Entire home

Large 1800s Home in the Heart of Iowa +Walk to Downtown & Attractions +Fireplace

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Large 1800s Home in the Heart of Iowa +Walk to Downtown & Attractions +Fireplace

Snow and ski sports
Exterior detail
Snow and ski sports
Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8165 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
    Washer
  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Boone, IA
  • Birthplace of Mamie D. Eisenhower
    2 min walk
  • Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum
    9 min walk
  • Gabrielson Clinic for Women
    18 min walk

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Boone

A stay at this vacation home places you in the heart of Boone, steps from Birthplace of Mamie D. Eisenhower and 9 minutes by foot from Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum. .This vacation home is 14.5 mi (23.4 km) from Iowa State University and 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from Gabrielson Clinic for Women.

What's nearby

  • Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Boone Speedway - 6 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Seven Oaks Recreation - 8 min drive - 10.0 km
  • Honey Creek Golf Club - 9 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Iowa State University - 19 min drive - 23.4 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 62 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Whistle Stop Cafe - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Large 1800s Home in the Heart of Iowa +Walk to Downtown & Attractions +Fireplace

This is a Vintage Vacation rental to EXPERIENCE. Formerly owned by Railroad Tycoon, John Insley Blair, this is a 150+ years old home that was built in 1867. The same year the first railroad tracks were laid in Iowa. Immerse your stay in the Boone, Iowa Experience with the added artwork, decor and charm themed with Trains, Iowa and the Midwest in this vacation property referred to as the 607 Guest House LLC.

The home’s interior has been restored to bring back some of its natural beauty, charm and history, while incorporating modern day conveniences like a heated bathroom floor and Zoned Central Air Conditioning System. From refinishing the 150+ years old heart pine floors to restoring the interior wood windows with functional weights & pulleys and maintaining the original lead glass window panes, it's a unique experience to see History Come Back to Life!

Visit 607GuestHouse.com to see Area Attractions/Events & Specials/Info on the 607 Guest House. Because "WHERE YOU STAY, should be part of YOUR DESTINATION EXPERIENCE too.”

**BONUS** The 607 Guest House is excited to be a PREFERRED PLACE TO STAY with the Rail Explorers, Boone, Iowa Division! When you stay at the 607 Guest House and attend your Rail Explorers Reservation, mention you're staying at the "607 GUEST HOUSE" and you will receive a FREE RAIL EXPLORERS TOTE BAG. This Explorers exclusive bag will be perfect for carrying all your belongings on board your rail bike while you enjoy the breathtaking, scenic views of your Boone, Iowa tour. (You get 1 bag per Rail Explorers Reservation when you mention the 607 Guest House.)

**BONUS** Complimentary Early Check-In may be available to help accommodate Rail Explorers & BSVRR Train schedules or game times. -Just ask Host to confirm availability.

*ENJOY Sleeping in Privacy in one of the 3 themed bedrooms + Extra Sleeping Space Available: (Accommodations up to 10 guests, 2 persons per bed)
The Kate Shelley Room (1st Floor) Queen Bed with On Suite Half Bathroom
The Eisenhower Room (2nd Floor) Queen Bed
The Prairie Rose Room (2nd Floor) Two Double Beds
Living Room (1st Floor) Queen Sealy AlwayzAire Mattress (maintains soft, medium or firm comfort level, with headboard.)

*ENJOY Breakfast!
Did you get Breakfast at your last stay? You can at the 607 Guest House! We offer self-made breakfast options of pancake mix, oatmeal, syrup & toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips & powdered sugar. Of course, complimented perfectly with our Coffee Bar that includes Keurig & Drop Brew Cofee makers with creamer & flavorings like Caramel Latte, Chocolate Creme & Sugar-Free Hazelnut.

*ENJOY Relaxing & Conversations in the Spacious Living Room or Large Dining Room
Living Room: Providing a cozy home feeling with 2 comfy couches, extra blankets, fireplace, Smart 4K Roku TV, DVD player, desk and activities for a variety of ages with games, puzzles & toys.
Dining Room: Large Dining Room table for 6 to join around with either a home-cooked meal or activity.

*ENJOY Cooking & "Goodies" in a Kitchen stocked with Full-Sized appliances, including pots & pans, cooking utensils, china & paper plates, glasses, mugs, silverware and 2 bar stool breakfast nook table. Ready for your arrival is our complimentary Coffee Bar, snacks and self-serve breakfast options too.

