Entire home

The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country

Photo gallery for The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country

Exterior
Pool
2 bedrooms, desk, WiFi, bed sheets
Smart TV
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 7102 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Ossian, IA
  • Popular LocationToppling Goliath Brewing Co.21 min drive
  • Popular LocationDecorah Fish Hatchery22 min drive
  • Popular LocationLuther College27 min drive
  • AirportWaterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional)79 min drive

Most relevant reviews

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country

Take the road less traveled and wind down a peaceful mile long gravel driveway to find our fun and relaxing industrial "Shouse!"
The "Shouse" is built next to our main home on 36 acres of quiet country rolling hills near Ossian, Iowa. We are about 20 minutes from Decorah, Iowa. My husband grew up in the main home and it has a lot of family history as his grandfather helped drive the horses and wagons that carried the wood to build it. We built the "Shouse" originally to house our family screen printing business and then to house a small shrimp farming set up. After we got out of both of those the shed sat empty. A couple years ago my husband, Kevin, and I bought a small cabin in Eastman, WI that we rented on VRBO and it was then that we decided the shed should not sit empty but should be loved by others. That is how the "Shouse" came to be.
It features a small kitchen and an industrial bathroom that has a shower with corrugated paneled walls, wood tiles, and a relaxing rain shower head! There are two bedrooms. The first is a smaller bedroom with twin/full bunk beds and a desk to provide space to work if need be. The main bedroom has a queen bed and features lots of natural light from the patio doors.
The most amazing part of this space is the large open room that provides lots of space to unwind and relax with your loved ones! The living space features a large retro modern couch we like to call "Sherbet." The whole family can snuggle up and watch the 65" TV that is on a rotating wall. When you are ready to go lay down, all you have to do is unhook the wall and spin it so that the TV can be seen in the bedroom. The living space also features a small bar height table and stools and there is a queen sized bed if you have extra guests staying.
Outside the kids can have a good time playing on the wooden swing set and with the outdoor farm cats and two dogs.
If you are willing to take the road less traveled you will find a fun, rustic, industrial piece of paradise tucked away in the rolling hills of the driftless area!

Property manager

Kevin and Heidi Bohr

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Toaster
  • Paper towels

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony or patio
  • Barbecue
  • Garden

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 1 total (up to 50 lb per pet)
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Gravel flooring in public areas
  • In-room accessibility
  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health or beauty spa

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Unit size: 1100 sq ft (102 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
1 total (up to 50 lb per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Please ket us know if you are bringing a pet

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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: 15
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 and a first aid kit
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

Ossian

Located in Ossian, this holiday home is in a rural area. Fort Atkinson State Park and Decorah Bald Eagles reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Decorah Fish Hatchery and Amundsons Clothing. Travelling with kids? Consider Agora, or check out an event or a game at Upper Iowa Speedway. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling.

What's nearby

  • Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. - 21 min drive
  • Decorah Fish Hatchery - 22 min drive
  • Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum - 24 min drive
  • Upper Iowa Speedway - 25 min drive
  • Luther College - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • PIVO Brewery and Blepta Studios - 12 min drive
  • Casey's General Store - 4 min drive
  • Whiskey Grove - 11 min drive
  • The Zipper - 8 min drive
  • The Bar - 11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lb per pet.

What time is check-in at The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country located?

This family-friendly Ossian holiday home is located in a rural location, 5.3 mi (8.5 km) from Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Decorah Fish Hatchery and Bily Clocks Museum. Porter House Museum and St Wenceslaus Catholic Church are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tye C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Love the location.
I've stayed at this property multiple times. Always excellent.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great To Be Back!
Our return stay at the shouse was just as fabulous as the first. This was our 2nd year staying there while we attended the Christmas at Luther College concert. There is so much room to spread out and relax. The large tv is ready to accept your streaming logins and clears them when you leave. The kitchen is well stocked with pots, pans & utinsels for just about whatever you want to cook. The home baked cookies upon our arrival were a welcomed treat! Thank you for the wonderful stay! Dan & Lori
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bethany W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pheasant hunting
We stayed a few days after the Iowa pheasant opener. Mostly hunted public land. Plenty of bird contacts, but mostly hens. The radiant floor heat was very comfy during those cold days. Plenty roomy and we used the cool spinning TV. Shower and bathroom were plenty warm. Could have used more places to hang towels and place toiletries. Kitchen was well appointed. Plenty of dishes and glasses. Appreciate keeping things sanitary, but the plastic covering over the mattress could have used a cotton mattress cover over the top of the plastic on the mattress. The plastic right under the sheets made for a sweaty sleep. Was nice and quiet, dark and overall comfy. We and the dogs slept well!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Shouse
Very comfortable and cozy. A suggestion would be more table lamps by the the bedside for reading.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Rebecca P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend away
We had a nice stay - plenty of room for the family. Owners were really helpful and responsive. Close to Decorah which was our main place to visit. Kitchen well stocked with the things we needed for meals and cooking. Plenty of towels and wash cloths.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicholette

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place to stay! Very comfortable and plenty of room. Great location to feel the like you are in the country but a short drive to the surrounding towns. Owners were delightful and provided easy to follow directions. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Vicky M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mabel steam engine weekend
Was the perfect place to go after a long day motorcycle riding. Then a day at the Mabel Steam Engine show. Quiet place to retreat too.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Georgia J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway!
Our 2nd timing staying and we had just as much fun as the first time. Nice and quiet, close to Decorah and Calmar for hiking & breweries! Looking forward to coming back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda F., Ames, ia United Stayed

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful, quiet and convenient
The “Shouse” was excellent for our stay!! We fished trout streams, shopped Decorah and had the best location for Pivo brewery!! We loved the quiet, beautiful location!! Saw the Milky Way, stars galore at night, slept in and ate great pizza and ice cream for Teo Trees in Ossian. It was a true delight!! Perfect for 2 and up to 6-8!! We’ll be coming back in the fall with other family members!! Thanks for a lovely get away!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

William W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Stay
The hosts were excellent, as were the accommodations. We were a relatively close drive to anywhere we wanted to go. We will be returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023