About
Stay with confidence. Our vacation rental, proudly affiliated with the BCCVB, is committed to providing a clean, comfortable, and locally trusted lodging experience. Perfect for visitors looking to explore & enjoy the best of local tourism.
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As an Airbnb Superhost & Guest Favorite, our rental ranks among the top 5% of homes on Airbnb, consistently meeting the highest standards for hospitality, cleanliness, & guest satisfaction to ensure a trusted & memorable stay every time. (Click Link Above)
As a Vrbo Premier Host property with an exceptional rating, we uphold the highest standards of hospitality, cleanliness, and guest satisfaction, ensuring a reliable and comfortable stay for every traveler.
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A trusted member of Discover Ames, the 607 Guest House offers an experienced & thoughtfully curated stay. Rooted in local history & carefully restored, we deliver authentic small-town charm with easy access to everything in the Ames Area.
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Our Story: From First Home to Destination Stay
Once Vacant, Now Vibrant: The Journey of the 607 Guest House
When newlyweds Alison and Eric purchased 607 8th Street—after it had been sitting vacant for years—they knew it would need plenty of love and attention. What they didn’t imagine was that it would one day become the 607 Guest House, featured in the 2025 AND 2026 Travel Iowa Guide. They made it their first home—a blank canvas waiting to be restored to its original beauty and charm.
Now, 25 years later, that once-vacant house has become a vibrant, welcoming destination where history, hospitality, and community come together.
As their family grew, they moved to a larger home—also dating back to the 1800s—and initially rented their first home under a yearly lease. However, they quickly realized that no one cherishes a home quite like its owners. That sparked a new vision: transforming their beloved home into a short-stay vacation rental where guests could appreciate its unique charm and rich history.
While balancing full-time jobs, they began furnishing the three-bedroom home, thoughtfully designing a themed experience to help it stand out. Before it ever appeared on Airbnb or VRBO, the house welcomed families relocating to Boone—offering them a warm, home-like place to stay while they searched for a place of their own and settled into the community.
After years of dedicating their talents to other companies, Alison and Eric both felt it was time to invest their energy into something of their own. Eric was the first to take the leap, launching Photon Laser Engraving LLC, a business rooted in his expertise in engraving, printing, and signage. Feeling the entrepreneurial pull—and inspired to bring her own creativity and ideas to life—Alison followed suit. Together, through collaboration and mutual support, they brought the 607 Guest House LLC and its distinctive brand to life—officially welcoming vacationing guests in August of 2023.
(Pictured: Before and After of uncovering & bringing back to the life the historic 1800s open porch & Eric & Alison on their wedding day.)
Your Stay: Steeped in Stories -What Makes Us Unique
Featured in the 2025 AND 2026 Travel Iowa Guide
The 607 Guest House has grown into more than just a place to stay—it's a destination in itself. With a unique blend of history and hospitality, it has garnered statewide recognition, earning a feature on page 94 of the 2025 AND 2026 Travel Iowa Guide.
Step back in time at this 150+-year-old home, once owned by railroad tycoon John Insley Blair and built in 1867—the same year Iowa’s first railroad tracks were laid. Here, history surrounds you—inside every room, every detail, every carefully preserved feature invites you to immerse yourself in Boone’s rich heritage. Artwork, decor, and charm inspired by trains, Iowa, and the Midwest fill the space with character and meaning.
Thoughtful updates like a heated bathroom floor and a zoned central air system provide a touch of modern comforts with the guest’s comfort in mind, without compromising the home’s rich history. From refinished heart pine floors to original leaded glass windows and functioning interior wood windows with weights and pulleys, the house is a true labor of love. Restoration efforts continue, as the couple now begins to lovingly restore the home’s exterior to ensure the 607 Guest House remains a beacon of history and hospitality for generations to come.
FOLLOW/LIKE 607GuestHouse on: Facebook & Instagram to see Area Attractions/Events & Specials/Info on the 607 Guest House.
Confidently stay in a vacation rental that is a trusted member of the local Madrid Area Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a stay infused with local history and charm—perfect for inspiring your next adventure in the area.
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Proud member of the Boone County, Iowa Chamber, we're committed to supporting local businesses & community connections. Offering authentic charm and an ideal home base for exploring Boone County.
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As Vice President of the Boone Co. Chamber Ambassadors (the Red Coats), I'm proud to welcome new businesses, support those established & celebrate milestones—a strong commitment to community connection & local growth.
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As a proud board member of Downtown Boone, a Main Street Community, I am deeply invested in the vitality of our local downtown. This commitment to growth, preservation, and vibrancy allows guests to enjoy a stay just steps from the heart of Boone’s historic district.
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We are proud to be 1 of only 3 vacation rentals in Boone Certified by the Iowa Office to Combat Human Trafficking, demonstrating our commitment to guest safety, ethical hospitality, and a trustworthy stay for all.
We are proud to be one of the few vacation rentals recognized as a Preferred Partner with Rail Explorers, offering guests a trusted stay near this popular attraction for a unique and memorable experience.
As an active member of P.E.O. International, Chapter PG in Ankeny, IA, I run my business with strong commitment to my community and fellow business owners, guided by P.E.O.'s values of education and philanthropy, to ensure a trustworthy and welcoming stay for every guest.
Iowa Small Business
As an Iowa-Based, Woman-Owned, and Family-Fueled Small Business, we are dedicated to being built on community values, genuine hospitality, and a commitment to excellence.