Iowa cities and colleges within 10 to 25 minutes:
• Cedar Falls -University of Northern Iowa
• Waverly - Wartburg
• Waterloo, Iowa - Hawkeye Community College and John Deere Museum
Cultural and sporting events abound.
WiFi is on-site & free! Off-Street parking free.
Rent the 1867 Old Mill's second-floor, studio apartment unit. Relax in rustic surroundings with the comfort of modern amenities. Enjoy a mix of cozy, eclectic, antique and handcrafted furnishings and a fully-furnished kitchen. Marvel at The Old Mill's 1867 craftsmanship and mortise and tenon construction. Spectacular wooden beams, columns, timbers and ceiling joists were left exposed when the building was repurposed. Flooring was salvaged to frame the doors and windows. Just imagine the architectural and engineering prowess that created Shell Rock's landmark.
Escape big city life for smalltown friendliness and "Iowa nice" which are refreshing characteristics of Shell Rock, Iowa. Recreational opportunities abound from outside the door to within 35 miles in county and state parks, lakes, and on Cedar, Shell Rock and Wapsipinicon Rivers:
• Canoeing and kayaking.
• Hiking and biking on 100+ miles of bike trails - most are hard surfaced.
• Fishing - Walleye, bass, catfish and more.
• Golfing within 10 to 30 miles.
Use The Old Mill as your base for daytrips to Northeast Iowa's scenic landscape including Amish country; the quaint Little Brown Church at Nashua, Iowa; dairies or a buffalo ranch; train exhibits. Explore area historical or agricultural museums. Return to The Old Mill for a campfire or cozy relaxation with sounds of the river to lull you to sleep.
LOCATION: 103 N Cherry Street, Shell Rock, Iowa.
Easy access from Iowa Highway 3.
Located two miles west of the Avenue of the Saints, i .e., Highway 218, which connects St. Louis, Missouri, and St. Paul, Minnesota.
OR Located 50 minutes/43 miles east of I-35 on Iowa Highway 3.
DECK UNIT's 2nd FLOOR ACCESS:
>Ascend outside stairs near the patio (19 easy steps with handrail. No elevator.) and a walkway to the deck.
>Glass sliding doors lead into the living area. Blue carpet reminds you of the river.
AWESOME VIEWS INSIDE AND OUT
>A "tree house" view overlooks the river bank two stories below. Glimpse eagles or blue herons soaring above the river. In summer the tree canopy blocks the view of the shelter house at the adjacent city park.
>Water tumbles over the rock rubble dam upstream. Below the dam is spawning territory for walleye in early spring. People fish year around.
>Sunsets are stunning.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT:
Refrigerator, gas stove, microwave, dishwasher.
Keurig, Ninja coffee and latte maker plus a 30-cup drip coffee pot. Tea kettle. Blender.
Belgian waffle maker. Electric skillet. Crock pot. Stand mixer.
Utensils, silverware, linens, cookware, dinnerware, and bakeware. BBQ tools.
Dish soap, hand soap, detergent.
COMPLIMENTARY:
Coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Keurig pods.
Basic spices, sugar, flour, oil and vinegar staples.
Waffle mix, syrup, butter.
LET US KNOW if you have special dietary needs or restrictions.
IN TOWN:
>A hometown bar/grill as well as a steakhouse are a short walk across the bridge. Summertime Ice Cream shop with pizza.
>24-hour convenience store: breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups, daily specials, pizzas and pastry items, heat and eat meals. Full line of hot and cold drinks. ATM. Gasoline. Propane tank exchange.
>Community outdoor pool open in summer. College wellness center with indoor pool open year round, guest passes, 5.8 miles from mill.
>Frisbee golf four blocks from mill.
>Walking and biking trail along river two blocks from mill. Another paved, 26-mile trail, less than two miles from the mill. Additional rail trail in Waverly.
>Playground equipment is behind the elementary school, diagonally across the street.
LAWN ORNAMENTS - PARK SETTING:
• Three huge turbines
• Partial millstones
• Gears, pulleys, milling equipment, and a wagon lift from the mill
• Perennial plantings
•Patio with gas grill.
•Fire ring. Gather wood along river.
• Double lot, park-like setting.
• Adjacent park above the dam has a shelter that can be reserved with a deck, picnic tables, restrooms May- October, electricity plus plenty of parking for friends or family reunion.
The Old Mill is a wonderful place to combine relaxation with nature and exercise! Come unwind for a long weekend or get away for a week. For rainy days, books, cards, puzzles and board games are provided. Sunny day equipment includes bat, ball, gloves, tennis racquets and croquet set.
Mill Property ID #1136016 is the studio apartment on the second floor:
- referred to as the deck or balcony level of the mill's 5-story structure.
- is 1,200 sq ft, open concept. Tri-fold screens for privacy.
- sleeps 6 adults if beds are shared. Twin or full Air mattresses, sleeping bags, available for children and teens. Maximum adults = 6. Maximum occupancy 8.
The studio apartment has:
• its own 75- gallon water heater, furnace and air conditioner.
• separate thermostat to control heat and air.
•full bath with pedestal sink, clawfoot tub and separate shower; walnut cabinet with bath linens, hair dryer, toiletries, first aid items.
•dining table with leaves to seat 6 to 12 guests.
NOTE #1: Unit may not be suitable for active toddlers due to stairs and open areas UNLESS constantly supervised.
NOTE #2: LET US KNOW if you need a card table or TV trays.
NOTE #3: THIRD FLOOR SLEEPING LEVEL: If you rent the 2nd floor studio apartment unit, the 3rd-floor sleeping level can be rented for $120 per night. The 3rd floor is accessed by stairs inside the 2nd floor unit.
-- ADD $120 per night for 1 to 4 adult guests, + 4 children or a combination, with a
MAXIMUM OF 6 ADULTS OR 6 ADULTS + 2 CHILDREN AGE 17 AND UNDER. (added as additional beds/lodging).
PLUS $25 per stay per adult guests #5 & #6 with 6 adults maximum. No extra charge for children under 18. Air mattress, fainting couch and a small couch could sleep children.
One queen, one double, two twin beds are dorm-style with privacy curtains or a screen.
SEE MILL'S SEPARATE LISTING FOR:
VRBO PROPERTY ID #1056730 This is the mill's two-bedroom apartment unit on the first floor (street-level).
RENT BOTH #1056730 (1st floor) and #1136016 (2nd floor):
To sleep 12 adults if beds are shared.
ADD THE 3RD-FLOOR to ID #1136016 (second floor studio apartment unit) for:
Dorm-style, sleeping area to sleep an additional 6 adults maximum + 2 children (if two beds are shared) with full bath. (OR a combination of adults + children = 8 guests but no more than 6 adults or 6 children.)
THE OLD MILL'S "House Rules" ARE SIMPLE:
No pets.
No smoking.
No candles. No fireworks.
No illegal activity.
Return items and furniture where you found them.
Spray the shower after use.
Follow check-in and check-out instructions.
Take good care of the gem we've entrusted to you.
Relax & Enjoy!
From Daryl & Diana Pals, Old Mill Proprietors
NOTE #1: If you rent both 1st and 2nd floor units, the adjoining door is unlocked for easy, inside, stairway access between the two levels.
NOTE #2: The Mill was built in 1867. As hard as we try to keep out dust, it is impossible.
IF YOU ARE HIGHLY ALLERGIC TO DUST OR GRAIN, The Old Mill may not be for you.
