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Rural, cozy & close to KU - easy access on hard-top roads, nice newer amenities!

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Welcome to the Bluestem Bungalow!
Covered Front Porch Entry
Sidewalk in from the Circle Drive
Best morning coffee spot!
Relax and sit a spell..

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 7167.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Lawrence, KS
  • Haskell Indian Nations University
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • University of Kansas
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Allen Fieldhouse
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Lawrence, KS (LWC-Lawrence Municipal)
    ‪27 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Kid's Basement Bunk Room (Twin over Full)

1 Single Bunk Bed

Master King Suite (Main Floor)

1 King Bed

The Queen Suite (Main Floor)

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Basement Bathroom

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

En-suite Master Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Hall bath directly outside the Main Floor Queen Suite

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

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Rural, cozy & close to KU - easy access on hard-top roads, nice newer amenities!

Thank you for considering ‘The Bluestem Bungalow’! We'd love the chance to host your group. It is our goal to provide you the comforts of home when you’re away from your own.

Country Charm abounds in this cozy little postcard cottage. What you’ll find here is a peaceful, rural setting that’s close to everything! Easily accessible, the Bluestem Bungalow is 5 minutes from Lawrence (& the K10 Hwy Haskel Exchange) on well-maintained, hard-top County roads. Our home is a convenient escape from the hectic city without forgoing those 'in-town' amenities we all love. With 3 BR, 3 full baths, two family room areas equipped with large screen TVs, laundry facilities, a full kitchen, an inviting front porch with sitting areas and plenty of green space, there is ample room to spread-out and enjoy any downtime you may have when visiting Northeast Kansas. We live in a rural setting with homes on several acres each. We do have neighbors on all sides, though tree lines provide added privacy so you don’t have that ‘fishbowl’ feeling. We’re sure you will enjoy the solitude of this lovely setting, as well as any interactions with the friendly folks who also call our area home. (Good neighbors are good to have!)

All the linens and towels provided are high-quality and are washed & sanitized prior to each new stay. The king bed is a Tempur-Pedic mattress with a thick memory foam topper and overstuffed pillow topper as well. In fact, we find all the beds are super comfy, as we believe that without a good night’s rest, nothing else matters! We’ve even added memory foam toppers to the kid bunk beds. Let our resident owl lull you to sleep with his night song as you snuggle deep into the soft cloud toppers on all our beds. We hope you will find rest and respite from the outside world in our little sanctuary.

*******
PLEASE REVIEW OUR RULES FOR THE BLUESTEM BUNGALOW:
(Booking constitutes your understanding and acceptance of these rules as well as the agreement to the immediate implementation of penalties for non-compliance.)

BLUESTEM RULES:

STRICT Maximum Occupancy at all times = 7
(5 adults MAX*)
(*IF the 5th adult agrees to utilize the bottom berth of the bunk bed)
Maximum weight for top Berth of kid’s bunkbed is: 75lbs

No smoking in the house. Please utilize the front porch or yard, and dispose of butts properly in provided receptacles. (Pails with sand)

Access to any of the 4 owner storage areas is strictly forbidden.
PLEASE NOTE: They are all labeled clearly and locked with active motion sensors in place. Any breach of these restricted areas without express written permission from the property managers will result in immediate eviction from the premises.

For your safety, please don’t place heavy items on the glass dining table (luggage, baby carriers, etc.)

No animals allowed

DO NOT discharge firearms or weapons of any kind (This includes but is not limited to regular ammunition, pellet guns, bb guns, flare guns, sling shots or blow guns.)

Fireworks (of any kind) are prohibited on this property

Absolutely no events allowed
(Please remember to limit guests to 7 maximum) at all times

Basement Window Wells are for Emergency Egress ONLY
For their own safety, PLEASE do not allow children to climb in or on the window well spaces/ covers.

Children must be supervised at all times.

Please don’t put ‘solids’ down the garbage disposal. (including but not limited to: grease, fruit peels, kitchen scraps, etc.) Our septic system can’t take it, and remediation gets very expensive!

We feed the birds year-round, and have many different varieties visit the property. Please don’t harass any of our feathered friends.

We live in a great neighborhood with lovely neighbors on all sides. Please be respectful of designated quiet hours 9:00 PM – 9:00 AM.

Prior to utilizing the outdoor firepit, first ensure there are no current burn bans in Douglas County, KS. Please call the hotline to check: (785)832-5394.
BEWARE: Gusty Kansas winds can surprise you and come from seemingly nowhere. Be safe not sorry!

Property to the North side of our shared driveway and beyond the gate to the West belongs to our neighbor and is private with no access allowed. Views are lovely, and you’ll see a myriad of wildlife access the little pond, but please~ DO NOT TRESPASS! (A map with definitive boundary information is available in the guest manual on-site.)

