Entire home

Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston

3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

Garage parking available
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Firepit
Deck or patio

Explore the area

Johnston, IA

Place, Saylorville Lake
‪1 min drive‬
Place, Jordan Creek Town Center
‪21 min drive‬
Place, Iowa State University
‪32 min drive‬
Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
‪30 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 beauty of the woods. With beautiful 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.

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 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.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Ask a question

Similar properties

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air-conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 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.

Please remove shoes, as there is new carpet throughout the house.

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: 10

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

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 Des Moines Community Playhouse and Val Air Ballroom are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Casey's Center or Buccaneer Arena. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.

View more Holiday homes in Des Moines

Johnston, IA

What's nearby

Saylorville Lake - 1 min drive - 1.4 km
Jordan Creek Town Center - 21 min drive - 30.4 km
Adventureland - 21 min drive - 34.0 km
Casey's Center - 22 min drive - 28.2 km
Iowa State University - 32 min drive - 47.2 km

Getting around

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

‪Arcadia - ‬7 min drive
‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min drive
‪Hyper Energy Bar - ‬11 min drive
‪Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers - ‬11 min drive
‪Reising Sun Cafe - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston?

As of 8 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston on 27 Oct 2026 start from AU$534, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston located?

Situated in Johnston, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Saylorville Lake and Walnut Ridge Recreation Area. Polk City City Hall and Polk City Square are also within 6 miles (10 km).

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

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

AMAZING RELAXING PLACE TO STAY

EVERYTHING ABOUT OUR STAY HERE WAS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!! FROM THE HOUSE AND EVERYTHING IT OFFERS! OUR HOST AME WAS SOOO KIND AND ACCOMMODATING!!! WE CAN'T WAIT TO COME BACK!!!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy D.

18 Sept 2025

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

wonderful location. I had reserved this for my son‘s wedding guest. He’s an Eagle Scout and I thought the nature around would be awesome. I would highly recommend this property, especially because the location right near the lake is awesome.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Billie T.

30 Nov 2025

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

This is a lovely secluded home located within minutes of the city of Des Moines. The home is thoughtfully stocked and clean. There’s a fabulous view of a wooded area dripping with birds. We appreciated our quiet family time together. There was plenty of room to spread out and relax. Ame and her husband were so welcoming. Five star property! Five star hosts!

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denise S.

4 July 2025

10 June 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

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!

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 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

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

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

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

Living Room 1

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Spaces

About this property

Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

Similar properties

Spacious 4BR Home • WiFi • Family-Friendly • Waukee

House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Check-out instructions

Important information

You need to know

About the area

Johnston

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Exceptional

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nichole R.

Nichole R.

10/10 Excellent

Brian K.

Brian K.

10/10 Excellent

Debra R.

Debra R.

10/10 Excellent

Shanna Z.

Shanna Z.

10/10 Excellent

Denise S.

AMAZING RELAXING PLACE TO STAY

Denise S.

10/10 Excellent

Nancy D.

Nancy D.

10/10 Excellent

Billie T.

Billie T.

10/10 Excellent

Denise S.

Relaxing getaway

Denise S.

10/10 Excellent

Sara J.

Sara J.

10/10 Excellent

Marsha D.

Marsha D.

10/10 Excellent

Jeff K.

Jeff K.

10/10 Excellent