Entire home

Fabulous Funky Refurbished 70's Retro Lakefront Home -

Photo gallery for Fabulous Funky Refurbished 70's Retro Lakefront Home -

The great room as view from the loft
As viewed from the dock
The great room and one of the two Preway fireplaces
 A view from the entry door
The dining area and sitting area as seen from the loft

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 41500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Iola, WI
  • Central Waters Brewing Company
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
    ‪40 min drive‬
  • Sentryworld Golf Course
    ‪42 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Fabulous Funky Refurbished 70's Retro Lakefront Home -

“That 70’s Lake House” located on Lake Iola is available for rent to aficionados who dig retro charm, modern day conveniences, wonderful views, and a vibe that has been long since forgotten. This groovy peaceful lakefront getaway will surely provide a memorable experience. This home has been featured by the Washington Post.

Lake Iola is located near downtown Iola, WI. The lake is (210) acres of crystal clear water for recreational activities. The lake is technically a mill pond and is particularly well suited for the silent sports such as canoeing, kayaking and paddle boating. The fishing is great and the wildlife is to behold. The lake is the perfect place for a quiet day or evening of fishing or watching the sunset from the seat of your kayak. A short paddle away is downtown Iola offering a choice of dining and entertainment.

The house is light and airy with plenty of windows for cross breezes and sounds of the Northwoods. The house also has central air for the few days a year when it's needed. The original house was built in 1975, it has been modernized and blends vintage interior treatments while keeping that 70’s air about it. The open floor plan offers a cool place to chill with family, friends or your loved one.

The house features (2) bedrooms, an open concept kitchen with modern cabinetry, new appliances, coffee maker, microwave, toaster, and new cookware. There's a fab electric orange Preway fire place, vaulted gable ceiling with exposed pine beams and is tastefully furnished in the colors and styles of the day. Also included is a restored vintage console stereo and a collection of 70’s vinyl for your listening pleasure.

Breaking from the 70’s theme is a flat screen television with HDTV channels delivered by antenna and a Blu-Ray DVD player for watching your favorite 70’s shows such as Taxi and the Brady Bunch. The cupboard is stocked with family friendly DVD's, books and board games from the 70’s. Unfortunately, we hate to say it but the internet wasn’t invented in the 70’s so you’ll be forced to hang with friends and family and converse with each other.

Perfect for watching sunsets, avoiding the bugs or staying dry when it’s raining is a nicely sized three season room furnished with a double sofa, a electric Preway fireplace, hanging chair and a game table. Additionally, it wouldn’t be a 70’s house without a funky orange hand chair and an Atari Pong Arcade game.

The deck has ample room for gathering or just kicking back and relaxing. It has a patio table for outdoor dining and a full complement of vintage outdoor chairs. An orange Weber style kettle grill is located on the deck for those of you who feel so inclined to grill out. The deck offers a free and clear view across the bay to an undeveloped shoreline reminiscent of lakes father north.

A campfire ring complete with complimentary firewood is located in the back of the house and has lake views.

Guests have access to a retro (4) person paddle boat or (2) single person kayaks, plus a canoe. Life jackets are available for sizes 30 lbs. to adult. There’s a dock in case you want to tether your own boat or one of the complimentary ones. Also available for your use is a pair of vintage his and hers 70’s Huffy bicycles, perfect for cruising down town for lunch, an ice cream cone or a piece of the best pie around at the Crystal Café. During the summers there's badminton net set up lakeside.

The property is about ½ acre in size, offering views of the lake framed by trees. The property is in a developed neighborhood of generously sized lots. It’s located on a non-through street that’s one block long and is located at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Located in downtown Iola are (3) restaurants, (3) bars, an Antique Store, Pharmacy and a Bakery. Just blocks away is a Sentry Grocery, A Subway and a Dollar Store. Located the other side of downtown is the Historic Village.

Iola also offers the followings “things to do”:
• The Iola Car Show and Swap meet
• The Iola Vintage Military Show
• Iola Bump and Jump – Wisconsin Off-Road Bike Series
• Iola Historical Society Strawberry Festivals
• Golfing at the Glacier Wood Golf Course in Iola (a stone throw from the house) voted Best Municipal Golf Course in the state 2009.
• Iola Winter Carnival
• Thursday Night on Main – live entertainment downtown Iola (July and August)

Within an hour of the house one can find the following:
• Fishing on any one of the numerous lakes and streams in the areaThe Wisconsin DNR Fish Hatchery in Wild Rose
• Horseback Riding at Luwisomo Riding Stable in Wild Rose
• Crystal River Canoe Trips in Waupaca
• Mountain Biking and Wake Park at Nordic Mountain in Mt. Morris
• Clear Water Harbor in Waupaca (home of the Chief Waupaca Sternwheeler)
• Waupaca Chain Skiers – Ski Show in Waupaca
• The EAA AirVenture Museum and Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh
• Mile of Music Appleton
• Brewery Tours at Point Brewery Stevens Point or Central Water Brewery in Amherst
• Hiking or Biking on the Tomorrow River State Trail, the Ice Age Trail, the River Ridge Trail or the Wau-King Trail
• Hartman Creek State Park
• Leigh Yawking Woodson Art Museum in Wausau
• Thrasheree and National Tractor Pulls in Symco

A Visitor’s Guide is provided for additional information about the area along with house instructions for “where, what, when, and how” at the cabin.