*******

Northeast Kansas is absolutely chock-full of interesting things to experience. For sport enthusiasts, we are located 5 miles from Allen Fieldhouse (on the University of Kansas Campus). It's a short 9 mile drive to RockChalk Park (for all the local tournaments). The world famous shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities found on Massachusetts Street (‘Mass Street’ to the locals) are not to be missed. As a college town, there is always something interesting happening here! Many festivals, parades, art shows, theatre opportunities, etc. await. We are 26 miles from 'The Legends' (where there is literally something for everyone). Included in that massive campus are shopping opportunities galore, Children's Mercy Park (where the Sporting KC play), Legends Field (where the KC Monarchs Play), the Kansas Speedway, or you could try your luck at the Hollywood Casino! Want to hit a KC Chiefs or KC Royals game? You can be at Arrowhead (Chiefs) or Kauffman (Royals) stadiums in about 45 minutes. Interested in politics? Our State Capitol is in our neighbor city of Topeka, as is Washburn University~ Home of the 'Ichabod's' (33 short miles to the West on I-70). More interested in the arts? Jackpot! There is so much to discover here in this vibrant area! Locally we have many live music venues, theatre opportunities and art galleries that rival those in larger cities. Head East to the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City (MO side). Upscale dining/shopping, a not-to-be-missed holiday light display (From Thanksgiving Eve to Jan. 1). and over 200 stunning fountains dot that metro. For the outdoor enthusiast, we are just 3 short miles to the renowned Baker Wetlands. We are on many bike routes as we see cyclists (both individuals and large groups) often. We are in close proximity to several lakes (Our favorites are Clinton, Perry and Lonestar). 8 miles to our South is Baker University in beautiful Baldwin, KS. We are 10 Miles to the quickly growing little town of Eudora, KS. Shop their main street or try one of the local restaurants for a friendly treat. We are 25 minutes to Ottawa, where you can attend a movie at the world’s oldest purpose-built theatre still operating. There is much to see and do in that bustling, vibrant little community! Would you rather simply stay in and enjoy this peaceful setting? We enjoy Kansas Sunrises & coffee on the front porch. Sit by the firepit in the evenings for those gorgeous Eastern Kansas sunsets behind the back tree line. Local Wildlife in the area includes deer, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, muskrats, beaver and even the occasional armadillo! More of an avian fan? This property is a virtual bird sanctuary~ and they’re fed year-round. We are frequented by a myriad of hummingbirds from spring to fall. There are many fresh farm-to-table stands in the area, as well as an epic Farmer’s market in Lawrence on Saturday mornings. Outdoor yard games & many indoor games/puzzles are provided and available for your enjoyment. We have a propane grill for your outdoor cooking needs as well.

Upon check-in, you will find our ‘local tips list’ with all our current favorite local businesses/ experiences.

EXTRA BITS AVAILABLE FOR ADDITIONAL FEES:

If you would like some groceries stocked prior to check-in, we can certainly accommodate that. Want a hot meal ready for you that first evening? Give us 48 hours advanced notice and we’ll make it happen.

We truly want to make your stay with us an enjoyable one, so if you have any special requests, please let us know! We will always do our best to accommodate your needs.

Thank you again for your consideration,

Your ‘TumbleweedTravelers, Inc.’ Hosts for the ‘Bluestem Bungalow’

Allen & Janet

Property manager

Allen & Janet Kelley
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 26
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Kid's Bunk Room upper berth max weight 75 lbs
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
No physical access available to neighbor’s properties. No animals allowed. Designated quiet hours between 10:00 PM – 9:00 AM. Respect local wildlife.
Access to any of the 4 owner storage areas is strictly forbidden. They are all labeled clearly, locked and protected by Ring cameras (audio disabled).
Non-compliance of rules will void your rental agreement and result in immediate eviction. PLEASE NOTE: Booking constitutes agreement to terms herein.

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
Long-term renters welcome
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
Property Registration Number CUP-23-00078

About the area

Lawrence

Located in Lawrence, this holiday home is in a rural area. South Park Wading Pool and University of Kansas Natural History Museum are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Pine Ridge Plaza and Broadway Plaza. Travelling with kids? Consider Booth Family Hall of Athletics, or check out an event or a game at Allen Fieldhouse. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Lawrence, KS

What's nearby

  • Haskell Indian Nations University - 8 min drive - 7.7 km
  • University of Kansas - 12 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Lied Center of Kansas - 13 min drive - 12.8 km
  • Allen Fieldhouse - 13 min drive - 12.3 km
  • Rock Chalk Park - 17 min drive - 21.0 km

Getting around

  • Lawrence Station - 19 min drive
  • Topeka, KS (FOE-Forbes Field) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rural, cozy & close to KU - easy access on hard-top roads, nice newer amenities! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Rural, cozy & close to KU - easy access on hard-top roads, nice newer amenities!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rural, cozy & close to KU - easy access on hard-top roads, nice newer amenities!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Rural, cozy & close to KU - easy access on hard-top roads, nice newer amenities! located?

