10/10 Excellent
Kory K.
10 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Kory K.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Entire home
Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston
Photo gallery for Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 8
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Johnston, IA
- Saylorville Lake
- Des Moines MEPS8 min drive
- Drake University20 min drive
- Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)34 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Living Room 1
1 Single Bunk Bed
2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Bathroom 2
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Bathroom 3
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
About this property
Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston
Welcome to this charming home, just north of Johnston and surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the woods. With stunning views, plenty of privacy, and lots of trees that create a peaceful, natural setting, this spacious acreage features 3 cozy bedrooms, including 1 king bed, 2 queen beds, and additional bunk beds —perfect for a peaceful and fun-filled getaway. Guests will also enjoy 3 bathrooms for added convenience.
The basement offers a great space for entertainment, featuring a ping pong table and games. Outside, you'll find plenty of room to relax and enjoy the fresh air, with lots of outdoor space perfect for small gatherings. The serene sound of birds fills the air, adding to the calming atmosphere. Gather on the second level porch, or around the firepit for cozy evenings under the stars or simply enjoy the quiet, nature-filled surroundings.
For your comfort, the house also includes a washer and dryer, WiFi, and both heating and cooling.
Located just north of Johnston, near Saylorville Lake and Jester Park, this retreat is only 30 minutes from a variety of vibrant restaurants and entertainment options. It's also within easy reach of Ankeny, Polk City, and Des Moines. Enjoy a relaxing stay in the heart of nature at our peaceful home in the woods.
The basement offers a great space for entertainment, featuring a ping pong table and games. Outside, you'll find plenty of room to relax and enjoy the fresh air, with lots of outdoor space perfect for small gatherings. The serene sound of birds fills the air, adding to the calming atmosphere. Gather on the second level porch, or around the firepit for cozy evenings under the stars or simply enjoy the quiet, nature-filled surroundings.
For your comfort, the house also includes a washer and dryer, WiFi, and both heating and cooling.
Located just north of Johnston, near Saylorville Lake and Jester Park, this retreat is only 30 minutes from a variety of vibrant restaurants and entertainment options. It's also within easy reach of Ankeny, Polk City, and Des Moines. Enjoy a relaxing stay in the heart of nature at our peaceful home in the woods.
Property manager
Ame
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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House Rules
Check in after 1:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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 and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 12
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
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Johnston
Johnston is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Jester Park Land Management Area and Polk City Refuge, while Iowa Gold Star Military Museum and Ankeny Art Center are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Wells Fargo Arena or Principal Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Johnston, IA
What's nearby
- Des Moines MEPS - 8 min drive - 6.2 km
- Des Moines Area Community College - 19 min drive - 17.8 km
- Drake University - 20 min drive - 18.6 km
- Jordan Creek Town Center - 23 min drive - 30.0 km
- Wells Fargo Arena - 25 min drive - 23.1 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Casey's General Store - 14 min drive
- Casey's General Store - 15 min drive
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers - 11 min drive
- McDonald's - 11 min drive
- Backpocket Pin & Pixel - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
About the host
Hosted by Ame
We’re a family of five with three kids, and over the years, we’ve made countless cherished memories in the woods surrounding our Johnston home. Having a home here has given us the chance to enjoy so much of what Des Moines and the nearby communities have to offer.
We’ve loved biking the trail up to Big Creek State Park and paddling our canoe across the calm waters of the no-wake lake and swimming at the beach. Many afternoons were spent hiking the scenic trails at Jester Park, followed by picnics and playtime in the natural playground—always a favorite with our kids. Visiting the bison was a regular highlight!
Our children had the opportunity to attend horse camp at the Jester Park Equestrian Center, which was a wonderful experience.
We often stopped by the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center for story time and to collect souvenir pennies. :)
It’s always fun to visit the Saylorville Dam spillway, especially when the water is rushing, and we’ve enjoyed walks to the playgrounds at the nearby Acorn Valley Campgrounds—just a short distance from the house.
We hope you get the chance to enjoy some of these great places too!
We’ve loved biking the trail up to Big Creek State Park and paddling our canoe across the calm waters of the no-wake lake and swimming at the beach. Many afternoons were spent hiking the scenic trails at Jester Park, followed by picnics and playtime in the natural playground—always a favorite with our kids. Visiting the bison was a regular highlight!
Our children had the opportunity to attend horse camp at the Jester Park Equestrian Center, which was a wonderful experience.
We often stopped by the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center for story time and to collect souvenir pennies. :)
It’s always fun to visit the Saylorville Dam spillway, especially when the water is rushing, and we’ve enjoyed walks to the playgrounds at the nearby Acorn Valley Campgrounds—just a short distance from the house.
We hope you get the chance to enjoy some of these great places too!
Why they chose this property
We chose this neighborhood because it offers the perfect balance of privacy and convenience. Tucked into the woods, the home feels peaceful and secluded—you can hear birds singing and watch deer wander by—yet we’re just minutes away from grocery stores, restaurants, and all the amenities of Johnston, Ankeny, and Des Moines.
What we enjoy most is the sense of calm that comes from being surrounded by nature. The trees provide a beautiful backdrop year-round, and there’s a strong sense of space and freedom here. Whether we’re walking the nearby trails, visiting local parks, or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the firepit, this neighborhood has been a place where our family can truly slow down and connect.
What we enjoy most is the sense of calm that comes from being surrounded by nature. The trees provide a beautiful backdrop year-round, and there’s a strong sense of space and freedom here. Whether we’re walking the nearby trails, visiting local parks, or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the firepit, this neighborhood has been a place where our family can truly slow down and connect.
What makes this property unique
This property is nestled right in the heart of nature, offering the perfect escape. You can hike down to the serene lake, and it's just a short walk to Acorn Valley Campgrounds. Enjoy the lively summer concerts and vibrant farmers markets at the Johnston Community Center, or explore the scenic trails and activities at Jester Park. For water lovers, the Sayorville Marina is nearby, providing more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this location has it all.
Languages:
English
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