*ENJOY 2 Bathrooms. Upstairs full bathroom & a downstairs half bathroom stocked with fresh towels & washclothes, hairdryers, curling irons, shampoo & conditioner, body wash & soap and personal care items.

*ENJOY Spacious Off-Street Parking steps away from the front door with a motion activated security light above parking area.

*ENJOY an Amazing location with WALKING distance to many attractions & dining, with a short drive to the Ames and Des Moines areas.
Boone Scenic Valley Rail Road & Rail Explorers (10-minute walk)
Seven Oaks Rec -Winter & Summer Fun (Less than a 10-minute drive)
Iowa Arboretum & Gardens (Less than a 20-minute drive)
Downtown Boone (5-minute walk)
Mamie Eisenhower's Birthplace (Walk a few feet out the front door)
El Viejo Mexican Restaurant (4-minute walk)
Jimmy’s BBQ Pit (5-minute walk)
New China Restaurant (6-minute walk)
Van Hemert's Dutch Oven Bakery (7-minute walk)

*Enjoy a NO FINE PRINT RENTAL: Upfront House Rules:
We want you to TRULY ENJOY your experience during your stay, and would be disappointed if you didn't. That stated, no one likes unpleasant surprises, please know before booking that this is NOT a party house. We're the 607 Guest House, not Animal House. Please be respectful of the community and history of the 607 Guest House.
-No Pets
-No Smoking, Vaping or e-cigarette of any kind inside the house or porch. (Designated smoking area outside on back patio.)
-No Events & No Parties, but Family Gatherings & Reunions with prior Host approval are possible. -Please just ask.
-Max of 10 "registered" guests. Unregistered guests are not allowed overnight, if you need to update your reservation, please just ask. Additional guests over 2 persons are an additional fee per guest, per night. If questions or uncertain, please just ask.
-No added cleaning fees or administrative fees from your host. We don't want your check out total to be an unpleasant surprise either.

(Please note: Property does have a Ring Smart Doorbell on the exterior of the house, located at the front entrance for security purposes.)

Please text, email or call with any circumstances the Hosts should be aware of before booking.
FOLLOW/LIKE US on: Facebook.com/607GuestHouse & Instagram.com/607guesthouse or visit 607GuestHouse.com to see Area Attractions/Events & Specials/Info on the 607 Guest House. You'll want to "EXTEND YOUR STAY 1 MORE DAY."
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a DVD player is provided for your entertainment.
Take in the views from a garden.
A complimentary breakfast is included.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.
A complimentary breakfast is offered.

Property manager

Alison

Languages

English

Property amenities

Ski

  • Snowboarding and cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Spices
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Electric kettle
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Free breakfast available
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bath or shower
  • Hairdryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Dining room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • DVD player
  • Video library
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near a laundromat

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Designated smoking area outside on back patio.

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city centre
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Water sports equipment
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Snow sports gear
  • Golf on site
  • Kayaking on site
  • Cycling on site
  • Tennis on site
  • Golf nearby
  • Basketball nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Recycling
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
  • Energy-saving switches
  • Unit size: 1775 sq ft (165 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 20

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Baby gate provided-don't leave children unattended

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: 16
Note from host: Host's Expressed permission required for gathering
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Large 1800s Home in the Heart of Iowa +Walk to Downtown & Attractions +Fireplace Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Diane D., Delano, MN

Liked: Cleanliness
Ames visit
Great accommodations, very clean and cute VRBO that fits the Boone area with the train theme. Location was great for a family celebration in close proximity to Ames that felt like home. Loved the extra accommodations and personalized note.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Tammy G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charges Per Person
This property charges by how many people, you wont know the true cost until final payment, thats when it is added. Location is its true value and its history. Very old home, lots of creaks, hard to be quiet when others are sleeping. Breakfast was nice and host was responsive to questions
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherryl K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful place
Allison was wonderful to work with. Attention was made to every little detail and we loved all the history that was in the home. We would definitely stay again. The only thing that I would suggest is having a bigger TV in the bedroom.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brady D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house, great location
Charming 2 story house, well decorated inside, and close to most of the fun things in town you would want to do. The house is spacious with a well stocked kitchen and plenty of room for friends or family. Downtown Boone is nearby and the street was pretty quite during our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allison D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay!
We stayed here and walked to Rail Explorers for a fun adventure. The house is charming and historical. Lots of thoughtful amenities.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness
607 guest house
Wonderful, home charming inviting. Host very accommodating
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

