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The Owl House, 1850's Historic Home: Luxury Steps from Downtown

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A covered outdoor seating area with tables and chairs, large windows, and a stone wall.
A dining table set with plates, glasses, and cutlery, featuring a candle and a decorative glass centerpiece.
A modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a wooden island with stools, and pendant lighting.
A modern kitchen with a central island, dark wooden cabinets, and a black countertop. There is a dining area with a black leather sofa and a coffee table. The room has a rustic ceiling with exposed beams and pendant lighting.
A brick building with a black door, an American flag, and a bench outside.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Wildlife at your doorstep
    Guests love spotting wildlife right on the property grounds.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Grant Home
1 bedroom2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Balcony or patio
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Washing machine
  • Fireplace
  • Bathtub

Explore the area

View in a map
Galena, IL
  • Place, Old Market House
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Dowling House
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Airport, Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional)
    ‪39 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Number of living rooms

About this property

The Owl House, 1850's Historic Home: Luxury Steps from Downtown

WELCOME HOME! Your own historic house just steps away from all Main Street Galena has to offer. Comfort and luxury awaits you in this 1840’s home, with everything fresh & clean - the way we like it when we travel! Special touches abound, like E&O soaps & shower gel, luxurious linens and towels. Dwell in comfy furnished and decorated spaces upstairs and down, and enjoy the sweet little porch and patio out back. We've approached every detail as if we're moving in tomorrow, all for you to enjoy! Now with a reserved parking spot! An 1840's Historic Home in Downtown Galena An Elegant Oasis - Right in the Heart of Downtown, now with a reserved parking spot. You'll be happily surprised in the level of comfort and luxury awaiting you. We've meticulously approached every detail of this home as if we're moving in tomorrow, so all you have to bring is yourself!Reserved Parking Spot, plus on street parkingBicycle lock anchor in the Back PorchIf you decide to cook the kitchen is fully equipped. The bedroom is a King made with fresh linens, perfect for hitting the snooze button.There's also a Queen Sofa Pull-Out on main level50" Smart TVThe house is wired for Music! You can enjoy Sonos music upstairs or listen to our nostalgic collection of records in the Rock Room downstairsRecord Player and Vinyl CollectionCoffee, Tea Selection, Cream & SugarKitchen Island with seating for 3-4Dining Table with Seating for 4Outdoor Seating Area and Screen PorchWIFI: Fiber Optic FastWasher & DryerHeating, A/C, and Gas FireplaceSteps to great history, shopping, nightlife, and sightseeingFresh & Clean - The way we like it when we travel!Personal Touches likeE&O Soaps & Shower GelFine Linens and TowelsGluten-free Shampoo and Creme Rinse

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before noon
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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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

Property # 3391754vb
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Galena

Located in Galena, this holiday home is in the city centre. Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum and West Street Sculpture Park are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Galena Golf Club and Eagle Ridge Resort Golf. Linmar Gardens and Aqua Park are also worth visiting.
View more Holiday homes in GalenaOpens in a new window
Map
Galena, IL

What's nearby

  • Old Market House - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Dowling House - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Grant Park - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Grant Home - 10 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

  • Dubuque, IA (DBQ-Dubuque Regional) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Galena Roasters - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Blaum Bros Public House - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Owl House, 1850's Historic Home: Luxury Steps from Downtown pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Owl House, 1850's Historic Home: Luxury Steps from Downtown ?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Owl House, 1850's Historic Home: Luxury Steps from Downtown ?

Checkout is at noon.

Where is The Owl House, 1850's Historic Home: Luxury Steps from Downtown located?

