Unplug at Taylor Hill Lodge

Thank you to Ann and the Manatt’s for hosting us on our visit to Taylor Hill Lodge. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.

Sitting on a hill on a highway North of Audubon, Iowa, you’ll find Taylor Hill Lodge. What looks like an unassuming barn and partial farm site needs to be your next destination when planning a trip to unplug and unwind. Every detail has been thought of and will meet all your needs. This full service bed and breakfast is a true gem in the middle of Iowa.

Welcome

The winding drive from the highway to the top of the hill and the barn/lodge is tree lined and idyllic. I should have known at that moment that our stay at the Taylor Hill Lodge would be like no other stay. Park your vehicle, enjoy the view of surrounding farm ground and head inside. Ann, the innkeeper, will greet you with a smile and a personality full of joy!

Upon stepping into the lodge, be prepared to be blown away. The owners have not spared any expense making this lodge as comfortable as possible. Take in the massive great room with its stone fireplace, cozy and comfy leather couches, and a table big enough to hold all your friends and family.

Two bedrooms on the main floor accommodate those that have handicap needs and feature cozy beds and quilts with expansive bathrooms. Upstairs, you’ll find 4 more bedrooms. You can rent one room or the entire house! As a room tenant, you’re also entitled to a full breakfast the morning of your stay.

The History of Taylor Hill Lodge

When you head up the drive to Taylor Hill Lodge, all you see is a modern farmstead, not a historic barn. However, this Iowa Century Farm is far from it. Opening in 2002 and owned by Charles Manatt, Taylor Hill Lodge, was designed to save his grandfather’s barn as well as a place for he and his family to stay at when visiting their “hometown”. Charles was deeply involved with international politics and traveled frequently as well as made his residence elsewhere, but he and his wife and family frequently came home to Audubon.

After the barn stood empty for several years, it was turned into the beautiful lodge you see today, and within one year, nonetheless. During the renovations, several historic attributes were kept including the hay mow doors, exposed barn beams in the upstairs loft area, and hay hooks that hang in the rafters. While the rest of the inside is modern, you can’t help but feel the history of not only the barn, but of the Manatt family. Enjoy books, awards, photos, plaques, and the taxidermied animals that fill the lodge.

Treasures

We have stayed at a variety of fantastic hotels and lodges in our travels and it always amazes me that each one can find one, two, or five things to make themselves really stand out. Taylor Hill Lodge is no different.

Innkeeper Ann – I know I mentioned her before, but really Ann is fantastic. She is warm, welcoming, and one of the gems of Taylor Hill Lodge. You’d never know that she’s only held this title for about a year! She thinks of it all details (ice tea, water with lemon chilling in the fridge, etc). In addition, she’ll spend time telling you about the history of the lodge and the Manatt family!

The Great Room – the bedrooms are beautiful, the bathrooms well appointed, but really the Great Room is just that, absolutely great! The gorgeous fireplace (that’s gas, so it’s easy to get a fire) and the big overstuffed couches are so comfy! Plus, you’ll find board games, card games, and a few toys for littles in your group! This room definitely lives up to it’s name.

The Little Details – Ann and Taylor Hill Lodge have thought of all the small little details that make the difference. Flavored syrups for your coffee as well as a variety of coffees, teas, and creamers! A bowl of apples and oranges on the table for the taking is delightful! Extra blankets in the bedroom are always a win by me. Not to mention the complimentary products in the bathroom. And I’m not talking about sample size toiletries, I’m talking about salon quality products for you to use in the shower! It’s wonderful!

How to Unplug at Taylor Hill Lodge

There’s a couple things to keep in mind when visiting Taylor Hill Lodge.

• It does operate as a bed and breakfast, so unless you reserve the entire lodge, be aware that there could be other guests milling around.
• No need to worry about breakfast because Ann will fill you up with a full breakfast.
• There are no individual TV’s in the bedrooms! The Manatt’s really want you to unplug and focus on gathering with others in the Great Room, so they have not placed TV’s in the rooms.
• Take your cup of coffee in the morning out to the patio on the East side of the house and enjoy the sunrise. Or, even to the balcony off the second level.
• Build a fire and roast marshmallows in their fire pit!

However you choose to unplug at Taylor Hill Lodge, I promise you’ll come away feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. Make sure to pay our friends in Audubon County a visit while you’re there!

Other Fantastic Stays

Wondering about other fantastic places to stay? Check out our recommendations!

Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, Missouri

Hotel Julien Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa

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