Secluded rental home provides getaways
Staff writer
Nestled among tall trees north of Marion Reservoir, North Shore Guesthouse, operated by Charlie and Lynn Unruh since 2004, has become a favorite among hunters, fishermen, and families who need a place to stay while visiting in the area.
The house at 1475 240th St. has three bedrooms, which along with two cots, provides a capacity to sleep eight, although additional children sometimes sleep on a couch or the floor. A laundry room is available.
Although Lynn Unruh will provide a full breakfast for guests, they have the option to use a fully equipped kitchen to make their own.
“I don’t make many breakfasts,” she said.
A large backyard with a fire pit can accommodate a tent or two for an extra charge. An outdoor deck with a large picnic table overlooks the yard.
Many guests are hunters and fishermen who sometimes spend a week at the rental.
A doghouse and pen provide a place to keep dogs.
Once rabbit hunters from Kentucky stayed there along with 13 beagles, Charlie said. Families have come from as far as Australia.
The Unruhs are pleased with the amount of business they are getting. They’ve been operating in the black for years and have a lot of repeat customers.
“We’ve got enough business,” Lynn said.
“We’ve had very few problems,” Charlie said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”
“We’ve never been ripped off,” Lynn added.
The guesthouse is on a farm Charlie and a brother bought in 1975. The Unruhs’ beautifully landscaped farmhouse is just down the lane. It is surrounded by trees that keep the two houses private.
Lynn crafts toad houses, fairy houses, and castles from clay and disperses them throughout the landscape. She also sells them online.
A large barn sits on the premises. Charlie uses an attached former dairy parlor as a greenhouse.
“It’s just a hobby,” he said.
Sometimes the Unruhs give guests a tour of their large garden and Lynn’s studio. Her kiln is in the barn.
More information is available from Charlie at (620) 381-0352, Lynn at (620) 382-7275, and their website, www.northshoreguesthouse.com.