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
Property manager
Jennifer aka the Iowa Auntie
Premier Host
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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Come relax in this beautiful 3 bedroom house with lots of space! cozy & peaceful
Come relax in this beautiful 3 bedroom house with lots of space! cozy & peaceful
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
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 Tanger Outlets 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.
Wellman, IA
What's nearby
Kalona Historical Village - 14 min drive - 15.0 km
Riverside Casino and Golf Resort - 32 min drive - 35.1 km
University of Iowa - 40 min drive - 49.5 km
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics - 42 min drive - 49.1 km
Kinnick Stadium - 42 min drive - 49.4 km
Getting around
Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) - 49 min drive
Restaurants
Casey's General Store - 8 min walk
The Well - 8 min walk
Dj's Casual Cafe - 10 min walk
Stone Wall Brick Oven Pizza - 12 min drive
Cilino's - 9 min walk
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).
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.
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.
Sandra c.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Joshua
15 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very comfortable and provided several comforts. I hope to stay here next January every year!!
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
We love Aunties Shanty! The pups approved too. Cute, comfortable house with everything you need - like home.
Amanda H.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kathy
31 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Wonderful host! Gave great suggestions, very easy to work with, generous snacks and goodies, very very clean and homey! Made us feel at home! Host goes above and beyond! Highly recommend!
We loved staying here. Jennifer was so incredible! She was responsive, helpful, kind — she even helped us book a night early. The shanty is spotless, the beds are comfy, and the kitchen is well-stocked. It was the perfect haven!
We arrived Saturday morning after some shopping and linch at the Foundry. Our host was generous to let us in early as we planned for only one day. House was decorated cute and had a fire pit setup. Neighbors were all really nice too.
It is a beautiful cottage. Big enough to accommodate my mom and my sister. Everything was provided for washing clothes making breakfast and anything else that was needed. Very grateful to have this cottage so close to my home.
Our son was cast in a play at Iowa on a game weekend. Hotels were booked or ridiculously expensive. We found the Auntie Shanty on VRBO and couldn’t be happier. It was just 30 minutes from Iowa City and allowed us to see the show multiple without breaking the bank. The house was very clean. To say that Hennifer went above and beyond would be and understatement.Every possible need was My wife commented that this was
Tom H.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sheila
25 Apr 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Auntie went above and beyond making sure if you forgot anything it was there for you. There was Evan toys and supplies for your dog. She thought of everything. Thanks Auntie for a great place for us to stay.
Guy&Sheila
What a wonderful stay! I often visit family throughout the year and am glad to have found this place. I will definitely be renting the shanty every stay now. The Iowa Auntie really knows how to make you feel at home and goes above and beyond in her interactions. She's very transparent and thoughtful. 10 star if I could!
I loved having a real kitchen since I like to cook my own meals. There was a great field to walk my dog. Everything in the house was impeccable and our host offered snacks for both me and my pooch. There's no WiFi so it's best to do all your WiFi business before you come.
It's near the Kalona Museum about the active Mennonite community nearby. Wish I'd had time to visit.
josephine c.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
About the host
Hosted by Jennifer aka the Iowa Auntie
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
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests