Franklin County Historic Jail Stay

Hampton, Iowa, United States
Entire place hosted by Mark
6 guests1 bedroom0 beds1.5 baths
Entire home
You’ll have the place to yourself.
Enhanced Clean
This host committed to Airbnb's 5-step enhanced cleaning process.
Have an unforgettable adventure by spending a night in a historic county jail. Don't worry, the doors will not be locked behind you. You get the entire jail portion of the building to yourself and your family or group. The accommodations are simple, but you will get the basics needed. I will give you a tour and tell you about the history and paranormal activity here. People of all races, orientations, and religions are welcome. Note: Doors are narrow and low, there are uneven floors and steps.

The space
The Franklin County Jail and Sheriff's house in Hampton, Iowa, is listed as a National Historic Landmark. It was built in 1880 in the Italianate architectural style. This was the most popular Victorian era style in the United States between 1860 and 1890. The building and cells were built by J. Pauly and Brothers. The design of the cell block is an excellent historical example of the first lever locking mechanism for closing multiple cells, an innovation that J. Pauly patented in 1874. The Jail was in use for 108 years. Criminals of every kind were incarcerated in the jail until it closed in 1988. Now you and your family can sleep in the jail without being arrested and locked in.

What this place offers

Wifi
Free parking on premises
Pets allowed
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Dedicated workspace
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Where you’ll be

Hampton, Iowa, United States

The historic Jail is located downtown Hampton, a Midwestern town that has many historical buildings still intact. Hampton is an interesting little town to visit in the summer. Within three blocks of the historic jail is four restaurants, two sports bars (one is across the alley from me), a movie theater, the post office, historic courthouse, public library, and several downtown specialty shops. There are several parks in town, one of them just half a block away. If you ride a bike, there is a 22 mile long bike path that goes through farmland along the former railroad easement.
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Hosted by Mark

Joined in March 2017
    My background is in Art. I operated two art galleries for 22 years in California. I was also a professional escape artist when I was younger. I enjoy classical music, and meeting interesting people.
    During your stay
    I am available to tell you about the building and it's history. For those who are not afraid of the dark, I can tell them about the paranormal activity that has been experienced here.

    I live in Surprise Arizona part of the year, and in Hampton Iowa the other part working at the historic jail. I enjoy meeting interesting people.
    I am available to tell you about the building and it's history. For those who are not afraid of the dark, I can tell them about the paranormal activity that has been experienced he…
    • Response rate: 100%
    • Response time: within a few hours
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    Things to know

    House rules
    Check-in: Flexible
    Checkout: 6:00 PM
    Not suitable for infants (under 2 years)
    No smoking
    Pets are allowed
    Health & safety
    Committed to Airbnb's enhanced cleaning process. Show more
    Airbnb's social-distancing and other COVID-19-related guidelines apply
    Carbon monoxide alarm
    Smoke alarm
    Cancellation policy

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