Located within a 5-minute walk of Saylorville Lake, this vacation home is within a mile (2 km) of Walnut Ridge Recreation Area. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a patio, and a dining area.
Jordan Creek Town Center - 21 min drive - 18.9 miles
Adventureland - 21 min drive - 21.2 miles
Casey's Center - 22 min drive - 17.5 miles
Iowa State University - 32 min drive - 29.3 miles
Getting around
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 37 min drive
Restaurants
Arcadia - 7 min drive
Casey's General Store - 8 min drive
Hyper Energy Bar - 11 min drive
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers - 11 min drive
Reising Sun Cafe - 8 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston
Welcome to this charming home, just north of Johnston and surrounded by the beauty of the woods. With beautiful views, plenty of privacy, and lots of trees that create a peaceful, natural setting, this spacious acreage features 3 cozy bedrooms, including 1 king bed, 2 queen beds, and additional bunk beds —perfect for a peaceful and fun-filled getaway.
The basement offers a great space for entertainment, featuring a ping pong table and games. Outside, you'll find plenty of room to relax and enjoy the fresh air, with lots of outdoor space perfect for small gatherings. The sound of birds fills the air, adding to the calming atmosphere. Gather on the second level porch, or around the firepit for cozy evenings under the stars or simply enjoy the quiet, nature-filled surroundings.
For your comfort, the house also includes a washer and dryer, WiFi, and both heating and cooling.
Located just north of Johnston, near Saylorville Lake and Jester Park, this retreat is only 30 minutes from a variety of vibrant restaurants and entertainment options. It's also within easy reach of Ankeny, Polk City, and Des Moines. Enjoy a relaxing stay in the heart of nature at our peaceful home in the woods.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2.5 bathrooms, and a patio. There's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Recycling
Water dispenser
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the trash
Turn off the lights
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Please remove shoes, as there is new carpet throughout the house.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 10
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 10.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
There are no elevators.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to do near this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Johnston, just steps from Saylorville Lake. You'll also find Walnut Ridge Recreation Area and Polk City Square within a short drive.
Will I be able to park at Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston?
Yes, there is a garage.
Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
Is Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston good for couples?
Couples staying at this vacation home will appreciate amenities like a kitchen and a smart TV as well as a firepit.
Does Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston have a hot tub?
No, this vacation home doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this vacation home include breakfast service?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.
Does Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston have connecting rooms available?
No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this vacation home.
What is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Des Moines International Airport (DSM), which is 27.7 mi away (37 minutes by car).
Can I book a room with a balcony at Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston?
Yes, every house at Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston comes with a patio.
Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 13 reviews
10 - Excellent
13
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 13 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 13 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Laura A.
May 15, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place! Defiantly would Stay Here again and would recommend this place!
Laura A.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
10/10 Excellent
Billie T.
Nov 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This is a lovely secluded home located within minutes of the city of Des Moines. The home is thoughtfully stocked and clean. There’s a fabulous view of a wooded area dripping with birds. We appreciated our quiet family time together. There was plenty of room to spread out and relax. Ame and her husband were so welcoming. Five star property! Five star hosts!
Billie T.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sara J.
Oct 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
My husband and I stayed in this lovely home with another couple. We were visiting our children at ISU. Our stay was relaxing and offered a perfect spot for us to enjoy meals and unwind. We spent time in both Ames and Des Moines during our stay. The home was very clean. We enjoyed the outdoor fire pit and the ping pong table. The host was friendly and very accommodating. We will definitely look into staying at this home again.
Sara J.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jeff K.
Oct 15, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Clean and very comfortable bedrooms and family room
Jeff K.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Shanna Z.
Oct 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home, a hidden gem and perfect location for our family to be here to celebrate our wedding weekend. Thank you
Shanna Z.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Brian K.
Sep 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This lovely home was perfect for our family of seven adults. The home was spotless and comfortable for our family. The owner was fantasitc with communication! Would definitely recommend and would stay again when in the area.
Brian K.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Marsha D., Clarksville
Sep 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This was a great location for all the things we wanted to do in the greater Des Moines area. Only small complaint I would have was the bunk beds are for children. I was thinking they were regular size and they are not. So two of our boys had to sleep on the couch. It all worked out ok though.
Marsha D.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Nancy D.
Sep 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
wonderful location. I had reserved this for my son‘s wedding guest. He’s an Eagle Scout and I thought the nature around would be awesome. I would highly recommend this property, especially because the location right near the lake is awesome.
Nancy D.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Debra R., Michigan
Aug 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The hostess was very responsive to our questions. The house was wonderful and clean.
Debra R.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Nichole R.
Jul 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home and amazing host! We will definitely be back if we come to the area!!
Nichole R.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Denise S.
Jul 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing getaway
This home is the most beautiful,charming, relaxing place to stay that we’ve ever been to! We were blessed to be able to spend back to back weekends here during our grandson’s baseball tournaments and looking for to stay here again next year! Ame is an absolute amazing host and extremely accommodating!!! She has a heart of gold
Denise S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Denise S.
Jun 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
AMAZING RELAXING PLACE TO STAY
EVERYTHING ABOUT OUR STAY HERE WAS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!! FROM THE HOUSE AND EVERYTHING IT OFFERS! OUR HOST AME WAS SOOO KIND AND ACCOMMODATING!!! WE CAN'T WAIT TO COME BACK!!!