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

Holiday home in Ossian with kitchen and balcony

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

Exterior - The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country (Ossian)
Interior - The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country (Ossian)
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country (Ossian)
Dining - The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country (Ossian)
Interior - The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country (Ossian)
The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country provides amenities, such as a garden and a playground. Stay connected with in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 71100 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Add dates for prices

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

Holiday home in Ossian with kitchen and balcony
A garden and barbecues are available at this smoke-free holiday home. The holiday home provides a kitchen with a fridge, an oven, a stovetop and a microwave. Guests can appreciate conveniences, such as a coffee/tea maker and a dishwasher, and other amenities include a balcony and a Smart TV.
Air-conditioned accommodation at this holiday home offers coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Kitchens offer fridges, stovetops, microwaves and kitchenware and utensils. Bathrooms include a shower with a rainfall showerhead.

Smart televisions are featured in guestrooms. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony/patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • Up to 23 kg per pet

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/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

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,100 square feet

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Dining
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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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
1 total (up to 23 kg 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

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties

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
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

Map
Ossian, IA

What's nearby

  • Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail - 11 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. - 21 min drive - 25.6 km
  • Decorah Fish Hatchery - 21 min drive - 23.1 km
  • Decorah Bald Eagles - 21 min drive - 23.1 km
  • Luther College - 26 min drive - 35.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪PIVO Brewery and Blepta Studios - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The zipper - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Horseshoe - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Bar - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Bambino's - ‬4 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 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country?

On-site parking is available at the property.

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?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 5.3 mi (8.5 km) from Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail and within 12 miles (20 km) of Fort Atkinson State Park and Goeken County Park. Bily Clocks Museum and St Wenceslaus Catholic Church are also within 12 miles (20 km).

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The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country 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.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 40 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 40 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews

9.8

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

10

Eco-friendliness

10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Joe C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean rooms. Convenient location.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacy I.

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

A quiet stay in a calm setting.

A beautiful countryside location. A calm and quiet Shouse. We enjoyed the stay and also got to enjoy Decorah during the day.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tye C.

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

Shouse is the best!

Stayed here many times. Will stay again and again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronald R.

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

Super friendly host. Lots of room.

The hosts were extra friendly, very accommodating. Lots of room in the Shouse. No complaints.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jessica S.

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

Pleasant stay at the Shouse

Overall it’s as pictured. The window air does actually keep the property cool. Lots of places to sleep inside. Close by many restaurants, breweries. Owner is very responsive and helps you immediately with anything needed. Only issue we had was with the toilet constantly running, but understand how that goes sometimes.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tye C.

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

I'll stay again and again

great rental, perfect for a stay in NE Iowa
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pamela D.

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

Very relaxing stay in the country We were still close to fun in decorah area.

Perfect location for us and our corgi.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Evan T.

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

Location

The property was perfect for our weekend getaway and was perfect location for our day trips to Decorah or to see family nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicholette

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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

10/10 Excellent

William W.

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Tye C.

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

Love the location.

I've stayed at this property multiple times. Always excellent.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Georgia J.

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

Relaxing weekend getaway!

Secluded, quiet location with very friendly hosts. Excellent communication and suggestions on local events. Great family getaway- the kids loved the cats, dogs and new friends! We loved it and will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Georgia J.

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

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

8/10 Good

Dan M.

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

A Quiet Place

We had a good time time at the "Shouse." It was very quiet and secluded. The property and building were clean and well maintained. The only issue we had is that there was not "real" sitting area for us to eat, the hot water for showers didn't last for our whole group, and we had to continually open the back of the toilet to stop it from running. I am sure the property owner would have fixed it if we asked, but it wasn't that big of a deal. But overall, it was a nice stay. It is definitely out of the way and isolated from all towns and cities.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Vicky M.

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

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

Denny B.

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

Peace and Quiet

Great location to unplug and get away. It is certainly on a road less traveled! 👍
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Julie C.

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

Peace at The Shouse

Truly a "getaway" in a peaceful setting. Host is nearby, if needed, in a beautiful historic farmhouse, but our stay felt quite "private" nonetheless. Very spacious lodgings in The Shouse would easily accommodate larger family groups. TV viewing space and game-playing space for all.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tye&Sarah C., USA

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

Clean, economical and location

I've stayed at the "Shouse" before and I'll stay again. Perfect location for NE Iowa Decorah area fishing and hiking trails. Hosts will help you with anything you need. Had a great stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

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

Ossian

Overall worked out nicely for a weekend stay during Luther graduation. It's very quiet and relaxing place.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie C.

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

Family vacation

Very nice experience. We had fun. The outdoor griddle thing was convenient and worked well for making bacon, eggs, and other foods without adding heat to interior of the building.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Rebecca P.

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

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

Debra M.

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

Exceptional farm stay in Northeast Iowa

We had a wonderful stay at the Shouse on a beautiful farm near Ossian. Hosts Heidi and Kevin were very welcoming, and the property was everything we could have hoped for, and more. This spacious converted industrial building with incredible views, a small but fully functioning kitchen, a large, inviting gathering space, cozy and comfortable beds, and a roomy bathroom/shower were all greatly appreciated. And because our dog Bindi was also welcome, the Shouse was perfect for us all. We are already looking forward to our next stay! Deb and Brent
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edwin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We loved everything about the shouse. Our stay was a quick overnight go to a wedding and overnight and leave. So a lot of the nice amenities we didn't get a chance to enjoy. Would definitely recommend to family and friends! The hosts were super nice and very accommodating!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark E.

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

Shouse

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

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda F., Ames, ia United Stayed

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

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