McNeil Stone Mansion Bed and Breakfast
1282 C Avenue East
Oskaloosa, Iowa
(641) 673-4348
(641) 990-3520
Thursday – Saturday a room for 1 night and a full breakfast is $120 plus tax. Sunday – Wednesday 1 night and a mini-full breakfast is $108 plus tax.
McNeil Stone Mansion is owned and operated by Gary and Virginia Walker of Oskaloosa, IA. When McNeil Mansion was originally built in 1908, it was built at a cost of $40,000 when the average house in Oskaloosa was being built for $3,000 to $5,000. “Tiffany’s of New York sent a fleet of men out here to decorate it at the time,” Virginia says. “The outside walls are Indiana limestone. Next there is a dead air space and then a wall of brick. Then there is another dead airspace and an inside wall constructed of lumber and wire. The wire was then covered with plaster. This makes the house very airtight with a terrific insulation factor.”
“Not only that, but all the floors are concrete with hardwood floors over them. This house was built to be both fireproof and sound proof.” One room has birds-eye maple woodwork in it which gives it an unusual look when stained. “It makes the grain of the wood really pop,” Virginia says.
“The pier mirror at the top of the stairs is covered in gold leaf and dates to 1894, even older than the house itself.” Virginia goes on to explain, the ceiling in the foyer is molded plaster on wire. It’s a curved ceiling made to look like wood, but it’s not. It’s all plaster. A lot of thought and craftsmanship went into this house. It sat empty for 18 years so we had a lot to restore.” They’ve done a magnificent job of it. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A lot of their business comes from local businesses bringing people in, but Virginia says, “We’ve reached the point where we have a lot of repeat business. It’s nice when guests buy a gift certificate for somebody else because they’ve had such a great time here. “
“In the summertime we can sit in the back yard under the shade trees and listen to the water fountain. It’s really beautiful out there.” Tassel Ridge Winery is only a short drive to the northwest, and in the summer Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum makes a great field trip for visitors.
Virginia is proud of the Egyptian cotton sheets, down pillows, and cotton bathrobes, all purchased with cozy comforts in mind. The large antique bathtubs, one is porcelain and one is china, are quite unusual. Virginia says they also have a jetted whirlpool bathtub.
In addition there is a common area with a large solarium, living-room, kitchen and library. McNeil Stone Mansion is one of these beautifully restored bed and breakfasts that truly must be experienced to fully appreciate it.