds of birds and pond all around. You may even hear the neighbor’s chickens, goats, or the occasional train a mile away. We have some nice amenities, like soaking in the hot tub on the covered deck while watching tv. If you like to go do stuff-there’s plenty of stuff within a 20 minute drive!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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Cozy cottage in the woods

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

About this property