Special Note: We invite you to enjoy the 70’s Lake House with respect for the property, and the peace and privacy of our neighbors. In order to provide the best experience for everyone we are a Smoke Free, Pet Free and No Shoe household. The cottage offers a great opportunity to reconnect with family and recharge. Catch you on the Flip-side.

Optional vacation rentals available - if this home isn't available for the timeframe you want or doesn't quite fit your needs check out our other listing - That 70's Mushroom House - A Truly Unique Retro Lakefront Home (VRBO listing # 1232712)

User limitations and restrictions;

***Due to the property design the house is limited to (4) guests.
***No parties or guests are permitted without prior approval by the owners.
***Out of respect to those with allergies, pets are not permitted.
***No fireworks or firearms are permitted.
***Renters assume all liability associated with the use of all owner furnished items, included but not limited canoes, boats, grills, etc.

Property manager

Kathy and Greg
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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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

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Iola

Located in Iola, this holiday home is on a lake. Central Waters Brewing Company and Foxfire Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Nelsonvile Community Sanctuary and Brekke Lake. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Iola, WI

What's nearby

  • Sunset Lake - 20 min drive - 17.3 km
  • Central Waters Brewing Company - 28 min drive - 26.1 km
  • Crystal River - 34 min drive - 35.3 km
  • University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point - 40 min drive - 46.3 km
  • Sentryworld Golf Course - 42 min drive - 47.8 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Subway - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Crystal Cafe - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪B J's Schmidt's Corners - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Iron Grille - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Too Dars Diner - ‬18 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Fabulous Funky Refurbished 70's Retro Lakefront Home - pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Fabulous Funky Refurbished 70's Retro Lakefront Home - ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fabulous Funky Refurbished 70's Retro Lakefront Home - ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Fabulous Funky Refurbished 70's Retro Lakefront Home - located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Brekke Lake, Rollofson Lake and Johnson Lake. Budsberg Lake and Minister Lake are also within 9 miles (15 km).

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. 184 out of 192 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 192 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 192 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 192 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 192 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Celia L.

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

Best girls weekend ever!

Stayed here over a quiet weekend with a couple of girlfriends, was just the escape we needed! Area was very quiet and peaceful and provided with plenty of amenities to enjoy the water, we opted for a paddle boat ride! The property was in pristine condition, and so cute and comfortable! Felt just like being back in the 70s! Hosts were easy to communicate with and you can tell they take great pride in this hidden gem! Will definitely visit again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle S.

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

Retro getaway

We stayed here the week following our wedding to relax. The property was so cute and fun. We played games, kayaked, and rode the his and hers bikes to the local ice cream shop.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marc L., Hanover,MN

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

Great space

We enjoyed stay, very comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca D.

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

Relaxing

This property was wonderful, unique and clean. Being right by the lake was very peaceful, and the host included many recreational items for use during our stay. Walking or biking distance from the town and award winning golf course was an extra bonus. Only compliments from my family during our stay and the hosts were quick to respond with any questions. Would definitely stay again :)
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff M.

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

Great stay

Communications with owners are quick and easy. House is spotless. They have every amenity you could want - bikes, kayaks, canoe, life jackets, fishing gear, yard games, fire pit, grill....and so much more. Decor takes me back to my youth. We try to stay here everytime we are in the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maegyn N.

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

Happiest weekend with friends!

My friends and I had the best stay at this home! We were blown away by the decor, cleanliness, and activities. Kathy and Greg have created such a unique experience, and my group loved the whole weekend, from the board games to lake activities to reading in all the cozy spots of the house. We never wanted it to end!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kristin F.

Clean and fun. Perfect getaway!

My husband and I stayed for two nights for an anniversary getaway. It was
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2016

10/10 Excellent

Cindy E.

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

Fun and relaxing in 70's style

Property with everything one needs. If one stayed in the summer, the garage houses all the water and land toys needed. Our winter visit was just as pleasant with an electric fireplace, games and views of the lake along with wildlife.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Trevor B.

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

Time capsule

Great place with tons of amenities! So close to the golf course and town. 10/10
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Miriam R., Madison

Perfect

The house has gorgeous views of the lake and wildlife abounds. The sunsets were spectacular. The house is beautifully appointed, clean and extremely comfortable. The owners have thought of and included everything one could possibly need while on vacation.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2017

10/10 Excellent

Liz L.