Located in Galena Historic District, this holiday home is steps away from Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum and Old Market House. Dowling House and Old Blacksmith Shop are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 41 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really nice, clean home walking distance to Main Street shopping and restaurants. Also close to nearby bike trails and golf courses. We would definitely book here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent house in a great location! Perfect for a weekend getaway
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was our first visit to Galena. The stay at your fantastic owl house was awesome. Super cute and spacious, with plenty of room to spread out. Perfectly, situated for quick walks down to the main street to the wonderful restaurants and shops. We would definitely stay there again on our next trip to Galena.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Chris and Jayne have been amazing hosts, we’ve stayed twice at the Owl House and absolutely love it. The crushed blue velvet bedding and record room along with the screened in porch are my favorite! We had some confusion at check in and they were right on top of getting it corrected and getting us into the property by check in. Can’t wait to go back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely house, perfect for a weekend away with the husband!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was my wife's favorite rental, and she is not an easy person to please. Chris & Jayne are wonderful hosts, very responsive and The Owl House is a gem. Downtown Galena is right around the corner and parking on the street was a non issue.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our hosts were very helpful and the Owl House was an excellent combination of cozy historical home and modern amenities. The location was great, too!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A cute and unique little home that’s located within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants in downtown Galena. Communication with the host was clear and fast. The home was spotless and has every amenity you’d expect from an excellent host. You can tell there was a lot of time and attention that was placed into every little detail of the home.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Owl House is a lovely, comfy, cozy nest at the end of a long day shopping. Exploring and (in my husband’s case) fishing. It is so easy to access Main Street from a stairway two doors down. Chris and Jayne are very quick to answer any questions and offer suggestions. They also left us a lovely gift”sweet” treat for staying (gift card to a bakery with the best almond cake I have ever had)! I would highly recommend Owl House for your next get-away and cannot wait to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great place!

Wonderful place and town for a girls weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jul, 2023
Thanks Lesa! We loved hosting your group and hope to see you back someday!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great place

Fabulous property with incredibly thoughtful hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Great place for a couple. Plenty of room. Close to everything and very convenient location. Super quiet at night. Amenities are good. If we ever do galena again, we would certainly entertain the owl house. Hosts were prompt and professional.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jun, 2026
Thank you Jeff! We’re glad you enjoyed & would love to have you come back.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was great
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If I could pick 6 stars, I would have! From the moment I booked The Owl, until I left town, the communication was phenomenal. I knew exactly what to expect, where to park and they even helped me with local knowledge on places to eat. The location was perfect. It was steps away from the main strip, but far enough away to feel like you weren't downtown. I loved waking up in the morning and walking down to grab a coffee. My husband enjoyed the coffee provided at the house and would sit out on the bench and talk with the locals.This will definitely be where we will stay every time we come to Galena!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug, 2026
Thank you Renee! We love being a 6 on a scale of 1 to 5! But more importantly, so happy you had an excellent Galena trip at the Owl House!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect. The location could not have been better. The house was beautiful and right on Bench Street, a block from the Museum and General Grant’s Church. Ten minute walk to the General’s home. Every room of the house had special touches—a turntable in a music room, Lavazza coffee and LaCroix in the fridge, which was perfect because the temperature outside. We loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jul, 2026
So glad you enjoyed the Owl House & its fantastic proximity to everything in downtown Galena!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Owl House

Great place super close to everything!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Owl House rates in the top few VRBO's I've stayed in. The decor, cleanliness, details and location could not be better and I highly recommend you grab it if you can!!THANK YOU for your excellence in caring for this unique property!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

August 2023 stay at the Owl House

Great property, super amenities and location is perfect to walk
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Conveniently Located. Beautifully renovated and decorated. Always a wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved the walking access to shopping, restaurants, and historical properties. The property was in great condition.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

The Owl House in Galena is a Gem!

Gorgeous vintage property with modern amenities in the perfect location. We will definitely stay at this property during our next visit to Galena!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful experience and stay

We absolutely loved the “Owl House” from the cleanliness, homey decor, and the best hosts we have ever had. Communication was easy and thorough, and our hosts made our stay so comfortable with their stocked kitchen, personal touches and details
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great place

Everything Perfect
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very cute place, but heating inadequate because it was cold outside. Parking was great. We enjoyed ourselves.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful home in prime location

The Owl House was perfect for our girls weekend trip. It was beautifully decorated with all the amenities we needed plus some. It was very comfortable and just steps from downtown for all of the restaurants and shopping. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

About the host

Hosted by Chris & Jayne

Host profile image

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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