Entire home
Historic Home By Carleton College; Perfect for Visiting Families & Faculty
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 62300 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Northfield, MN
- Place, Carleton College1 min walk
- Place, Northfield Arts Guild6 min walk
- Place, St. Olaf College2 min drive
- Airport, Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.)53 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Double Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Bathroom 2
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Spaces
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Historic Home By Carleton College; Perfect for Visiting Families & Faculty
Rich in local history, this brightly-renovated 3-bedroom/2-bath gem sits on the edge of Carleton College campus. Built in 1881 and formerly the home of original Carleton benefactors Allen and Mary Nourse, the Cottage has all the comforts of a weekend getaway with the ideal location for activities at Carleton Collage, St. Olaf Collage or the vibrant Northfield community.
Sip your morning coffee or your evening cocktail on the lovely screened-in front porch. Inside, the airy living room offers reading nooks, a cozy electric fireplace and a large smart television. The sunny breakfast table is perfect for the mornings or spreading out your laptop. The living room opens to a sophisticated dining area and around the corner to a fully-equipped kitchen with full-sized refrigerator, stove and dishwasher. There are plenty of dishes, glasses and cooking equipment to whip up a quick breakfast or serve a celebratory dinner.
The first floor also offers a bright bedroom with a queen bed, large closet and an adjoining recently renovated full bath with shower.
Upstairs are two additional bedrooms, each with a double bed, as well as a second bath with shower and tub. All of the bedrooms are generously sized; the home comfortably sleep 6 people.
Original hardwood floors, crown moulding and large windows flow throughout the house making it bright and welcoming all year round.
Downstairs offers a finished basement with laundry facilities and a groovy ‘70s game table. Out back, bright red Adirondack chairs invite you to sit under the massive elm tree amongst the flowers and herbs. One reserved parking space is in the back; additional street parking is available in front. Please note that we have an exterior camera on the front porch to monitor the exterior of our home for security purposes.
Filled with original artwork and thoughtful touches, this peaceful home is one block from Carleton’s Skinner Chapel and the Weitz Center, making it an ideal location for graduation, parents’ weekend, campus performances and visiting educators. St. Olaf’s beautiful campus is 1 mile drive away.
The vibrant Northfield downtown with all of its cafes, restaurants and shops is a 5 minute walk. The entrance to Carleton’s stunning 880-acre Cowling Arboretum is four blocks down the street. You could easily go days staying at Nourse Cottage just walking or biking to your destinations without ever needing your car.
Sip your morning coffee or your evening cocktail on the lovely screened-in front porch. Inside, the airy living room offers reading nooks, a cozy electric fireplace and a large smart television. The sunny breakfast table is perfect for the mornings or spreading out your laptop. The living room opens to a sophisticated dining area and around the corner to a fully-equipped kitchen with full-sized refrigerator, stove and dishwasher. There are plenty of dishes, glasses and cooking equipment to whip up a quick breakfast or serve a celebratory dinner.
The first floor also offers a bright bedroom with a queen bed, large closet and an adjoining recently renovated full bath with shower.
Upstairs are two additional bedrooms, each with a double bed, as well as a second bath with shower and tub. All of the bedrooms are generously sized; the home comfortably sleep 6 people.
Original hardwood floors, crown moulding and large windows flow throughout the house making it bright and welcoming all year round.
Downstairs offers a finished basement with laundry facilities and a groovy ‘70s game table. Out back, bright red Adirondack chairs invite you to sit under the massive elm tree amongst the flowers and herbs. One reserved parking space is in the back; additional street parking is available in front. Please note that we have an exterior camera on the front porch to monitor the exterior of our home for security purposes.
Filled with original artwork and thoughtful touches, this peaceful home is one block from Carleton’s Skinner Chapel and the Weitz Center, making it an ideal location for graduation, parents’ weekend, campus performances and visiting educators. St. Olaf’s beautiful campus is 1 mile drive away.
The vibrant Northfield downtown with all of its cafes, restaurants and shops is a 5 minute walk. The entrance to Carleton’s stunning 880-acre Cowling Arboretum is four blocks down the street. You could easily go days staying at Nourse Cottage just walking or biking to your destinations without ever needing your car.
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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Gatherings of more than 6 must be pre-approved.
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
Note from host: Gatherings of more than 6 must be pre-approved.
Long-term renters welcome
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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
About the area
Northfield
Northfield is home to this cottage. Northfield Arts Guild and Northfield Historical Society are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Twin Oaks Driving Range and Skoglund Athletic Center. The Labyrinth and Rice County Fair Grounds are also worth visiting.
Northfield, MN
What's nearby
- Carleton College - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
- The Labyrinth - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
- Northfield Arts Guild - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
- Northfield Historical Society - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
- St. Olaf College - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 3 min drive
- Culver's - 3 min drive
- Taco Bell - 12 min walk
- Carbones Pizza - 12 min walk
- Tanzenwald Brewing Company - 9 min walk
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
3 Nov, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jenny G.
30 Dec, 2025
Jenny G.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ellie W.
29 Dec, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ellie W.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Wendy H.
18 Oct, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wendy H.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
debora s.
11 Nov, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
debora s.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
debora s.
6 Oct, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
debora s.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
debora s.
29 Sept, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
debora s.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Suzanne G.
19 Oct, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Suzanne G.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ann
22 Sept, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Ann
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rob and Julie S.
24 Feb, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend Visiting Our Carl
Rob and Julie S.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jessica G.
25 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Reunion Weekend
Jessica G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Julie B.
18 Mar, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Carleton Oasis
Julie B.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Carey J.
26 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Graduation stay

Carey J.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Eileen B.
21 Apr, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Place
Eileen B.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Paula H.
30 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nourse Cottage
Paula H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Robynne S.
23 Jun, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Girls weekend
Robynne S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kristin K.
30 Oct, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for our visit to Northfield
Kristin K.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kris O.
13 Nov, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect cozy getaway
Kris O.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Patricia K.
24 Jun, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing!!
Patricia K.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rob and Julie S.
15 Sept, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect cottage!
Rob and Julie S.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Beth F.
18 Nov, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Carleton Cottage
Beth F.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Eric L.
7 Oct, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cottage
Eric L.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Julie B.
26 May, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Delightful!
Julie B.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
JOHN H.
23 Oct, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous Home, Fantastic Hosts, Perfect Location
JOHN H.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Cindy J.
25 Mar, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Charming
Cindy J.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
About the host
Hosted by Kristy and Adam Battani
Our daughter attended Carleton College and we fell in love with Northfield! We bought this house so we could visit her (and escape the Texas heat), but would love to be able to share it with other visitors.
Why they chose this property
This is a storybook neighborhood. Nestled between beautifully restored historic homes and Carleton's campus, the tree-lined streets make for lovely walks to the Cowling Arboretum or down to Division Street for Northfield's cafes, restaurants and stores.
What makes this property unique
Built in 1881 for Allen and Mary Nourse, this house was originally situated near the site of current day Nourse Hall on Carleton's campus. The Nourses donated their farmland to the college and the house was later moved to its current location. The Cottage has been recently updated and refurbished; its ideal location, history and charm make for a relaxing visit.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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