See all properties
Entire home

The Rock House • Walk to Central College • Historic Charm • Fire Pit

Pella vacation home with kitchen

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Rock House • Walk to Central College • Historic Charm • Fire Pit

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
2 bedrooms, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets
Property grounds
Exterior
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4861 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Pella, IA
  • Place, Central College
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Historical Village, Vermeer Windmill & Scholte House
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Pella Regional Health Center
    ‪3 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Pella

In Pella .Stay at this Pella vacation home and you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Central College and 2 miles (3 km) of Central Park. Molengracht Plaza and Scholte House Museum & Gardens are also within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Vacation Homes in PellaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Central College - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Central Park - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Molengracht Plaza - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Historical Village, Vermeer Windmill & Scholte House - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Pella Regional Health Center - 3 min drive - 1.7 miles

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬3 min drive

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 Rock House • Walk to Central College • Historic Charm • Fire Pit

The Rock House – Historic Dutch Cottage Near Downtown Pella
Step into a true piece of history at The Rock House, a charming cottage built in 1856 by Dutch homesteaders and thoughtfully restored with modern comforts. This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a cozy retreat while being conveniently located next to Central College and just minutes from downtown Pella.
Guests can easily explore Pella’s unique shops, bakeries, restaurants, and historic attractions including the famous Vermeer Windmill and Dutch Square. Outdoor recreation is also nearby at Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake, offering hiking, biking, boating, and beautiful scenery just a short drive away.
Inside the 750-square-foot cottage, you’ll find inviting spaces designed for comfort and relaxation. The living room provides a cozy place to unwind after a day exploring town, while the fully equipped kitchen includes everything you need to prepare meals during your stay. Guests also have access to a washer and dryer for added convenience.
Sleeping arrangements are perfect for couples or small families. The main floor features a comfortable king bedroom, while the upstairs loft offers two twin beds, creating a charming space for kids or additional guests.
Outside, guests can enjoy peaceful evenings around the fire pit, share meals on the patio with seating for six, or relax with morning coffee while listening to the birds. The property offers a quiet, private atmosphere while still being close to everything Pella has to offer, along with private parking for two vehicles.
Whether you’re visiting for a Central College event, exploring the shops and bakeries downtown, or attending the famous Tulip Time Festival, The Rock House offers a warm and memorable place to stay.
This house is a piece of Pella history and has been beautifully restored for our guests to enjoy. All we ask is that you treat it with the care it deserves. Our goal is to share it will people and preserve it, so it can be here for the next 150 years!

Similar properties

King Jacuzzi Suite | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk, iron/ironing board
Rock Island Inn & Suites
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 461 reviews
$110 nightly
The price is $120
Mar 19 - Mar 20
Total with taxes and fees
Rock Island Inn & Suites

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car not required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping mall

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Motor boating 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)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 861 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

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

Rules

This house is a piece of Pella history and has been beautifully restored for our guests to enjoy.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

376046

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Rock House- The coziest Pella cottage retreat w/ firepit to the airport?

This vacation home is 52.3 mi (60-min drive) away from the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Rock House • Walk to Central College • Historic Charm • Fire Pit?

As of Mar 16, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Rock House • Walk to Central College • Historic Charm • Fire Pit on Mar 17, 2026 start from $296, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The Rock House- The coziest Pella cottage retreat w/ firepit have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does The Rock House- The coziest Pella cottage retreat w/ firepit offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Rock House- The coziest Pella cottage retreat w/ firepit?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at The Rock House- The coziest Pella cottage retreat w/ firepit?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The Rock House- The coziest Pella cottage retreat w/ firepit?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does The Rock House- The coziest Pella cottage retreat w/ firepit have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does The Rock House- The coziest Pella cottage retreat w/ firepit have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is The Rock House- The coziest Pella cottage retreat w/ firepit to downtown Pella?

This vacation home is 0.8 mi away from Pella.

The Rock House • Walk to Central College • Historic Charm • Fire Pit Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 68 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 73 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Matthew and Jennifer S.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a wonderful stay! Such a cute little house with all of the amenities!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Cathy O.

