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Sunny Cottage: Fire pit, close to biking & walking trails and historic downtown.

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Welcome to the Sunny Cottage!
Living area
Game room
Living area
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 692.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Gym
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Washer

Explore the area

Map
Oskaloosa, IA
  • William Penn University
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • City Square Park
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Southern Iowa Fair
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Ottumwa, IA (OTM-Ottumwa Industrial)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Common Space

1 Single Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Inspiration Room

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

Spaces

Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Sunny Cottage: Fire pit, close to biking & walking trails and historic downtown.

Light and cozy home with smart grill, fire pit, near biking and hiking trails, kayaking, and several frisbee and golf courses, and much more!

Come for the night or stay for the week! Guests will be given code for entry and keys will be inside upon arrival. House is equipped with full kitchen and everything you would need and more for the best stay ever.

Oskaloosa is home to Iowa’s Best Burger served at highly acclaimed Wood Iron Grill, set on one of our beautiful golf courses. Walk downtown, enjoy our family owned eateries, shops and coffee houses. Bike or jog on miles of trails surrounded by native prairie grasses and bubbling streams or tour the woolly mammoth museum and soon to be finished solar system walk about. You will be close to lakes, a winery & cheese factory. You will have full access to YMCA located within walking distance of this property. Kayak, bike & golf club/discs upon request.

With an active and talented chamber, historical society, arts and conservation board, Mahaska County is a gem for natural learning and adventure.

Bike Trails and Bike Rentals:
We have a wonderful 14 mile bike trail that goes all around Oskaloosa through restored prairies, woods, and farm fields and has a good variety of entry and exit points for most of us who may not have time for the whole route. Travel easy and rent a bike from Nostalgic Rides in Oskaloosa at 207 A Avenue East, right next to the well loved dutch bakery - Jaarsmas. At Nostalgic Rides, there are a few high demand experiences such as the Schwinn bicycle built for two and the adult Tricycle, so if those two would be a must for you, let us know and if they are available, we'll be sure to reserve them for you!

Outdoor Explorers and Nature Enthusiasts:
There are over 1700 acres of forests, wetlands, prairies and parks to explore in Mahaska County and 20 separate parks, river accesses and wildlife areas with over six miles of maintained trails cared for by our local conservation board, in addition to both Keomah State Park where there is at least 5 miles of hiking and Oskaloosa's 14 mile bike trail. Check out Mahaska County Conservation Board website or stop in at their beautiful education center, which houses all kinds of nature displays and live animals and not only offers weekly activities, but has a wonderful entry point for Oskaloosa's bike trail This center is conveniently located between the cabin and Oskaloosa (2342 Hwy 92, Oskaloosa), not far from our wonderful Stam's Greenhouse, mentioned somewhere in these details.

Link to Keomah State Park: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/Lake-Keomah-State-Park

Property manager

Christian & Melissa Ray
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No food or beverages in bedrooms.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Oskaloosa

Oskaloosa is home to this holiday home. Lake Keomah State Park and City Square Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Southern Iowa Fair and Fun Valley Ski Area. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Oskaloosa, IA

What's nearby

  • William Penn University - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • City Square Park - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Mahaska Health - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Southern Iowa Fair - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Lake Keomah State Park - 12 min drive - 10.4 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 71 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Scotters Coffee - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Taco John's - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sunny Cottage: Fire pit, close to biking & walking trails and historic downtown. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Sunny Cottage: Fire pit, close to biking & walking trails and historic downtown.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sunny Cottage: Fire pit, close to biking & walking trails and historic downtown.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Sunny Cottage: Fire pit, close to biking & walking trails and historic downtown. located?

Situated in Oskaloosa, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of William Penn University, City Square Park and Mahaska Health. Southern Iowa Fair and VanderWilt Park are also within 2 miles (3 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. 57 out of 59 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 59 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 59 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 59 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 59 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

James M.

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

Cozy and comfortable

We had a great time there. We were very comfortable and cozy. We felt at home!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen W.

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

Nice place!

Very clean and nicely appointed! We enjoyed our time here.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon S.

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

Relax in a very clean setting

So cute and clean. Everything you would want in your stay to a new area. Wonderful host and town. We didn’t want for anything. Book and Relax, it was so pleasant not to worry about getting check in information in time! Sent to us in plenty of time. If clean is important to you, like it is for us, not to worry here.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Randy H.

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

Great place to stay.

It was a great place for my daughters to stay and host a family wedding shower!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Diana D.

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

Graduation 2024

Love the house and location. This is our second time staying here. We had a small issue with the smoke alarm going off and it stressed out our dogs otherwise we had a great time!! Highly recommend this home!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul W.

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

Very comfortable home to stay in

Same as above
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joanna H.

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

WPU Parent

Perfect place for the family to stay while visiting for WPU graduation. It is a great little cottage and close to everything!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl P.

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

Oskaloosa iowa

This was a perfect cottage for us. Will try & be back.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bob D., Waconia mn

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

Thanksgiving stay

We stayed over Thanksgiving and accommodations worked perfectly ... cozy and cute and great access to the trail! Instructions were clear and host was easy to work with ... thanks for everything!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tonya L.

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

Cute and cozy

This home is very cute and homey. The host is very nice and easy to talk to. We will definitely stay in one of their homes again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emily K.

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

our stay

Excellent as always! One of our favorite places to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H.

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

Lovely weekend spot

Gathered with two friends for a getaway weekend, and the house was a lovely spot for that. The hosts had great communication and there were so many thoughtful touches. The house was clean and cozy, a great spot for some R&R on a rainy weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nora B.

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

We loved the house. It was immaculate and had everything we could need.

The outside property was really cute with chairs in the front and back. We loved the fire pit and really enjoyed the fire we had one night.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kevin B.

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

Happy Sunny Chalet

Visited our son at William Penn- the house was perfect.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ethan N.

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

Fantastic location

This place was fantastic. Close enough to everything so that you're 5 min from anywhere you want to be but you're not in the thick of things. I would rent again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janet O., Mpls, MN

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

Cozy, comfortable and clean

The sunny cottage was a great gem to stay at while we were visiting our nephew at W.P. It was super close to campus and town. The place had everything we needed plus. The owners were so helpful and quick to respond with information about the town or anything else we needed. We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mycaah H.

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

Perfect Cottage

Clean, modern and cozy! Absolutely wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie T.

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

Racing weekend

The Sunny Chalet met my expectations. This was the second time I've stayed here. The hosts communicated well with me and relayed local weekend activities. My family enjoyed a nice fire in the back yard one night. Enjoyed nearby Knoxville Raceway and Marshalltown Speedway. Took in the Tassel Ridge Winery and the Nearwood winery in Knoxville. Great weekend getaway. The Sunny Chalet is clean, spacious and welcoming!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angee B., Benton, AR. UNITED STATES

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

Moving son into Penn

Perfect place to stay for moving our son into Penn. Located between the school and the lovely downtown area. Home is very cozy, decorated lovely, and beautifully landscaped yard. A true gem.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Quick get away.

We enjoyed our stay while making a quick trip to Iowa. Our primary reason for the trip was a return visit to Winterset. We stayed closer on prior visits so we wanted to explore a new town. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rick P.

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

Great stay, Nice place

It was so nice sitting back and relaxing at the Sunny Chalet. Every thing we needed was provided for us. The host were very attentive to our needs. Plenty of room and every thing worked! We will try to stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eli S.

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

Great stay

My wife and I had a perfect stay at the sunny chalet. We ended up having to spend more time at the place than we planned, and found it very warm and comfortable. Christian and Melissa are accommodating hosts and nice people.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

James C.

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

Unique small town experience

Sunny Chalet was perfect for our family. We appreciated all of the information provided by the hosts and found the property well stocked to enjoy all of the area’s activities.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Martha "Marti" S., Bonita Springs, Florida

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

Clean, cozy home for a Visit to Oskaloosa!

I stayed at this clean and cozy home in mid-June of this year and really enjoyed my stay there. The house had all the conveniences and comforting decor as well. The kitchen sink window looking out at the large backyard ( with 4 Adirondack chairs & a fit pit) gave me a great Iowa-girl-returned- to-her-home-state feeling.. The computer area nook was a good spot for getting work and communications done while in town. I love the town of Osky! Their downtown area (w/ Eagle's Nest Christian bookstore--outstanding, and The Book Vault--also outstanding and beautiful city square is always a pleasing, interesting place to be. The local people are very helpful, friendly, to fun to talk to. I would stay again at this location in Oskaloosa and thank the hosts for their care and professionalism in offering this house for a comfy stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anna Kate M.

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

Wedding Trip Weekend

My friends and I loved staying in this home! It was super clean, had everything we needed, and felt comfortable and safe. Highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Christian & Melissa Ray

Host profile image
We love adventure and travel as much as you! We lived for several years on the East coast and loved the culture there and still go there often to visit our adult children and grandchildren. One thing we always missed about the midwest was having the center square of Oskaloosa where the city band plays Thursdays through summer along with all kinds of festivals that happen in the town's center. We also love our coffee shop, local restaurants, local creative people making things happen in our town like Muse Music, the Art Center and so much more!

We love vacation stays in homes as its simply home with new people and culture to experience. We hope you feel at home the way we do when we travel and we do our best to continue to improve your stay as we gather feedback from you, our delightful guests!

Why they chose this property

This well appointed home is a delightful stay from the inside filled with stylish and comfortable finds to the cottage style flowers without and a place to gather around the fire in the partially fenced in backyard. All this within a friendly town filled with a common love for the nature we find ourselves a part of and the creative experiences brought to you by local midwestern people! From the winery and cheese factory west of town to the miles of trails through our county by the Mahaska conservation board and Lake Keomah State Park just 6 miles east of Oskaloosa. We are also home to Iowa's number one burger and several family eateries serving up fresh and unique foods. We have boutiques, a great music shop with activities galore, several golf courses, parks, frisbee golf and a 14-17 mile bike trail around the town that people come from miles around to experience.

We are also home to the mammoth dig and have replicas of this dig in our beautiful education center along the trail on the east side of town. There are several entries into the trail including this conservation education center and an entry point a couple blocks behind this home.

What makes this property unique

We are close to William Penn College, a short walk. We are also in proximity to several area colleges and have had guests visiting their students at Central, Grinnell, Beuna Vista and Indian Hills campuses.

Our town is the headquarters for Musco, a worldwide provider of sports lighting and Clow Valve Company, also and international company with a rich history that dates back to 1878. Kelderman manufacturing and Oskaloosa Engineering offer more employment in our community along with several small businesses that offer you unique experiences during your stay.

We are centrally located between John Deere in Ottumwa and Pella Corp and Vermeer in Pella.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests