Location: Matfield Green, Kansas, USA (1 hr NE. of Wichita, 15 min. S. of Cottonwood Falls) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible Bed(s), 3 Baths (Sleeps 6-9)
Great lodging for travelers and vacationers, in the most beautiful part of the Flint Hills of Kansas, surrounded by the last remaining, original tallgrass prairie, never plowed. Three efficiency apartments, or "casitas," with views of the sunrise over the valley of the South Fork of the Cottonwood River.
Great for artist retreats, birdwatchers, hikers, trainwatchers, or just for peaceful weekend getaways, vacations, or sabbaticals. Built in 1924 by the Santa Fe Railroad, the bunkhouse is newly restored and comfortably furnished.
Just 50 feet from the BNSF tracks, this is a great place for viewing the trains. Restored by former Chicago architect Bill McBride, the building is well-insulated, air-conditioned, features radiant floor heating and all modern amenities.
Keywords: Studio-apartment, casita, Santa Fe, Flint Hills, Artist Retreat, Train Watching, Hiking, Biking, Bird Watching, Running, Photography, Tallgrass Prairie, Chase County.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washing Machine : Washer available in a separate laundry room.
- Clothes Dryer : Dryer available in a separate laundry room.
- Parking Off Street
- Air-Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Beds
- Queen : The north apartment has a queen size bed and a twin size sleeper sofa. The middle appartment has a queen size bed.
- King : The south apartment has a king size bed plus a queen size futon.
- Sleep Sofa /Futon (2)
- Entertainment
- CD
- Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils
- Full Kitchen (3)
- Refrigerator (3)
- Microwave (3)
- Outdoor Features
- Lanai : The front of Matfield Station features a covered porch with ample tables and chairs.
- Deck/Patio : Each apartment has a deck on the west side.
- Outdoor Grill Charcoal
- Other Amenities
- A porch in the front, a deck in the back. Great views from either outdoor sitting area. Air conditioning for your summer get-away and radiant floor heating for your winter-stay.
- Suitability
- Pets Considered
- Non Smoking Only
- Children Welcome
- Activities
- Hunting
- Shopping
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Antiquing
- Sight Seeing
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Art Gallery with sculpture garden, Train watching, Organic community garden, Pioneer Bluffs (National Historic Site and community events); the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Strong City is only 20 minutes north, tours twice a day; Cottonwood Falls has a State fishing lake with a section blocked off for swimming; Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls - open to visitors - is the oldest occupied courthouse still in function in Kansas; Horseback riding; Hiking on the prairie; Autotours; Birdwatching; Prairie burning in late March and April; Observing Prairie Chickens' mating dance in late March, April and early May.
Rate Details (In USD)
Summer rates: May 1 - October 31. Off-season rates: November 1 - April 30. Apartment w/kitchen starting at $85/night + tax (summer), $ 70 + tax (off-season. Weekly rate starts at $425 (summer), $ 350 (winter). Longer terms negotiable. Two-night minimum. A one night stay is possible, but for extra charge of $ 25.00. For family/friends gatherings and reunions: The whole house (3 apartments) for $285 per night (summer) or $240 (off-season) Weekly rate: $1425 (summer) or $1200 (off season).
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2001
Why the Owner Chose Matfield GreenWe purchased Matfield Station in 2001 after our second trip to Chase County, Kansas. The historic Santa Fe building was one good rain away from collapse and we couldn't stand to see that happen. Bill, the architect, worked with our friend Pat, the carpenter, to restore the building - with Julia (and our friend and partner Karl Rohlich) cheering on the project. Bill and Julia lived at Matfield Station while we built our house just 400 feet away. We love the views, the open space, the fresh air, the horses across the road, the sunsets, and the wind on the prairie - and we know you will too.
Owner's Map of Matfield Green
We (Bill and Julia McBride) moved to Matfield Green, Kansas from the city of Chicago in 2006. We are city folks having a blast in the country. We love it so much we had to share it with someone - so our son Luke was born in 2007. Now we want to share our country life with you!
Property Photos
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- The middle apartment with queen bed, bathroom and kitchen.
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- View of the Flint Hills from the porch of Matfield Station.
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- The south apartment with king bed and queen futon, bathroom and kitchen.
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- Sunny mornings or shade evenings. A great spot to take in the stunning views.
Traveler Reviews (8)
As close to staying on the prairie outside of a ranch as you can get!
