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The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼‍🌾Quirky Little Shanty. Better than staying with family! 😉

Photo gallery for The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼‍🌾Quirky Little Shanty. Better than staying with family! 😉

A single-story house with a front porch, a visible mailbox, and a number '308' on the door.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a black refrigerator, a microwave, a stove, and a sink.
A compact living space with a purple armchair, a small side table, a mirror, and a kitchenette with wooden cabinets, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
A bedroom with a white bed, a pink blanket, a framed landscape painting, and snow-themed pillows.
A living room with a grey sofa, patterned cushions, a lamp, and a framed artwork on the wall.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 7

Popular amenities

  • Garage parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Firepit

Explore the area

View map
Wellman, IA
  • Place, Kalona Historical Village
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Frytown Conservation Area
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Place, Riverside Casino and Golf Resort
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Airport, Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 7)

Bedroom

1 Double Bed

Living Room 1

1 Single Murphy Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Kitchen
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area

About this property

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

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please wash up any dishes. You can just leave them to air dry. I will put away.
Check for runaway socks. They are the most commonly left behind item. Blanket/pillow is the second.
Pull the door closed behind you and travel safely. Love Auntie
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3738529vb
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 Westcor Business Park 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 Sunset Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Kinnick Stadium or Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including wildlife walks, hunting and birdwatching.
View more Holiday homes in WellmanOpens in a new window
Map
Wellman, IA

What's nearby

  • Kalona Historical Village - 10 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Frytown Conservation Area - 17 min drive - 28.7 km
  • Riverside Casino and Golf Resort - 24 min drive - 35.8 km
  • Central Park - 25 min drive - 37.4 km
  • University of Iowa - 30 min drive - 50.9 km

Getting around

  • Cedar Rapids, IA (CID-Eastern Iowa) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪DJ's Casual Cafe - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪The Well - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Los Amigos Taqueria - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Stone Wall Brick Oven Pizza - ‬12 min drive

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).

How much is parking at The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼‍🌾Quirky Little Shanty. Better than staying with family! 😉?

On-site parking is available at the property.

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. University of Iowa and Sunset Park are also within 25 miles (40 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 63 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 63 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 63 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 63 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 63 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was perfect!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cindy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfy cottage in a quiet town. Just the thing for two tired travelers and their two tired dogs.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Nice space for the price.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Matthew N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little spot The shanty was excellent
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great host, very generous with supplies and goodies! Auntie’s Shanty is a great place to stay!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Paulette W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I enjoyed my stay. It’s a nice and cozy place to stay. Thank you for your hospitality.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice, quiet and clean property.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Duane M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was very welcoming and accommodating.The house was great
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Miranda E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean and well-stocked with small snacks, drinks, and toiletries. There are always plenty of blankets and pillows. Neighborhood is quiet and feels safe. There is a Dollar General very close if there is something you need.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carrie s.

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

Great stay

Cute place
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Iowa Auntie really makes you feel like your staying at your Auntie’s house and she has thought of everything you might need to be comfy and feel at home. She was so kind to leave some food and snacks for us. It made our transition super easy while traveling. We were able to stay here to unwind and make day trips to visit family. It’s also a peaceful quote neighborhood. Thanks so much Iowa Auntie!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2026
🥰 Thank you for the kind words.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alex B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very friendly host
Stayed 22 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Donald S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great communication before, during and after our stay. An abundance of snacks and food available to us.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

shannon l.

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

Comfortable stay

Cute place and was a comfortable stay for our family while traveling through the area. Lots of little touches that made it extra special.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Paula S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
2nd time staying at The Shanty. We had a very nice time. The house was very clean and quiet. We will be back. Love that it is pet friendly!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lechance S.

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

Amazing house

More amenities than the Hilton, I enjoyed every second of our stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Mar 2025
Thank you for the gracious review. 👩🏼‍🌾
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sam & Shari M.

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

Quiet and Comfy

We were happy to find this little house, it was comfortable, quiet and very clean. Would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great little place that had everything we needed! The snacks were an added bonus!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

CJ S.

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

Recommended

We had a very nice stay. Incredibly stocked and it was cozy and easy. Will stay again for sure.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daniel R.

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

A charming stay in a beautiful town

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
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

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

We loved Aunties Shanty

Everything was clean and was a nice break for us.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Janelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Do not miss out staying here at the Aunties Shanty. I felt like I was at home with every thing I needed. The shower is great and the bed is comfy. It’s clean and the hosts are just fabulous. I will be back.
Bathroom
Shower
Kitchen
Living room with plenty of sleeping room
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Miranda E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed here while visiting Iowa to see family for our daughters 3rd birthday. The host, Jennifer, was so sweet and accomodating. She left the light on for us after learning we would be in late and there were so many helpful amenities that may our stay much easier. The neighborhood was quiet and we didnt have any issues while staying there. Would highly recommend this to anyone needing somewhere to stay in small town Iowa.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very comfortable and provided several comforts. I hope to stay here next January every year!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved everything about this little home! It was so comfortable and was stocked with snacks and drinks galore! Lovely little shanty!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Jennifer aka the Iowa Auntie

Host profile image
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

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