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

Groovy 70s Pad

The setting was relaxing and comfortable with a nice variety of sentimental, family-friendly, and inexpensive entertainment options. The owners were very responsive to all communication and were very hospitable. This is a great location for those who just want to get away from the hustle of life and enjoy a simpler time.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kayla C.

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

Amazing Getaway

My boyfriend and I stayed here for a long weekend and it was perfect! The neighborhood was nice and there were several places to eat and get sweet treats nearby. Our favorite part of the house was sitting on the deck, reading, talking and playing games. On our first night, we took used the paddle boat and enjoyed watching the sunset and another day we took the Kayaks out. It was so nice to have everything we needed right there. Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristin Q., -

Great Escape

Wonderful place to unwind and relax. House is so cool, reminded me of the house of my youth (orange and olive too)! Owners have put so much care into the cabin. It was a pleasure to be back in the 70’s! Cool games and boats for entertainment. Owners were SUPER hosts!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Carla W.

30th annual girls vacation

This place is awesome. We had so much fun reliving the 70's here. Greg and Kathy are wonderful owners and they did a great job with this place. Weather was not good for us to enjoy the water but the fire pit, games and videos were wonderful. Place is very clean and well stocked. Wonderful treats awaited our arrival. Wonderful touch. We did shopping and walking around Iola as well as Waupaca. Thanks for a great place for our getaway.

10/10 Excellent

Thomas H.

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

Relaxing on the lake

Taking a trip back in time for a few days was just what we needed. Everything was just as advertised. It was fun taking a look at all the things from the past while spinning some records and enjoying some cocktails on the deck. The home was clean and we'll stocked with the essentials. The town is small and had some cute little places to stop in. The only drawback is the lake is very overgrown, which is no fault of the owners. It still made for a relaxing environment to take a short getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Perfect place to stay

Everything you could ever need plus. This place is better equipped than my house. From dishes. Pots/pans, linens, toiletries, bikes, boats, fishing gear, 70s TV show box sets...the list goes on. Thry have thought of it all. Walking in you feel like the Brady Bunch must live across the street. Great place that i will return to on future trips to the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom E.

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

That 70’s lake house

House as described and very well stocked. Greg & Kathy very responsive to all my questions. Granddaughter initially upset about o Wi-Fi. but really got into Mork & Mindy DVDs after fishing from the dock most evenings. Great way to relax in this throw back lake house.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay B.

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

Relaxing vacation

There is plenty to do and Greg and Kathy’s retro lake house. They have plenty of entertainment available and the views of the lake are beautiful. It was not a big deal to us, but don’t plan on swimming in the lake due to the aquatic vegetation. Don’t worry, there are plenty of nearby lakes for that! It was still great for fishing, kayaking, and floating in a tube. House is very clean and has pretty much anything you could need.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nancy G., ZIONSVILLE

The Girls' trip to Iola WI was a success!

The 70's Lakefront home is very charming & tastefully decorated, along with being immaculate. The kitchen is very well equipped. Of our two day stay, we made a great meal & the table looked adorable with all the colorful matching tableware & service pieces. My sisters & I were also very appreciative of the outdoor equipment - we used the pedal boat & kayaks. We would have used the Huffy bikes, but it rained the afternoon we were planning to go riding. Kathy & Greg were extremely helpful with instructions & directions. We would definitely stay here again, if our plans bring us back to WI.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2016

10/10 Excellent

Tracy C.

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

Beautiful home, meticulous attention to details!

My daughter found this place while searching for a fun family & friend weekend. We were not disappointed! The home is a modern update of the 70’s, complete with crocheted afghans, record players, Etch-A-Sketch, an Atari game, unlimited board games from my childhood, excellent fishing (my husband caught several northern, crappies & many perch right from the kayak!), bikes, badminton, fire pit, paddle boat, and endless other amenities! The open concept with the loft area, decor, and a few modern amenities (TV & DVD player with Brady Bunch, Mork & Mindy, All In The Family etc. box sets), along with a great screen porch & close proximity to great restaurants made this place so memorable for our family! The hosts were very responsive & offered several local recommendations for activities. Thank you!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

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

Memorial Day Memories

Our family had a great time here. Very comfortable, plenty of space for the four of us (including 2 boys 5 & 8) and with all the conveniences we could need. We didn’t miss wi-fi at all. Never turned on the TV. No need! We loved taking the canoe and kayaks out on the pond and the boys loved playing outside and riding their bikes up and down the road. We played games on the screen porch and enjoyed the fireplaces every night. Other highlights were going on a chain of lakes boat cruise, walking the tomorrow river trail, and biking into town for lunch and pie. All great suggestions from the owner. Lots of info available on local attractions too. We hope to be back! Thanks very much to Kathy & Greg for maintaining such a wonderful place.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Liz L.

