Timby Lodge welcomes visitors
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By Jennifer Kellner
Mount Ayr, Iowa – Timby building owners Doug and Gina Still, were ready to slow down after operating Still Smoking restaurant for the last nine years, but have not completely stepped out of the business scene.
Their former restaurant at 104 W Madison Street on the north side of the square now operates as El Vaquero, where Mexican fare is served for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
However, they held on to the Timby Building as it has housed the legendary Ringgold Outdoor Alliance (ROA) haunted house for the past several years, and plan to continue the tradition.
The building, located at 102 W. Madison Street in Mount Ayr, transformed from a hunting and fishing shop to Timby Lodge this month.
The newly renovated lodge is welcoming its first round of visitors for the sesquicentennial celebration September 19-21.
“We didn’t want to just let it sit there, and wanted to figure out how to make it pay for itself,” remarked Doug. “I had to think a little bit outside the box.”
As it turns out, the Stills divided the giant space into several smaller rooms, and transitioned the building into a lodge with hunters in mind.
Part motel, part vacation rental (think VRBO), Timby Lodge can host at least 17 overnight guests.
Inside the street level main door, are three guest rooms that have two queen beds in each. A larger fourth room in the back offers a king, a queen and a twin bed. Named the “Big Buck Room,” the large room features 24 deer head mounts along with three beds.
The other three rooms also have individual themes. Room one has a John Deere theme, while room two features a John Wayne theme. Room three has a Western Movie feel. Each room has it’s own set of keys.
Between the sleeping rooms, there are two communal bathrooms and two walk-in showers that can be locked once inside.
Additionally, there is a large gathering and dining space that can seat up to 30 people. The commons area has a 65 inch television and WIFI Internet connection is available.
While the lodge does not have a full kitchen, a counter area and small kitchenette with a sink, coffee maker, microwave refrigerator and dishwasher provide home-like convenience.
“I can send them to local restaurants or HyVee for food,” stated Doug, “I’m pretty big on not stepping on toes. If everyone works together, things work better.”
A shared washer and dryer is available, and they also have a bow press on site for compound or crossbows. Additionally, they offer a place to hang deer and a taxidermist for caping if you need one.
When the Stills originally purchased the Timby building and the restaurant next door in 2016, they put a lot of time, energy and resources into building upkeep.
“We are trying to keep the buildings up,” said Doug Still, “you’ve got to try to save them. If you don’t, they won’t last.”
They split the one big furnace that served both buildings into four quadrants. While they increased the number of heating/cooling units, they were able to reduce the cost to heat and cool the buildings.
Doug designed the bathrooms so the hot water heaters are very close by, which helps the water temperature rise quickly. There are three building exits, and new carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms have been installed.
The outside of the Timby building was also refreshed, going from faded green to a bold blue with white trim.
Gina painstakingly took on painting the exterior of the building, while Doug worked indoors to frame and finish the new sleeping quarters and bathrooms.
Their daughter, Taylor Greene, provided the inspiration for the color scheme, although Gina and Taylor sent each other examples of the same color palate.
“She sent me a picture, and I sent her a picture saying ‘what about blue?’ When we looked at each other’s messages, we realized we picked the same color,” laughed Gina.
Their hard work and keen eye for color earned them the winning spot in the lawn and business presentation contest. The Stills received window sign from the sesquicentennial committee to display this week.
Doug now plans to finish the back end of the Timby building where he is putting in a commercial kitchen for catering purposes. The Stills kept the smokehouse behind the building to prepare meat for large special orders.
For more information about renting a room or the entire Timby Lodge, call 641-464-2423.
