Experience the charm of Oskaloosa at this peaceful, two-bedroom home. Natural light pours in through its many windows, while a short walk from the Dutch bakery Jaarsma's and Ride Nostalgia bike rentals offer endless possibilities for exploration. Enjoy a full kitchen with modern appliances like Nespresso coffee machines and Ninja blenders.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire condo
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Gym
Add dates for prices
About this property
The Nest - next to bakery and downtown
Keep it simple at this peaceful and centrally-located two bedroom two bath nest, stylishly set up with everything you need to make it home as long as you might need or like to.
This downtown location next-door to our famous Dutch bakery, Jaarsmas, home of the Dutch letter and all sorts of baked goods from pies to bean sprout bread and more pastries than you might imagine, is close to everything great in Oskaloosa, with Ride Nostalgia bike rentals right on the property to enjoy a piece or all of our 14 mile paved bike trail.
The space: Natural light pours into this nest, named so by a friend who walked in and shared, "Wow, it almost feels like you're in a bird nest up here - you can see out from every angle." It's true! Watch the sun come up, be warmed and inspired by it all day and the sun sets behind the town structures out another window at dusk.
Gather all together in the open space from the colorful well lit living room open to the kitchen or hang out on your own in one of the two cozy and comfy bedrooms, also filled with natural light.
For your convenience, we have left the two bathroom concept, as it is super convenient, in that two people can shower simultaneously with hot water and plenty of pressure - wonderful! There is also a spacious area at the top of the steps with a full body mirror for an extra space to get ready and may have a desk area, if the need arises from guests.
The kitchen, connected to the living area and also surrounded with natural light, is stocked with serving ware, pots, pans, cooking and baking utensils, both a stove top tea pot and an electric counter one, a Ninja blender, toaster, Nespresso & Mr. Coffee coffee machines and a French Press. While we give you pods for the first few cups of Nespresso coffee, you may want to preorder more, as the Nespresso varieties surpass the goodness of the grocery store brands. Ground coffee, spices, cooking oil and other pantry items are set up for you. There is seating for 7 and two folding chairs in the closet as needed.
The living room naturally lit with two walls of windows has two couches, a swivel chair, upholstered sitting stool, 70 inch smart tv with roku, fubu and more. Enjoy a book from our varied collection for all ages, a game or simply conversation in this comfortable and spacious room. Most of our games and toys for all ages were purchased at The Work of Our Hands (in our neighboring town, Pella), which carry beautiful and unique handmade treasures made by artisans in developing countries ensuring artisans get a fair price for their products.
The king sized bedroom includes full closet, two bedside tables with lamps, hooks on the wall, an Alexa device for music, other audios and alarm, an overhead fan/light fixture, and a suitcase stand. This room is directly across from both bathrooms.
The full sized bedroom includes two night stands with drawers, lamps, a six drawer dresser, large leather upholstered bench, an Alexa device for music, other audios and alarm, and an overhead fan/light fixture. The large hallway and stairway is between both bedrooms and this bedroom backs to the living area.
There is a brand new full sized washer and dryer for your convenience.
Feel at home all week long for work or school in Oskaloosa or for a weekend visit in this location and enjoy delightful day trips easily within the county and beyond!
Tee up at one of our golf courses, 18 holes with an award-winning restaurant on its premises and the 27 holes with a PGA professional on its premises, and both along our 14 mile trail around Oskaloosa.
Throw discs in the woods, at the park, or on a quicker course, all three along the bike trail and minutes from this home. We have an active frisbee golf community.
Schedule a brewery, winery and cheese making tours and tote your finds in a bike basket to dine under the sky along one of the miles and miles of trails in Mahaska County.
With an active and talented chamber, historical society, arts and conservation board, Mahaska County is a gem for natural learning and adventure.
With an active and talented chamber, historical society, arts and conservation board, Mahaska County is a gem for natural learning and adventure.
Some notable scheduled events for 2022 are just around the corner!
-Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25 & 26 -Merry Little Downtown Christmas and Lighted Christmas Parade on December 2 & 3 - Annual Bluegrass Festival and other live music events at Southern Iowa Fairgrounds.
… and the following repeated events take place at a variety of times throughout the year: -Thursday night band concerts at the square, 8:00pm, June to mid August, since 1864! -Laura Days at Nelson Pioneer Farm, Tuesdays - Fridays in July. Sign up through: https://nelsonpioneer.org/np_events/lauras-days/ - George Daily Auditorium offers high quality performing arts from community schools to scheduled professionals. - Muse Music Monday night open mic or local performer from 6-8 at Smokey Row. - Outer Space at Oskaloosa Art Center - live music, comedy, and open mics, for scheduled events, check faceofmahaska.com -Nelson Pioneer Farm will give you guided tours by appointment or take a self guided tour from May through September. They also and have scheduled weekly events on their calendar. https://nelsonpioneer.org/ -Autumn Acres at Stam’s greenhouse Fridays from 12-6 and Saturdays during the day, starting the 2nd week in September through the end of August. Fun for the whole family!