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

Home away from home

We first stayed at this house last summer (late June/early July 2022). We had a great time, so when we started planning another trip to WI for our son's graduation (UW Stevens Point), I didn't hesitate to book another stay at the 70's house. The location is beautiful, the house is clean, well-organized, and just plain FUN! One of the perks I really enjoy is the fact that it's located on the lake. I like to photograph birds and then use the photos for watercolor paintings. During this stay, I saw not only herons, geese, and ducks, but also sandhill cranes, osprey, a bald eagle, and even 5 swans. Close to shore I also saw numerous frogs, snakes, a turtle, and a muskrat. Our son will be moving to the Appleton area so it's unlikely that we will be back again, but I highly recommend this place! It truly felt like home away from home for us, and the owners were fantastic to work with. I wish we could have stayed longer.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Patti D.

Groovy!!!

Loved every little detail the owners have added to this 70's inspired home! Our almost 10 year old was fascinated with the record payer and the Brady Bunch box set. We had lots of fun outdoors too, from the hammock, badminton, kayaking, the canoe, enjoying the shoreline catching frogs and fishing from the dock! Some neat little restaurants nearby, and we loved fishing by the damn, right behind Millstones! Everything is perfectly decorated, we couldn't believe that even the dishes and utelsils matched the decor! We stayed up late each night playing the board games too. We enjoyed watching all the wildlife, to include bald eagles, herons, cranes, otters, osprey etc! Fishing was fantastic! Huge panfish and perch, right from shore or while out on the boats. We never had time for a fire in the fire pit, but squeezed in a bike ride!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Thomas P.

Relax in style at this kitschy lakefront home

Surprised my friend with a weekend getaway to an unknown location. A child of the 70's herself, she was floored by the intense attention to detail. Every knick knack and piece of furniture had some 70's vibe, but everything was still modern enough so as not to be uncomfortable. We all agreed that if we owned the place, we wouldn't trust renting it out to strangers. The owners are extremely nice to share such an amazing home. They are also very helpful answering questions, and they give you numerous forms of entertainment to enjoy. We particularly enjoyed the 8 track player, so bring some up to use if you have any. Also loved relaxing by the fire pit at night and sitting on the patio looking out at the stars. If you are into birding, this place is for you. I saw cranes, herons, and kingfishers from the back porch, just to name a few. I had the best Friday night fish fry of my life at T-Dub's Public House in Waupaca, so make sure not to miss it. Having Central Waters Brewery nearby also doesn't hurt. Would not hesitate to go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2016

10/10 Excellent

Kristin M.

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

Wonderful spot to unwind

Just finished up a great week-long family vacation at the 70s house. It was us with our 5 and 8 year old daughters. House details: the house was clean, well-stocked, and meticulously curated for the theme. The idea runs the risk of being kitschy, but upon arrival it was so immersive, tasteful, and on-point that you could help but love it! The layout with the 3-season porch, large open great room, and the outside deck provide lots of spaces for everyone. The home was well-stocked for linens, paper goods, towels. Kitchen was also well stocked (coffee, filters, few shelf-stable pantry items available, pots/pans/tupperware. flatware, etc). We had everything we needed. The array of outdoor activities and the cleanliness/organization of the host made everything easy to use (and easy to put back where it should be). We enjoyed the kayaks, canoe, ladderball, hammock, golf, firepit, outdoor chairs, grill). Inside, we enjoyed board games, DVDs (my 5 yr old now loves the Brady Bunch), and the record collection is awesome! The area: Iola is a small, quiet town. That said - it has all that you would need - a handful of local restaurants, gas station, pharmacy (we learned cash only), local playground (with clean bathrooms!) and grocery nearby. The lake is a bit overgrown with weeds, so not a swimming lake. But works well for kayaking and fishing (as long as you don't mind getting caught in some weeds). Nearby, we enjoyed bowling, hiking at Hartmans, a day pontoon rental in Waupaca, and a few Waupaca restaurants. I was a little worried that our kids would get bored during the week, but we all had a very relaxing and enjoyable time. I would totally come back. Thanks to Greg and Kathy for putting so much effort into a great property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Kathy and Greg

Host profile image
We're from Neenah, WI less than a hours drive from the property. We're fun loving baby boomers who are passionate about mid-century modern/Danish modern lifestyles.

Why they chose this property

When this architecturally unique home built in 1975 caught our eye we saw the potential of returning it to all of its retro splendor.

What makes this property unique

We fell in love with the thought of having a retro home. Additionally, we relished the bonus of being on a quiet cul-de-sac with a lake view that will never be tarnished by human settlement The location gives you the sense of being out in the woods while being close to the amenities of being in town.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests