Have you ever had a dream of owning your own retreat center?
There are ALL KINDS of different retreat situations out there, and this week I have come across not only one, but TWO places that have brought life back to small quaint towns, turning older neglected buildings ((But still with oodles of character!)) into gems, bringing folks into town ---you know how commerce works? Bring people in and they need a place to stay! They have to buy gas, food, lodging, and of course, they shop!
These small sweet towns are PERFECT retreat getaways..
And I absolutely loved my time at Lou Ann’s Quilt Garden and retreat in Oelwein, Iowa.
Favorite thing right off the bat? Originial wood floors and rustic old brick walls. The feeling of HISTORY updated.
And yummy goodies everywhere!
The shop is on one side of the building, the retreat center next door….with the work room for all of the sewing on the ground floor, and the sleeping quarters housed in converted apartment buildings above. CUTE CUTE CUTE!!!
So much wonderfulness!
These stairs lead to the sleeping rooms!
Comfy beds all with quilts!
I’ll take this one, please!
Wonderfully remodeled!
I don’t remember how many apartments are above the shop, but I think it is 5…each one with a bedroom, living room, dining room and kitchen…with all of the room spaces housing beds for quilters.
The kitchens retain all of the vintage charm of this building that has been standing here in Oelwein since the late 1800s.
How cute is this??
I went room to room to room and took photos….and this post is going to get too long quickly, so let’s slide show the rest! It’s a fabulous place to stay!
Click the image below if you are unable to view the slide show on your mobile device. You’ll be taken to the photo album for viewing.
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| Lou Ann's Quilt Garden Retreat Center |
If you are ever in or near Oelwein, Iowa – consider stopping in and checking out Lou Ann’s Quilt Garden and Retreat Center for yourself…and maybe you’ll find yourself booking YOUR next retreat there! As for me, I’ll be back in 2017 when we do this all over again! I already can’t wait!
Oh that is awesome! I think it would be so neat to move to a tiny town with an almost deserted downtown and buy old buildings to turn into a quilt shop, classroom space, and sleeping areas. Maybe I should visit these places and get inspiration......thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat place is amazing.I just love it. It was good to see that they kept the original fixtures when so many people want modern, i love the charm of this retreat centre. One day when I save enough money hubby and I will travel to the States.
ReplyDeleteI think I would have trouble leaving! It looks like a perfect place.
ReplyDeleteI would love to RENT a place there... you bet, move in and enjoy everything about this wonderful place. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteSmilies, JulieinTN
I will be there this coming week for a retreat. Someday I will get to one of yours. It is on my bucket list. Diane
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of the red kitchen. What a wonderful place for a quilter's retreat!
ReplyDelete