This family-friendly Lawrence holiday home is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of Wells Overlook Park and Baker Wetlands. Pine Ridge Plaza and Dorothy Akin Memorial Prairie are also within 6 miles (10 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. 10 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Patrick B.

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

Phenomenal stay

Great property that is close enough to Lawrence to be convenient, but you feel like you’re getting away from everything too. Everything is well thought out and easy at this property. Very welcoming, comfortable and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer O.

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

Lovely stay

Loved the front porch swing!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jake W.

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

Very nice place.

Very nice place.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurel S.

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

Quiet, close to campus

We came for a basketball game and could not have picked a better spot. We were a quick drive to everything in Lawrence while nestled on a quiet, country property. It was a beautiful home with all we needed and more! The holiday touches made it feel like home.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cristy R.

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

Great country setting

It was an adorable house, close to town. The hosts were amazing and very accommodating. We will definitely book here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beth H.

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

9th annual girls' Christmas trip

The house was so beautiful, cozy and had everything we needed. The place was immaculate and beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Janet checked in with us to make sure we had all we needed. This is one of the nicest homes we have stayed in using VRBO. I can't say enough good things about our stay. Thank you Janet and Allen for making our stay so wonderful. season.Jachecked
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Tony O.

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

Stay for a Basketball Tournament

Wow! I have stayed at many VRBO‘s in the past, and many, which were excellent. This stay topped all of them. The house is extremely clean, and well kept. It was a very cozy, and comfortable. You felt like you could just relax. I was here with my daughter and three of her teammates, and I felt like they were just ready to move in. The hosts were absolutely wonderful to communicate with. If you are ever staying in Lawrence, Kansas, or anywhere around, I would strongly suggest this as a home away from home!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

99-Robert L.

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

Perfect Vacation Home

This property was immaculate! The landscaping, cleanliness, design was perfect! A back yard fire pit, zero noise other than Mother Nature (didn’t mention how clean the inside is?) made this stay a perfect stay. Hosts reached out early and made sure we had what we needed. Highly recommended
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas G.

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

Great out of town retreat

We stayed here during our daughter's graduation. It's a great "out of town" property just about 15 minutes from Mass St and campus. It was very clean and well appointed. We had plenty of room to spread out everyone feeling like they had their own space and could come together for meals. The host was very accommodating and responsive. We would definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori A.

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

Home away from home!

I can’t say enough about this cozy home on the outskirts of Lawrence Kansas. Country setting with ALL the comforts of home! Perfectly stocked, extremely clean, super comfortable beds and overall just a wonderful stay for my family and I visiting the area! Communication with the owners was also top notch... A+++ rating and we highly recommend to anyone looking for the comforts of “home”!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tommy R.

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

Amazing place

The home is absolutely amazing! Beautifully updated and cozy! Great location just outside of town. Quiet yet easy to get into town. The home was meticulously clean and had St. Patrick’s Day decorations that were a great touch! We completely enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this home for your visit to Lawrence, KS. Hosts are great! Communication was excellent. They truly care about their place and their customers!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Allen & Janet Kelley

Host profile image
A bit about us:
Nearing & currently enjoying retirement (as most folks our age) we find ourselves searching for supplemental side-hustles. Being in that 'what do we WANT to do now' phase has led us to VRBO. Between us, we share 7 kids and 9 (so far!) grandkids. We love spending time with our family and as such, hosting large gatherings has become second nature to us. We've done this very thing often for family and friends over the years, so making the leap into welcoming new friends into our home is an exciting prospect for us! We've personally utilized VRBOs and Air B&Bs exclusively for our travel needs since their inception, and believe the stays we've experienced far outweigh any we've had utilizing hotel chains on the open market. We know from vast experience what matters when you're away from home. Making folks feel welcomed, and creating enjoyable stays for them is a part of our DNA!

Why they chose this property

We live in a beautiful and peaceful county setting on a well-maintained blacktop county road. We have great neighbors (close, but not too close)! We are 10 minutes from groceries, restaurants, gas and just about any amenity you'll need while visiting the area. We enjoy gorgeous sunrises from the front porch, and spectacular sunsets from the back garden/ firepit area. We believe this is a tranquil little piece of Northeast Kansas paradise!

What makes this property unique

Rural, yet accessible and centrally located. Just 5 minutes SE from the Haskell Road/ K-10 Highway access, yet outside the hustle and bustle of the city. We are confident you will find respite here, while still being able to easily access all the area has to offer.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests