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

Ossian vacation home with kitchen

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

Exterior
Dining
Interior
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 71100 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Pet friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Ossian, IA
  • Place, Decorah Fish Hatchery
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Place, Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Place, Luther College
    ‪33 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Ossian

In Ossian .At this Ossian vacation home, you'll be within 6 miles (10 km) of Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail and 9 miles (15 km) of Fort Atkinson State Park. Goeken County Park and Bily Clocks Museum are within 12 miles (20 km).
View more Vacation Homes in OssianOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Decorah Fish Hatchery - 27 min drive - 14.4 miles
  • Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. - 27 min drive - 15.9 miles
  • Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum - 30 min drive - 16.1 miles
  • Dunnings Spring Park - 31 min drive - 16.6 miles
  • Luther College - 33 min drive - 21.8 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪PIVO Brewery and Blepta Studios - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The zipper - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Bar - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Horseshoe - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Bambino's - ‬4 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 "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!

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • 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
  • One pet total (up to 50 lbs 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
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoking not allowed

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

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in 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

Rules

Please keep out of old shed and barn. And if walking, please stay on mowed paths.

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 1 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • 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 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 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
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. Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Frequently asked questions

Does The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

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.

Is there free parking at The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is The "Shouse"- Take the road less traveled- for fun & relaxation in the country to downtown Ossian?

This vacation home is 2.2 mi away from Ossian.

Reviews

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

9.8

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Joe C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean rooms. Convenient location.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jessica S.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Stacy I.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Dan M.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Ronald R.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Tye C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Shouse is the best!

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

8/10 Good

Julie C.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Debra M.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Tye C.

Liked: Cleanliness

I'll stay again and again

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

10/10 Excellent

Katie C.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Evan T.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Denny B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Peace and Quiet

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

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

Traveled 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

10/10 Excellent

Pamela D.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Jim S.

Liked: Cleanliness

A WONDERFUL Place To Stay While Visiting Family

We recently had the pleasure of staying at this delightful VRBO rental for a week-long visit with my Mother-In-Law and brought along our black lab for her to meet. From the moment we arrived, we knew we had found the perfect retreat for both humans and canines alike! The shouse exceeded our expectations in every way. It was not only beautifully designed and tastefully decorated, but also fully equipped with all the amenities we could possibly need during our stay. The attention to detail was evident throughout the entire space, making us feel right at home from the start. One of the highlights of this VRBO rental was its idyllic country setting. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, the property offered serene views and peaceful tranquility. The walking paths meandering through the picturesque landscape were a true delight, providing the perfect opportunity for our dog to stretch his legs and explore alongside us. We truly appreciated being able to immerse ourselves in nature and enjoy the great outdoors right on our doorstep. The owners of this VRBO property deserve special commendation for their exceptional hospitality. They were friendly, accommodating, and genuinely invested in ensuring our stay was nothing short of amazing. They went above and beyond to make us and our furry companion feel welcome, providing thoughtful touches that truly set this rental apart. Overall, our experience at this VRBO was absolutely fantastic.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tye&Sarah C., USA

Liked: Cleanliness

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