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The Carter House 1866 also known as the Marriage House

Photo gallery for The Carter House 1866 also known as the Marriage House

Living area
Living area
Living area
Living area
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Shell Rock, IA
  • Place, Benny Gambaiani Public Library
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Hoyt Elliot Memorial Park
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Waterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

The Carter House 1866 also known as the Marriage House

The historic Carter House was built by it's namesake J.H. Carter in 1866. Carter was one of the most prominent and influential residents of Shell Rock. He was a founding father of many of the community's businesses. The House remained in his family until 1952. In 2022, the Carter House was purchased by Star Valley Hospitality and was completely renovated. This stylish single family home boasts 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and is now an inviting short-term rental.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the neighborhood

Shell Rock

Shell Rock is home to this vacation home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area and Shell Rock Bend Wildlife Management Area, while Shell Rock Historical Museum and Neumann Auditorium are cultural highlights.
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Map
Shell Rock, IA

What's nearby

  • Benny Gambaiani Public Library - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • McCauge Park - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Hoyt Elliot Memorial Park - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Shell Rock County Park - 17 min walk - 1.5 km

Getting around

  • Waterloo, IA (ALO-Waterloo Regional) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪VFW - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Carter House 1866 also known as the Marriage House pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Carter House 1866 also known as the Marriage House?

As of Mar 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Carter House 1866 also known as the Marriage House on Mar 25, 2026 start from $170, 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.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Carter House 1866 also known as the Marriage House?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Carter House 1866 also known as the Marriage House?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Carter House 1866 also known as the Marriage House located?

Situated in Shell Rock, this vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of Benny Gambaiani Public Library, McCauge Park, and Hoyt Elliot Memorial Park. Shell Rock Wildlife Management Area and Shell Rock Historical Museum are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 7 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 7 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 7 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Josh H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Ken Z.

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

Quite neighborhood

Work trip
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

steve m.

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

Great option if staying in Waverly-Shellrock

This home was a great option for my group as we could walk to the Shellrock downtown local pub (very friendly) and a very short drive to Waverly as we were in town for a Wartburg College event. Smooth communication with the property manager.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alesha N.

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

Iowa Reunion

This house was amazing in its location to town and the history it holds! My kids loved being able to walk to the river. The enclosed porch is perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The house was very well furnished!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leah B.

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

Wonderful

We had a great stay at this beautiful, recently updated home. Lots of space and a big yard/deck. Very thankful to have an option like this in the Shell Rock area.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura H.

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

Graduation Celebration

We enjoyed a relaxing stay! Used the charcoal grill to prepare a cook out and also used the fire pit for s’mores! Home is cozy and quaint. Neighborhood is quiet. It is clear that the owners live here from time to time as the closets were full of things (we wanted to hang some dress clothes so we had looked)… but that didn’t bother us. Home was clean. Owners were easy to communicate with. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cristi S.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

About the host

Hosted by Cindy Rowland

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Languages:

English

Premier Host

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