Liked: Cleanliness
All good
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jenee V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was as posted. Comfortable, clean and excellent communication.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jane C.

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M.

Liked: Cleanliness
We enjoyed this charming cottage. It was tastefully seasonally decorated. Andrea offered us a late check out due to heavy snow falling, that was greatly appreciated. We were able to return home as the visibility improved.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute property. Clean and comfy.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Host was welcoming. House was cozy and well key.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenny R., Iowa

Liked: Cleanliness
The Rock House was the perfect home for a girls weekend. We enjoyed all of the amenities including the coffee bar! Pella is the best place for a weekend away. Thanks for sharing your home with us.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen R.

Liked: Cleanliness
A quaint cozy cottage on the edge of Pella made for the perfect birthday retreat. Walking to the town square with sun shining on an autumn day, exploring the flower patch, and welcoming a new day with the sunrise over the field next door refreshment for the soul. Every detail is thought of in this Rock House: kitchen ware, comfortable beds, outdoor sitting spaces, a fire pit with wood to use. I highly recommend the Rock House and hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole J.

Liked: Cleanliness
This was the cutest little cottage! It was very clean and the location was great, close to Central college and Pella shops/restaurants, but still had a country feel to it and in a quiet neighborhood!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renee V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great cottage that worked well for visiting the college.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bruce O.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was fantastic, the place is amazing, thank you so much…Bruce
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leesha L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect place for our girls weekend getaway! Close to all the fun shops, coffee, and restaurants. Would definitely come back and stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Beth R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved the cottage! All the comforts from home.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mario G.

Liked: Cleanliness
This place was so cute and cozy. The gardens and fire pit were amazing! It's location perfect; right off campus and within walking distance to anyplace on campus. Stairs leading up to second level are a bit steep but nothing a healthy knee can't handle.If you are there in the summer, be sure to cross the street and buy some of the fresh corn. It's amazing!We will definitely be staying again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monte S., Owatonna

Liked: Cleanliness

Charming House & Property

Everything was wonderful about this place. We loved it and would absolutely stay here again. Clean, well stocked, and charming.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jon and Carrie T.

Liked: Cleanliness
We loved the rock house! It was a great place to stay for our anniversary!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristy N.

Liked: Cleanliness
The 1856 Rock House did not disappoint!! Such a cozy charming piece of history!! My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay! Pella is a charming little town with lots to see and do!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kaitlin B.

Liked: Cleanliness

4th of July Getaway

Nice little place on the edge of Pella made our trips back and forth to Lake Red Rock easy! The upstairs loft area does get a little warm but by the time the kids were ready for bed it was doable. Definitely would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristi N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Van Loon great granddaughter

Lovely visit to the Rock House while attending a family reunion. So interesting to be immersed in family history!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy, Lake Charles

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My family of four had a fantastic stay at this property! It is beautiful, clean, and is thoughtfully equipped. We relaxed and enjoyed the town of Pella. This was a perfect base for exploring the town.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynn F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Home on the Historical Registry

The home was a great Historical place to stay. Close to Central College and a biking path. Everything was provided, i.e. towels, shampoo, body wash, Q-tips, toaster, microwave, etc. A caution for seniors -If there are more than 2 of you, you'll have to use the upstairs. The steps to it are very narrow - 6 inches. When we visit again, I hope to stay in this VRBO.
Stairs to the upstairs in the Rock House.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ray Chris C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family visit

Nice place to stay. Nice back yard and flowers and in house amenities
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cole G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely Stay

The house was beautiful and clean. We were right next to downtown Pella. It was perfect for a relaxing getaway for our anniversary.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rocky B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Springtime Getaway to Pella

We had another excellent week long visit to Pella in general and specifically at the Rock House Property. The historic Rock House offers a relaxing blend of old and new. The pleasant weather allowed us to take full advantage of the patio and fire pit areas. The location suited us perfectly. Minutes from downtown plus a bicycle path at our door step. As cyclists, the location is perfect for exploring not only the city but the Red Rock Trail System. We highly recommend both the accommodations and the outdoor adventures.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025