Bike Trails and Bike Rentals: We have a wonderful 14 mile bike trail that goes all around Oskaloosa through restored prairies, woods, and farm fields and has a good variety of entry and exit points for most of us who may not have time for the whole route. Travel easy and rent a bike from Nostalgic Rides in Oskaloosa, right on this property.. We expect a couple high demand experiences: the Schwinn bicycle built for two and the adult Tricycle, so if those two would be a must for you, let us know and if they are available, we'll be sure to reserve them for you!
All of our guests have a three day pass to our YMCA, just a few blocks from this home. This includes open gym, lap swims, work out equipment, and class options for an extra charge.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the condo: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
Music library
Smart speaker
Smart TV
Stereo
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Porch/lanai
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washer/dryer
Work spaces
Desk
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the city centre
Near a hospital
Things to do
Bicycles
Gym
Kayak
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: There are carpeted steps entering this condo.
Events
No events allowed
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the area
Located in Oskaloosa, this condo is in the city centre. Edmundson Golf Course and Tassel Ridge Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Keomah State Park and City Square Park. McGrew Fine Arts Center and Southern Iowa Fair are also worth visiting. Kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and cycling nearby. Visit our Oskaloosa travel guide
Is The Nest - next to bakery and downtown pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at The Nest - next to bakery and downtown?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Nest - next to bakery and downtown?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Nest - next to bakery and downtown?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Nest - next to bakery and downtown located?
Located in the heart of Oskaloosa, this condo building is within a 10-minute walk of City Square Park and Oskaloosa Public Library. William Penn University and Mahaska Health are also within 1 mile (2 km).
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The Nest - next to bakery and downtown Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
So close to the lighted parade this weekend and the square shopping. The place was decorated for Christmas which is why we were there with family. We got donuts the first morning from the jaarsma bakery next door. Delicious and convenient!
Christine C.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Barbara
6 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This was a great stay. Really easy to get access answered questions that we had Great location! Able to walk to great restaurants and coffee. Recommend Smokey Joe’s Coffee ; Breadeaux Pizza and visiting The Book Vault! Was a truly fabulous stay.
This place is great! Just like the pictures. Very clean and located in a great spot. Very spacious and welcoming. The host is very nice as well. We will definitely book here again for a future stay.
comfortable, spacious, quiet. all the amenities we could want (thank you for the coffee!)
Ellen P.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer
5 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This property is fully outfitted and ready for all your needs! Missy is responsive, helpful and has the cutest most decked out place in the area! We will be booking with her again and we’re so at home in her place.
I loved this property. The decor was really cute and the location was convenient. Loved the bakery next door and the church bells. Owners were very quick to respond to requests. Beds were very comfortable and the Alexa’s in each room was a nice touch.
Will definitely stay here again on our next trip to Oskaloosa.
Melissa and Ray were wonderful hosts, keeping in touch with us and quickly answering all of our questions beforehand. The condo is comfortable and clean (and next door to an institution in town, Jaarsma Bakery!). Thank you for sharing your place with us. We will definitely stay here again when visiting family in the future.
We were in the area for a wedding and decided to book a condo instead of hotel. I do not regret our decision. It was so nice and homey. If we are ever back in town I would stay again. There are quite a bit of stairs leading up to the condo so it was a little difficult for elderly mother. It was super nice to have our own room.
The Nest was a perfect spot for us when we were in town for a wedding. The location was easy to find and access. The parking spot right next to the door was good, however if you drive a big farm truck it takes a little bit to get backed in. I loved having a regular size coffee pot! And two clean bathrooms to get ready in was awesome! Thanks for the great space and know where to look when we come back to visit!
We were in town for an event in Knoxville, IA and had a great stay. There was a little issue that the owners worked on feverishly. The place is pretty small, but great for short stays as a group, or an extended stay with just a few. Amenities were as needed, beds were comfortable, and appliances worked well. The location is in downtown Oskaloosa which made any trips to stores or businesses very convenient.
Our hosts went above and beyond with communication, were very friendly, and provided a great stay. We will definitely look them up in the future if we are going to be in the area!
Both my daughter and I loved the place. Very comfortable.
Loved the view from second floor. Only two issues 1. Water never seemed to get warm enough. 2. the traffic from the cross street often noisy at night.. Aside of these two issues, the stay was great! Might come back again.
Missy is very easy to communicate with and we navigated a tiny hiccup early in the visit very easily and smoothly. We will definitely use one of Missy's properties for any future visits to Oskaloosa.
We were in town for a very short family reunion. The Nest is a great space, very comfortable, incredibly well stocked and our host provided a wealth of information about the property and surrounding areas. The fact that the property has two full bathrooms is a game changer. And the downtown location was so handy- everything we needed was within walking distance . We will definitely stay again.
Great place to stay while in Oskaloosa. Centrally located with walking distance to coffee shops, bakery, garden park & more. Very clean & fully equipped kitchen.
Was a perfect place to stay for what we needed it for. Visiting our granddaughter at college.
Had everything we needed to cook her a few homemade meals She loved the homey feel it gave her.
We loved our stay in The Nest! It was so cozy and plenty of room for four ladies. There were many thoughtful details throughout the property, and we especially appreciated the well stocked kitchen. We also remarked that it was the first VRBO that did not reek of artificial scents and fragrance, which we were very grateful for. We loved the proximity to downtown and the bakery, but this came with quite a bit of street noise in the night. But we felt it was worth it and would stay again!