Entire home

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

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Large Living Room with Fireplace
1st Floor Bedroom with on-suite Half Bathroom -The Kate Shelley Room
2nd Floor Bedroom with unique quilt & themed decor-The Eisenhower Room
2nd Floor Bedrm 2 Double Beds, unique quilts & themed decor -The Prairie Rose Rm
Close to Rail Explorers -potential Free Gift from Rail Explorers when staying.

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 101775 sq ft

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Boone, IA
  • Birthplace of Mamie D. Eisenhower
    2 min walk
  • Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum
    9 min walk
  • McHose Park
    3 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Living Room 1

1 Queen Bed

The Eisenhower Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

The Kate Shelley Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

The Prairie Rose Bedroom

2 Double Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

1st Floor Half Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

2nd Floor Full Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

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

About this property

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."

Property manager

Alison
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 20
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Baby gate provided-don't leave children unattended

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Host's Expressed permission required for gathering

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Designated smoking area outside on back patio.
NO STEALING -theft will not be tolerated. Any theft of furnishings, supplied kitchen wares or decor may result in prosecution and VRBO notification.
DECLARE ALL PERSONS STAYING -be honest, select total number of people staying. Falsified bookings -VRBO will be notified and may result in charges.
BE RESPECTFUL OF PROPERTY AND NEIGHBORS

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 that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Boone

Located in Boone, this holiday home is in the city centre. Honey Creek Golf Club and Seven Oaks Recreation are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum and Iowa Arboretum. Furman Aquatic Center and Story City Carousel are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Boone, IA

What's nearby

  • Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum - 9 min walk
  • Boone Speedway - 6 min drive
  • Seven Oaks Recreation - 8 min drive
  • Ledges State Park - 9 min drive
  • Iowa State University - 19 min drive

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Large 1800s Home in the Heart of Iowa +Walk to Downtown & Attractions +Fireplace pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Large 1800s Home in the Heart of Iowa +Walk to Downtown & Attractions +Fireplace?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Large 1800s Home in the Heart of Iowa +Walk to Downtown & Attractions +Fireplace?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

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

Located in the heart of Boone, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Birthplace of Mamie D. Eisenhower and Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum. Gabrielson Clinic for Women and McHose Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Diane D.

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

10/10 Excellent

Sherryl K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
607 guest house
Wonderful, home charming inviting. Host very accommodating
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

gayle M.

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

Heather H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Girls Weekend
Loved this unique house!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dana F.

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

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

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family fun.
Highly recommend, so nice for a family of 8.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was great!
The hosts were the best part!!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel B.

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

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

About the host

Hosted by Alison

Host profile image
Current owners, Eric & Alison, bought this property after it had been left vacant for a few years as their first home and have worked on restoring some of its natural beauty, charm and history while incorporating modern day conveniences. The couple formerly from Illinois, raised a family in the home while restoring it until they moved to "newer" Boone home built in 1870. We love the character and charm that "vintage" homes bring and it takes a special person to appreciate the "challenges" that they often present too, but it is rewarding to see History Come Back to Life!

Why they chose this property

Next to downtown Boone, it's walking distance to many attractions and restaurants including: Boone Scenic Valley Rail Road & Rail Explorers, Boone River Valley Brewing, Downtown Boone, Mamie Eisenhower's Birthplace and a short drive to the Ames and Des Moines areas. If safety is your concern, this friendly neighborhood property is located 5 blocks or 0.3 miles from the Boone Fire Department and located 5 blocks or 0.3 miles from the Boone Police Department.

What makes this property unique

This is a ONE-OF-A-KIND 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.

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 an ongoing process that we will continue to the exterior. While you enjoy the Iowa/Midwest history and train decor throughout this home built in 1867, please remember to leave a 5-star review for others to find this unique 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.)

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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