gayle M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wedding weekend
Great place for our family as our son's wedding was at the 1868 Farmhouse. It was a beautiful, perfect weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint and cute, sweet and prettt
We enjoyed our in this very quiet neighborhood. We appreciated the little cleanup and no housekeeping fee. Alison and son are very responsive and helpful. If ever in Boone it is a good place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dana F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quick stay
We needed a place to stay overnight before we did the Rail Explorers in the morning and headed home to Wisconsin. This place was perfect. Clean, spacious, and lots of great little details throughout. If I ever find myself in the area again I will for sure stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edward F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Destination Wedding
Wonderful communication with hostess, kitchen/coffee bar well stocked and felt welcomed by the whole community! We were 6 adults with adult grandkids coming by at different times for meals and fellowship and it was a perfect fit.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tobey and Brenda E., Sioux Falls SD

Liked: Cleanliness
Friends Ride the Rails
Comfortable house with everything needed for all of us to relax after enjoying Boone and Riding the Rails. We will be back in the fall to enjoy the colors!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Visiting Ames area
I loved all of the historical information that was provided in the house. The house was very clean and comfortable. The beds were great and it was nice to control the temperature independently in the bedrooms. There were great snacks and the coffee bar was fun! Hope to stay here again, I highly recommend it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori W., Freeport, IL

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Home
We stayed here while in the area for a family reunion. We really enjoyed our stay. The house was very clean and comfortable with a lot of little extra thoughtful touches like games, candy in dishes, etc. Would definitely recommend this place to family and friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah S.

Liked: Cleanliness
nice and cozy stay.
The house was very clean. Very nostalgic in the railroad theme, which the guys like. Kitchen was well organized for the ladies. so in all it was perfect.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Meghan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay!
We stayed here after attending the George Strait concert in Ames. All the hotel rooms were going for $500+ each and with 8 people in our party, those prices were becoming unreasonable. This place was great! Not only was the price right, but we could all stay together and hang out without having the inconveniences of being in a hotel. My nephew loved the toy trains provided and enjoyed finding the trains throughout the house. We all agreed we would definitely stay here again! This place looks exactly as described and all the instructions were easy to follow. 10/10 would recommend to anyone!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heidi A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for large family visit
We rented the house while visiting to attend our daughter’s ISU graduation. We had a total of 8 adults and a toddler and there was plenty of room. The home was welcoming and comfortable. Grandma enjoyed reading the old train history books and our little great-nephew loved finding trains throughout the house. Check in and check out was very easy.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barb J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family fun.
Highly recommend, so nice for a family of 8.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful!
Several classmates were in Boone for a friend’s funeral. We were lucky to find this place! The hosts were very accommodating and the house was perfect for our group.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Felica H.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was great!
The hosts were the best part!!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Only problem was throughly VRBO check in process. Very clean and comfortable place. Commune with Allison was phenomenal.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

John W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent place to stay.
Very comfortable with lots of nice little details. There is even a cookie jar with cookies in it. Nice location if you're exploring around Boone, especially if you're a railroad enthusiast.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Crystal Pineda

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a beautiful home. Our group really enjoyed it and would definitely stay here again. The hosts were very accommodating and made it easy to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girlfriend Getaway
Alison and Eric are hospitable, accommodating and communicative. The house was comfortable, clean and cozy. Great location near heart of town. We rode the Lantern tour Rails, ate at Whatya Smokin and hiked the High Trestle Bridge. Great getaway !
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great find!
Super cozy place with wonderful hosts! If you like vintage/historical places, this is a fantasy spot! If we are in the area I would stay here again. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

James E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exploring Rail Explorers
We got an early check-in time. That's a bonus! My son and his fiance from Peoria, Il. met us in Boone, at the 607 Guest House to go on the Rail Explorers ride (check it out). My wife and I , along with my daughter and her fiance came from Omaha. We had a great time in the 607 Guest House! It is loaded with both charm and history! Comfy beds for a good nights sleep. We would highly recommend to stay here on your next trip to Boone!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023