The Rookery Cottage - Access scenic hiking trails

Entire cabin in Coon Rapids, Iowa

  1. 6 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 3 beds
  4. 1 bath
Hosted by Emily
  1. Superhost
  2. 9 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 1% of homes

This home is one of the highest ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

Exceptional check-in experience

Recent guests gave the check-in process a 5-star rating.

Comfy bed for better sleep

The room-darkening shades and extra bedding are loved by guests.
This rustic cottage is a quiet retreat in the heart of the Middle Raccoon River Valley. Situated on a private acreage within Whiterock Conservancy, guests can easily access 40mi+ of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, float the nearby river, or enjoy dark sky viewing.

A "rookery" is a nesting site for herons, a bird that prefers quiet, undisturbed habitat near water. And so the Rookery Cottage seeks to provide a natural escape from the daily grind.

The space
The Rookery Cottage is located on our 12-acre property and sits next to our barn, a distance away from our home. This building used to be a flower shop and was built using reclaimed barn board and other re-purposed materials. We converted it to a guesthouse but kept a lot of the rustic charm. It has comfortable heated floors and A/C. Fast and free wifi access makes it easy to work remotely while surrounded by nature or just relax with a movie after a long hike. The kitchenette is equipped with sink, dishes/utensils, mini fridge, microwave, toaster, electric skillet, crock pot and coffeemaker. Alternatively, a Weber charcoal grill and fire pit can be used for outdoor cooking. We provide coffee, creamer/sugar, basic condiments and a tea assortment. The cottage sleeps up to 6 guests with 2 queen beds and a futon.

Our acreage is also home to dogs, chickens, honey bees, a cow and a goat. We also gladly share our space with wildlife. In the evening, it is not uncommon to hear coyotes, owls, whip-poor-wills, tree frogs, and occasionally a bobcat. Enjoy the dark night sky here as well!

Guest access
From the cottage back door, access 40+ miles of hiking and mountain biking trails at Whiterock Conservancy. If you float the river, disembark less than 1/4mile from the cottage. Drive or walk to several nearby fishing ponds. Relax by our stone fire pit to gaze at some of Iowa’s darkest skies (we provide the firewood). Enjoy breathtaking views of rolling hills, native prairie and oak savanna.

The nearby historic town of Coon Rapids offers a coffee shop, grocery store, local shopping and dining, bowling alley, 9-hole golf course, outdoor public pool, and several opportunities for art viewing.

Other things to note
*Do you need a pack n play, child booster seat, or safety gate? If so, please inquire and we'd be happy to provide.
*Please inquire if you plan to do any commercial photography or host an event or gathering at The Rookery Cottage.

Where you’ll sleep

What this place offers

Garden view
Valley view
Fast wifi – 531 Mbps
Dedicated workspace
Free parking on premises

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Rated 4.98 out of 5 from 312 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 1% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability
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Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 98% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 2% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for value

Where you’ll be

Coon Rapids, Iowa, United States
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighborhood highlights

Driving distances:
4.3 miles to Coon Rapids.
25 miles to Guthrie Center, Audubon, Carroll or Jefferson.
60 miles to Des Moines.
100 miles to Omaha.

Meet your hosts

Born in the 80s
Where I went to school: Albright College in Reading, PA
I am an avid traveler and former Peace Corps volunteer. I have visited over 20 countries, most recently Tanzania and Guatemala. I love to hear others' travel experiences. My husband, Matt, is an outdoorsman and knows this area and its hiking trails like the back of his hand. We both enjoy growing our own food, raising chickens, and spending time in nature with our son and two dogs.
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Emily is a Superhost

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Response rate: 100%
They typically respond within an hour
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Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 3:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
6 guests maximum
Safety & property
May encounter potentially dangerous animal
Climbing or play structure
Carbon monoxide alarm