Entire home

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

Holiday home in Boone with kitchen and patio

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

Large Living Room with Fireplace
The Kate Shelley Room -1st Floor Bedroom with on-suite Half Bathroom
Eisenhower Room on the 2nd Floor features vintage furnishings and unique quilts.
2nd Floor Bedrm 2 Double Beds, unique quilts & themed decor -The Prairie Rose Rm
Front- Day: Historic open porch offers sunlit seating & space to gather/unwind.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 101775 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Breakfast included
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Boone, IA
  • Place, Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Boone Speedway
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Seven Oaks Recreation
    ‪10 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Living Room 1

1 Queen Bed

The Eisenhower Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

The Kate Shelley Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

The Prairie Rose Bedroom

2 Double Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

1st Floor Half Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

2nd Floor Full Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

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 like:
• 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!)
• Bottled Bliss: Special Guest Discount
(Find More 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."
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 20
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Baby gate provided-don't leave children unattended
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Host's Expressed permission required for gathering
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Designated smoking area outside on back patio.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Return Remotes & Furniture to Original Locations
Pay for Any Additional Overnight Guests
Don't forget! You're invited to the Sign the Guestbook & Leave a Review on what you enjoyed most!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
NO STEALING -theft will not be tolerated. Any theft of furnishings, supplied kitchen wares or decor may result in prosecution and VRBO notification.
DECLARE ALL PERSONS STAYING -be honest, select total number of people staying. Falsified bookings -VRBO will be notified and may result in charges.
BE RESPECTFUL OF PROPERTY AND NEIGHBORS

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Boone

Located in Boone, this holiday home is in the city centre. Honey Creek Golf Club and Seven Oaks Recreation are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum and Iowa Arboretum. Furman Aquatic Center and Trailhead Park and Arboretum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Boone, IA

What's nearby

  • Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Boone Speedway - 6 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Seven Oaks Recreation - 10 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Ledges State Park - 11 min drive - 7.9 km
  • Iowa State University - 18 min drive - 23.5 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Whistle Stop Cafe - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at 1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks located?

Located in the heart of Boone, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Birthplace of Mamie D. Eisenhower and Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum. McHose Park and Boone Speedway are also within 3 miles (5 km).

About the host

Hosted by Alison

Host profile image
Current owners, Eric & Alison, bought this property after it had been left vacant for a few years as their first home and have worked on restoring some of its natural beauty, charm and history while incorporating modern day conveniences. The couple formerly from Illinois, raised a family in the home while restoring it until they moved to "newer" Boone home built in 1870. We love the character and charm that "vintage" homes bring and it takes a special person to appreciate the "challenges" that they often present too, but it is rewarding to see History Come Back to Life!

Why they chose this property

Next to downtown Boone, it's walking distance to many attractions and restaurants including: Boone Scenic Valley Rail Road & Rail Explorers, Boone River Valley Brewing, Downtown Boone, Mamie Eisenhower's Birthplace and a short drive to the Ames and Des Moines areas. If safety is your concern, this friendly neighborhood property is located 5 blocks or 0.3 miles from the Boone Fire Department and located 5 blocks or 0.3 miles from the Boone Police Department.

What makes this property unique

This is a ONE-OF-A-KIND vacation rental to EXPERIENCE. Formerly owned by Railroad Tycoon, John Insley Blair, this is a 150+ years old home that was built in 1867. The same year the first railroad tracks were laid in Iowa. Immerse your stay in the Boone, Iowa experience with the added artwork, decor and charm themed with Trains, Iowa and the Midwest in this vacation property referred to as the 607 Guest House.

The home’s interior has been restored to bring back some of its natural beauty, charm and history, while incorporating modern day conveniences like a heated bathroom floor and Zoned Central Air Conditioning System. From refinishing the 150+ years old heart pine floors to restoring the interior wood windows with functional weights & pulleys and maintaining the original lead glass window panes, it’s an ongoing process that we will continue to the exterior. While you enjoy the Iowa/Midwest history and train decor throughout this home built in 1867, please remember to leave a 5-star review for others to find this unique experience too.

*BONUS*
The 607 Guest House is excited to be a PREFERRED PLACE TO STAY with the Rail Explorers, Boone, Iowa Division! When you stay at the 607 Guest House and attend your Rail Explorers Reservation, mention you're staying at the "607 GUEST HOUSE" and you will receive a FREE Rail Explorers Tote Bag. This Explorers exclusive bag will be perfect for carrying all your belongings on board your rail bike while you enjoy the breathtaking, scenic views of your Boone, Iowa tour. (You get 1 bag per Rail Explorers Reservation when you mention the 607 Guest House.)

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests