Save Gas This Summer, Vacation Close To Home
"Grandpa's Cabin" might just be the "Best Kept Secret In Iowa" (I snapped this photo early in the spring before everything turned green and filled out.)
Leighton, Iowa- Several people have called it the “Best kept secret in Iowa.” What is it? Grandpa’s Cabin north of Leighton.
A few years ago, following his retirement from farming and Vermeer Mfg., Henry Schuring and his wife, Carol, decided to build a small cabin — a place where they could “get away.” They had the perfect spot — right next to their fishing pond on their farm. After beginning the project they saw that since they were doing “this” they might as well do “that”. Their small cabin grew in that manner into a two-story, barn-shaped building with their family in mind.
While in the building process, Henry stopped to visit with some out-of-state pheasant hunters down the road. When he learned they were renting a room at a local motel, he told them he had a cabin he would rent to them next year. After seeing it, even though there wasn’t even sheetrock on the walls yet, they immediately booked it a year in advance, and returned annually for several years. That was the beginning of the idea of renting it out to others.
The Schuring’s searched their minds a long time for a name for the “cabin.” It wasn’t until a grandson wanted to have a party with his friends there that the phrase “Grandpa’s Cabin” came up in the conversation, and immediately they knew that was the name for it, even though it was more like a lodge by that time. The name, “Grandpa’s Cabin” stuck. People are always amazed when they see it, having expected a small, rustic cabin.
The inside of "Grandpa's Cabin" all ready for it's next guests.
The cabin is fully modern, with everything except a dishwasher and telephone. It has central air, rural water, and a fully equipped kitchen. It has two enclosed bedrooms with queen beds on the first floor, plus a kitchen, living area and a full bathroom. The upstairs is an open loft and looks down on the living room. It has six twin beds, clothes washer and dryer and a full bath. The cabin also has two sleeper couches and several recliners for extra sleeping accommodations. Bedding and paper products are provided. Guests are responsible for their food and its preparation.
When they began getting several bookings for larger groups, the Schuring’s built an addition on the cabin which has a gas fireplace, and tables and chairs to seat 36 people. There are also futons and recliner/couches there for visiting or sleeping.
There is plenty of room for tents or RV’s on the grounds for those who want to camp out.
Outside the cabin there is a gas grill and a fire ring available, as well as a fishing boat and a small sandy beach, and games such as horseshoes, croquet and badminton. Guests are responsible for their own fishing equipment, bait and life jackets. If Henry is available, he is willing to clean your fish for free. He also usually has night crawlers on hand for sale at his cost.
Lots of seating and areas for relaxing. The grey door leads to the banquet/meeting room capable of seating 36 people
Large groups have included church retreats, family reunions, parties, out-of-state relatives for wedding parties, as well as guests for the Knoxville Nationals and Pella Tulip Time. It can be rented for either overnight stays or daytime-only get-togethers. There is a minimum charge for overnight stays of $100.00 for up to 3 people. For 4 or more the charge is $30.00 per adult (age 16 and over), and $10.00 for each child (ages 2-15). They will consider special prices for large groups. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 within one week of making the reservation is required in order to hold the date.
Grandpa’s Cabin is built right next to the pond. You can stand on the deck or on one of the two docks, and fish for catfish, bass, crappie and bluegill. Henry keeps the pond clean and stocked. There is a timber for exploring, plenty of room for walks, a long lane for bike riding, and lots of peace and quiet. Nearly all guests comment about how peaceful it is.
Henry and Carol’s desire is to provide a reasonably priced vacation get-away without having to travel a long distance. The cabin has been dedicated to God and His peace.
To book a time for your family or group, call Henry Schuring at 641-626-3136, or e-mail carols01@iowatelecom.net . (That’s a numeral 0, not a capetal “o”.)
Enjoy your summer sitting on the dock and relaxing.
