Entire home

1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for 1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks

Snow and ski sports
Snow and ski sports
Exterior detail
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8165 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Breakfast included
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Boone, IA
  • Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Boone Speedway
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Seven Oaks Recreation
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Boone

City center stay.At this vacation home, you'll be steps from Birthplace of Mamie D. Eisenhower and within a 10-minute walk of Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum. Gabrielson Clinic for Women and McHose Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Boone Speedway - 6 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Seven Oaks Recreation - 8 min drive - 10.0 km
  • Honey Creek Golf Club - 9 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Iowa State University - 19 min drive - 23.4 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 62 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Whistle Stop Cafe - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪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.

1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks

Step Back in Time – with Modern Comforts!
Featured in the 2025 Travel Iowa Guide (pg.94)

The 607 Guest House is a 150+ year-old vintage vacation rental that was once owned by railroad tycoon John Insley Blair. Built in 1867—the same year Iowa's first railroad tracks were laid—this thoughtfully restored home highlights its historic charm, allowing you to immerse yourself in Boone’s rich history while enjoying modern-day conveniences like a heated bathroom floor and zoned central air. After sitting vacant for years, the home has been lovingly brought back to life, with the interior carefully restored to reveal its original beauty. The exterior retains its original character, with future updates planned to further showcase its 1800s roots.

Inside, you’ll discover artwork, décor, and details inspired by Trains, Iowa, and the Midwest, making your stay a true Boone experience. From its original heart pine floors to restored windows with working pulleys and leaded glass panes, history comes alive in this one-of-a-kind stay. Whether you're here for adventure, relaxation, or a step back in time, the 607 Guest House is more than just a place to sleep—it’s an experience.

SLEEP IN COMFORT & PRIVACY
Accommodating up to 10 guests (2 per bed), featuring 3 themed bedrooms + additional sleeping space:
• The Kate Shelley Room (1st Floor): Queen Bed + En-suite Half Bath
• The Eisenhower Room (2nd Floor): Queen Bed
• The Prairie Rose Room (2nd Floor): Two Double Beds
• Living Room: Queen Sealy AlwayzAire Mattress with headboard (adjusts to your preferred firmness)

WAKE UP TO BREAKFAST – ON US!
Unlike most vacation rentals, we provide complimentary self-made breakfast options including:
• Pancake mix, oatmeal, and toppings (chocolate chips, sprinkles, powdered sugar)
• Coffee Bar with Keurig, French Press & Drip Coffee makers, creamer & flavorings like Caramel Latte, Chocolate Creme & Sugar-Free Hazelnut.

RELAX, COOK & GATHER
• Living Room: Cozy couches, blankets, fireplace, Smart 4K Roku TV, desk
• Dining Room: Large table for 6+, perfect for meals, games, puzzles & more
• Kitchen: Fully stocked with full-size appliances, cookware, utensils & dishes

MODERN AMENITIES WITH VINTAGE CHARM
• Two Bathrooms (Full upstairs, half downstairs) stocked with toiletries
• Spacious Off-Street Parking (Motion-activated security light)
• Walkable Location – Steps from dining, attractions & a short drive to Ames & Des Moines

EXCLUSIVE GUEST PERKS! (No Other Stay Offers These!)
We’ve partnered with local businesses to offer you exclusive discounts & freebies during your stay:
• NO hidden CLEANING FEES
• Rail Explorers: FREE Tote Bag (1 per reservation)
• Seven Oaks Rec: 15% OFF activities (except snow tubing)
• Lavender Basket: $10 Gift Certificate (Pretzels, Boba Drinks & More!)
• Midtown Crossing: 10% OFF 1 ticket of Axe or Dart Throwing
• Serenity Spice & Tea: FREE Cup of Tea per guest
• Chrysalis Healing Center: 10% OFF services/treatments
• Mrs. Slobberworth’s: Special Guest Discount
• Bottled Bliss: Special Guest Discount
(Full details at 607GuestHouse.com)

KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK: No Fine Print, Just Transparency
We want your stay to be amazing, but please note:
• No pets allowed (Cleaning fee applies if a pet is brought on the property.)
• Rate Based on Occupancy, Additional guest(s) fee may apply
• No smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes indoors (Designated outdoor area available)
• No parties/events (Family gatherings with approval are welcome—just ask!)
• Max 10 registered guests (No overnight unregistered guests—please update your reservation)
• Security Notice: Property has a Ring Smart Doorbell at the front entrance.

Ready to book? Have questions? Text, email, or call anytime!
Visit 607GuestHouse.com to see local events & plan your stay.

With so much to enjoy—history, comfort, and special bonuses—you’ll want to "EXTEND YOUR STAY Because "WHERE YOU STAY should be part of YOUR DESTINATION EXPERIENCE, too."

Property manager

Alison

Languages

English

Property amenities

Ski

  • Snowboarding and cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Water dispenser
  • Spices
  • Lobster/crab pot

Dining

  • Free breakfast available
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Shampoo
  • Towels provided
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Dining room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Video library
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near laundromat

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Designated smoking area outside on back patio.

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city center
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Snow sports gear
  • Water sports equipment
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Kayak on site
  • Golfing on site
  • Bicycle on site
  • Tennis on site
  • Hunting nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Basketball nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Recycling
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
  • Energy-saving switches
  • Unit size: 1775 sq ft (165 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 20

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

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Baby gate provided-don't leave children unattended

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, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 16
Note from host: Host's Expressed permission required for gathering
Long-term renters welcome
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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 16. Note from host: Host's Expressed permission required for gathering Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 30 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jill D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Dobson Family Stay
Would stay there again and highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy H.

Liked: Cleanliness
ISU grad
Perfect for what we needed. Cute home and we loved the train scavenger hunt and all the history about Boone. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diane D., Delano, MN

Liked: Cleanliness
Ames visit
Great accommodations, very clean and cute VRBO that fits the Boone area with the train theme. Location was great for a family celebration in close proximity to Ames that felt like home. Loved the extra accommodations and personalized note.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherryl K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful place
Allison was wonderful to work with. Attention was made to every little detail and we loved all the history that was in the home. We would definitely stay again. The only thing that I would suggest is having a bigger TV in the bedroom.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brady D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house, great location
Charming 2 story house, well decorated inside, and close to most of the fun things in town you would want to do. The house is spacious with a well stocked kitchen and plenty of room for friends or family. Downtown Boone is nearby and the street was pretty quite during our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allison D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay!
We stayed here and walked to Rail Explorers for a fun adventure. The house is charming and historical. Lots of thoughtful amenities.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness
607 guest house
Wonderful, home charming inviting. Host very accommodating
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

gayle M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wedding weekend
Great place for our family as our son's wedding was at the 1868 Farmhouse. It was a beautiful, perfect weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint and cute, sweet and prettt
We enjoyed our in this very quiet neighborhood. We appreciated the little cleanup and no housekeeping fee. Alison and son are very responsive and helpful. If ever in Boone it is a good place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls Weekend
Loved this unique house!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dana F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quick stay
We needed a place to stay overnight before we did the Rail Explorers in the morning and headed home to Wisconsin. This place was perfect. Clean, spacious, and lots of great little details throughout. If I ever find myself in the area again I will for sure stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edward F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Destination Wedding
Wonderful communication with hostess, kitchen/coffee bar well stocked and felt welcomed by the whole community! We were 6 adults with adult grandkids coming by at different times for meals and fellowship and it was a perfect fit.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tobey and Brenda E., Sioux Falls SD

Liked: Cleanliness
Friends Ride the Rails
Comfortable house with everything needed for all of us to relax after enjoying Boone and Riding the Rails. We will be back in the fall to enjoy the colors!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Visiting Ames area
I loved all of the historical information that was provided in the house. The house was very clean and comfortable. The beds were great and it was nice to control the temperature independently in the bedrooms. There were great snacks and the coffee bar was fun! Hope to stay here again, I highly recommend it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori W., Freeport, IL

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Home
We stayed here while in the area for a family reunion. We really enjoyed our stay. The house was very clean and comfortable with a lot of little extra thoughtful touches like games, candy in dishes, etc. Would definitely recommend this place to family and friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah S.

Liked: Cleanliness
nice and cozy stay.
The house was very clean. Very nostalgic in the railroad theme, which the guys like. Kitchen was well organized for the ladies. so in all it was perfect.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Meghan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay!
We stayed here after attending the George Strait concert in Ames. All the hotel rooms were going for $500+ each and with 8 people in our party, those prices were becoming unreasonable. This place was great! Not only was the price right, but we could all stay together and hang out without having the inconveniences of being in a hotel. My nephew loved the toy trains provided and enjoyed finding the trains throughout the house. We all agreed we would definitely stay here again! This place looks exactly as described and all the instructions were easy to follow. 10/10 would recommend to anyone!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heidi A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for large family visit
We rented the house while visiting to attend our daughter’s ISU graduation. We had a total of 8 adults and a toddler and there was plenty of room. The home was welcoming and comfortable. Grandma enjoyed reading the old train history books and our little great-nephew loved finding trains throughout the house. Check in and check out was very easy.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barb J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family fun.
Highly recommend, so nice for a family of 8.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful!
Several classmates were in Boone for a friend’s funeral. We were lucky to find this place! The hosts were very accommodating and the house was perfect for our group.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Felica H.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was great!
The hosts were the best part!!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Only problem was throughly VRBO check in process. Very clean and comfortable place. Commune with Allison was phenomenal.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

John W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent place to stay.
Very comfortable with lots of nice little details. There is even a cookie jar with cookies in it. Nice location if you're exploring around Boone, especially if you're a railroad enthusiast.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Crystal Pineda

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a beautiful home. Our group really enjoyed it and would definitely stay here again. The hosts were very accommodating and made it easy to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girlfriend Getaway
Alison and Eric are hospitable, accommodating and communicative. The house was comfortable, clean and cozy. Great location near heart of town. We rode the Lantern tour Rails, ate at Whatya Smokin and hiked the High Trestle Bridge. Great getaway !
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023