Guest: Chris
(Kansas City, MO USA)
Date of Stay: 04/25/12
Review Submitted: 04/30/12
We just returned from a 4 night stay at Matfield Station and had a great time there. The building is an historic railway bunkhouse that has been converted into three studio apartments by the owner/architect. Each has a different character and outfitting to accommodate different needs. I would recommend discussing the units with the manager before booking to make sure your needs are met. The building is set up on a hill just off of the Scenic Byway 177 and adjacent to the tracks (it was a RR bunkhouse after all.) The owner's property extends over the tracks and up the hill which puts you just a 5 min. hike from an expansive view of the prairie hills. There are just several things to be aware of before you go. 1. Trains. They come by regularly, but since there is no RR crossing in Matfield, they don't blow their horns unless you wave at them. We were traveling with a 2 year old and found the noise of the trains to be a non-issue. 2. Food. The kitchen is well appointed and there is a great grill out front, but you should bring your food with you as you won't want to have to drive half an hour for groceries once you're here. However, restaurants are an easier option if you prefer. 3. These apts. have very comfortable beds and the bathrooms have showers. So if you need uncomfortable beds or insist on a bath, you're out of luck unless you can find a trough outside that could function as either. The bottom line is we'll be back and with more friends and family next time.
Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Flint Hills Getaway
Guest: Rufus
(Hesston, KS)
Date of Stay: 04/06/12
Review Submitted: 04/09/12
Wonderful relaxing getaway especially if you love train watching.....property is clean and well-maintained. Would definitely recommend this to anyone....
Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners.
Great place for our girlfriend getaway!
Guest: Becky N.
Date of Stay: 01/28/12
Review Submitted: 02/24/12
This was a wonderful place to spend the day and night with 5 of my best friends! Loved the way Matfield Station has been restored into 3 cozy, comfortable rooms, all with fully stocked kitchens, bathrooms, comfortable beds, and those wonderful heated floors! The sunrise in the morning was beautiful. Julia is a wonderful host, very accomodating, as is her 4 yr old son Luke! I have to mention the train, which is certainly a part of Matfield Station's history. It's fun to watch, and to take pictures of.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
plethora of peacefulness...
Guest: nikki
(wichita, kansas)
Date of Stay: 08/27/11
Review Submitted: 08/30/11
i experienced a VERY comfortable and quaint room that was surrounded with simple purity...a very serene atmosphere with lovely hosts and dynamite energy...inspiring art and conversation at the beautiful pioneer bluffs art gallery...the kitchen had EVERYTHING, the bed was SO comfortable (memory foam!!) the view on the front porch with my morning coffee felt like i was in a movie...i am already checking dates to return...the sooner the better!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway.
Matfield Station
Guest: Kay
(Wichita, KS)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11
Review Submitted: 08/21/11
Charming rooms, beautiful views and a train lover's paradise! Historical bunkhouse remodeled near Matfield Green, easily reached from the interstate, a mile from Pioneer Bluffs that houses a unique art gallery and historical house, barn and community gardens. Bring your own food to prepare in the kitchenette or on the outside grill or head to Cottonwood Falls for dining. Property is very clean and well-maintained, owners available to ask questions or make accommodations. Would highly recommend, great weekend get away, meeting place for families and friends, girls or guys weekends. A unique experience in the lovely Flint Hills of Kansas!
Owner response:Thank you Kay, that is very nice! I will pass this on to Julia. Ans
Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, people with disabilities.
Great vistas and accomodations
Guest: Marcy and Barrie
(Kansas City)
Date of Stay: 07/30/10
Review Submitted: 07/05/11
We go regularly to this lovely spot. Last week from the front porch we watched horses, cattle, birds and a lone coyote. Beautiful vistas by day and stars by night. The structure has interesting historical significance and the renovation is all brand new and charming. Nearby Cottonwood Fall has good food and down home entertainment. Within walking distance is Pioneer Bluff - a non profit ranch dedicated to local history, sustainable agriculture and contemporary art. Its open to the public.
Recommended for:Families with young children, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, pet owners.
Sunrise....Sunset...
Guest: Diane
(Wichita, Ks USA)
Date of Stay: 07/04/11
Review Submitted: 07/04/11
These are my favorite times ( and everything in between )......I leave the city feeling a little stressed from the schedule of day to day life. When I go thru Matfield Green and see the station everything slows down. I am happy ....no worrys.....no schedule......my time has started.....Diane
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, families with teenagers, pet owners.
Guest: Chris and Nan P.
Date of Stay: 07/01/11
Review Submitted: 07/04/11
We've stayed at Matfield Station and had a wonderful time. The views are wonderful and we had a very relaxing visit. Don't miss walking out back to see the prairie. Chris and Nan P
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #362132
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