The newest addition to the Iowa State Parks system is now available for rent. It’s a large, secluded cabin located in west-central Iowa’s Guthrie County.
The four bedroom, three bathroom house was originally built in the mid-1970s by Floyd Sherburne. He and his wife Florence spent their retirement at the home before selling it and 10 acres of land to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The 3,500 square foot home is now part of Springbrook State Park near Guthrie Center. Park manager Carolyn Hack says the renovations took just under two years to complete. “We essentially took it down to the drywall, repainted, put in all new floors, cabinetry and furniture,” Hack said. “What they had was a really great structure that just needed updating and a few repairs. We replaced the deck entirely.”
The Sherburne Lodge is the largest cabin for rent in the parks system. The home is located off a winding, private drive and includes a large yard and orchard. “It’s serene, very quiet and peaceful,” Hack said. “There’s a lot of solitude up here.”
The Sherburnes lived off an orchard and garden on the property. The garden is now a gravel parking lot, but apple, pear, peach, plum and cherry trees are still standing. There’s also a grape vine.
Florence Sherburne died in November of 2007 at the age of 97. Floyd Sherburne, who turned 101 last Saturday, built the home with lumber taken from two old barns on the property. Hack pointed out barn beams in the ceiling that still contain holes where horse bridles were mounted.
The Sherburne Lodge is available for $200 a night or $1,200 a week. It includes a full service kitchen and plenty of room for several couples or a big family reunion. “It can sleep 10 to 14 comfortably,” Hack said. “I think the biggest draw here is for families, couples or whomever wants to come out and just really get away from everything. They can enjoy some peace and quiet and not have noisy neighbors in the camper beside them or other cabin renters who are only a few yards away or something.”
Springbrook State Park includes a 17-acre lake with a beach and 12 miles of hiking trails. For reservations and more information, call Springbrook State Park at 641-747-3591.