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Gorgeous Views, Sweeping Valley, Amazing Sunsets, a hop, skip & a jump to Galena
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 211840.3 sq ft
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Kitchen
Garden
About this property
Gorgeous Views, Sweeping Valley, Amazing Sunsets, a hop, skip & a jump to Galena
Perched on top of the bluffs overlooking the Driftless valley below, you are quite alone up there. The road to the cottage is almost a mile long off the highway, up, up, up you go till you arrive at a wonderful setting.
When you walk in, you still feel like you're outside. The flying roof with only the glass to hold it up. The inspirational or original structure was built in 1959, we tried to create the 50's feel with retro appliances and a space age feel (in the bathroom).
Once you're all set we'll provide instructions how to access the key pad with your door code. Or, in other words no need to find us or where the key is hidden, rather punch in your code and wa-la the door unlocks.
We both work, but, we are around in the evenings and weekends. Only five minutes away if you have questions or concerns.
You must have a automobile. This is a country cottage experience. The closest township is St. Donatus and good 1.5 mile hike.
If winter booking, automobile must have front wheel or all wheel drive.
No climbing on bluffs
No outdoor shoes, bring inside shoes.
When you walk in, you still feel like you're outside. The flying roof with only the glass to hold it up. The inspirational or original structure was built in 1959, we tried to create the 50's feel with retro appliances and a space age feel (in the bathroom).
Once you're all set we'll provide instructions how to access the key pad with your door code. Or, in other words no need to find us or where the key is hidden, rather punch in your code and wa-la the door unlocks.
We both work, but, we are around in the evenings and weekends. Only five minutes away if you have questions or concerns.
You must have a automobile. This is a country cottage experience. The closest township is St. Donatus and good 1.5 mile hike.
If winter booking, automobile must have front wheel or all wheel drive.
No climbing on bluffs
No outdoor shoes, bring inside shoes.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Adults only
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 and a first aid kit
About the area
Bellevue
Bellevue is home to this cottage. Young Historical Museum and Grand Opera House are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Aqua Park and Storybook Park & Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at ImOn Ice Arena or Five Flags Center.

Bellevue, IA
What's nearby
- Crystal Lake Cave - 16 min drive - 15.4 km
- Mines of Spain State Recreation Area - 17 min drive - 19.2 km
- Diamond Jo Casino - 23 min drive - 26.6 km
- National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium - 23 min drive - 26.6 km
- Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark - 24 min drive - 25.9 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Casey's General Store - 36 min drive
- McDonald's - 36 min drive
- Los Aztecas - 36 min drive
- Kalmes' Family Restaurant - 5 min drive
- Beijing Buffet - 36 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
25 Jun, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lisa
6 Jul, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Lisa
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Brandy S.
14 Feb, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
stunning cottage
Brandy S.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jessica T.
20 Aug, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So relaxing and a beautiful view.
Jessica T.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jeffery F.
3 Nov, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful retreat and celebration
Jeffery F.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Anthony S.
28 Jan, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
High Perched Private Cottage
Anthony S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Nancy O.
11 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous respite
Nancy O.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jan P.
23 Oct, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely amazing
Jan P.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jeffery F.
8 Jan, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Serene hospitality
Jeffery F.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Sarah B.
29 Nov, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property
Sarah B.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Douglas C.
20 Oct, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
FLW Cottage
Douglas C.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jeffery F.
25 Aug, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Design and lovely setting
Jeffery F.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Madeline S.
26 Feb, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning Cabin
Madeline S.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Margie C.
31 Dec, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous, Relaxing, Intimate
Margie C.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Leslie D.
31 Jul, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
GORGEOUS
Leslie D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Marcey Z.
1 Oct, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Romantic getaway
Marcey Z.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Traci T.
15 Oct, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible Getaway
Traci T.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Bill T.
20 Feb, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
One of a Kind Fabulous Place!
Bill T.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jessica T.
20 May, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and peaceful
Jessica T.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Richard B.
7 Nov, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Delight
Richard B.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Melanie M.
28 May, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Home and Property
Melanie M.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Martha M.
31 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The description can't do it justice
Martha M.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mary M.
20 Oct, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning FLW Hillside Cottage
Mary M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Deepak V.
22 Feb, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Modern Cabin!
Deepak V.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Eve C.
15 Nov, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
One word….INCREDIBLE
Eve C.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
About the host
Hosted by Joe ODonnell
For over 35 years Kelly and I have lived out here in the Driftless Area of Iowa, with the rolling hills and and small community of St. Donatus. I worked for John Deere for over 28 years, and love the outdoors, ranching, and keeping busy. My wife Kelly came up with the idea to build a cottage for our retirement years, and although successful at this project we felt we should share it when we are not retired.
Why they chose this property
A long time ago, 1993 we started looking for land out in the country like most people. Kelly found this place of 60+ acres and I fell in love immediately, it was a financial miracle to procure, but as luck would have it we were successful. The property has a few ridges overlooking the valley. One ridge has a beautiful view of the valley below with amazing sunsets. it was here we decided to build a cottage.
What makes this property unique
The cottage is an inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wrights “Seth Peterson”. Sadly, Seth never saw it completed and like many FLW projects ran out of money. However, if Seth had all the money, this is what the cottage would have looked like. Over a 100 tons of stone, heated floors, mitred windows, and best of all when you walk in, you feel like you are still outdoors. Simply amazing.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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