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The small, quaint cabin is cemented into American history as the preferred frontier dwelling for European settlers. One of the more famous wood cabins in American lore is the writer-poet Henry David Thoreau’s, which was approximately 160 square feet. There was also Abraham Lincoln’s childhood cabin, which was believed to have been around 280 square feet. In Iowa, there’s a secluded little cabin that’s a delight to spend the night, and it won’t break the bank, either…
Welcome to New Hope Farm. New Hope Farm in La Motte, Iowa (close to Dubuque) is a beautiful and peaceful setting for a small cabin.
The cedar cabin at New Hope is around 170 square feet; staying here is an experience that will give visitors a firsthand perspective on the tiny homes that so many early European Americans inhabited (although, to be fair, having smooth wood floors, tongue and groove paneling, and a tight sealing door like the cabin at New Hope would have been posh living quarters back in the day!).
This cabin’s 12 by 14 foot indoor space is super small and rustic compared to what we’re used to in the present day, but it’s definitely clean, cozy, and charming.
The surrounding 30 acres is a farmstead with wood, water, and farmyard to explore. Ask the owners for a tour or take a self-guided tour using the map provided inside the cabin.
This is definitely a place to unplug, relax, and take a big breath of clear air! Some exploring is required, as access to the cabin is a short hike across the farmyard from the parking area.
The cost of the cabin rental is around $70 per night with an additional $10 for a second guest - due to the limited size it's not recommended for more than two occupants.
There is a double camp stove for cooking and a woodstove (and firewood) for heating. Fresh water is provided for cooking and washing. There is a year-round outdoor solar shower and an outdoor composting toilet in the summer and an indoor port-a-potty for wintertime stays. Even though it’s off grid, there is a solar powered lamp and one outlet for charging devices.
Enjoy a retreat reminiscent of a simpler time as you soak in the views of wooded bluffs and wildlife in this beautiful Iowa cabin.
To learn more or book a stay in this old-fashioned cabin, visit New Hope Farm’s Airbnb listing. And if you love nonconventional stays, be sure to check out this riverfront skoolie!
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