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Short-term rental offers home away from home in Mt. Pleasant
From gift shop and hair salon to family residence to short-term rental, this Mid-Century home in Mt. Pleasant offers plenty of charm
MT. PLEASANT — When Kevin Wagler took a leap into short-term rental of his Mt. Pleasant property this year, he was pleasantly surprised just how easily reservations came in.
Wagler’s 1954 “Charming Modern Mid-Century Ranch” located on Washington Street in Mt. Pleasant has served many purposes over the nearly 30 years he and his wife have owned the home, and a short-term rental is just the latest adventure. Initially, Wagler and his wife purchased the home to use for a different business venture.
They opened the main part of the home as Tis the Season Christmas and Holiday Décor Gift Shop from 1995 until late 2001. After working for a few years elsewhere, Wagler also wanted to use this opportunity to branch out and open his own hair salon. So, Headlines took over the original garage of the building and still operates as a one-man show in that space to this day.
The history of the midcentury ranch grew with life as the Waglers transitioned the property from a gift shop into a home shortly after that, per the request of one of their children.
“So, he and his wife started their married life there, and had a couple kids there, and then they bought a house in Mt. Pleasant, moved out,” Wagler said. “Then my youngest son, he and his wife thought they would like to live there when they got married, so they did. They had a couple kids there. Now they bought a house in New London.”
Once their own children had flown the coop, it became a short-term home for a few others including a pastoral candidate for a local church and a missionary family home on furlough. As the missionary’s stay drew near a close in December of last year, Wagler began to consider making the transition to an official short-term rental with sites like Airbnb and VRBO.
“We have friends in Mt. Pleasant that have a short-term rental, and it was doing very well,” Wagler said. “And I presented it to my wife, but she wasn’t really excited. She was just kind of scared.”
Entering this new venture would take some financial commitments to furnish the place and they wondered who would even book a home in Mt. Pleasant.
“You think it needs to be like a destination place like the Amanas or Orlando or someplace you’d go for a weekend or trip,” Wagler said. “After talking to my friends, I realized that, you know, people come here on work assignments or to visit family. And our one destination event in Mt. Pleasant, of course, is Old Threshers so I knew I would be booked then, but I was a little scared.”
Despite that fear, Wagler began making the monetary investment and purchasing furniture for the home in January. He bought the house from the original builders in 1995, so it showcases many original features such as an avocado-green stove and sink and original backsplash in the kitchen. So, when it came time to consider furnishing the space for short-term rental guests, Wagler knew he wanted to lean into the midcentury feel and incorporate plenty of color, and he certainly did.
“I wanted period colors like that bright gold and teal blue,” Wagler said. “Then we added some accents like in the clock that hangs above that little desk with some orange and teal.”
With the home beautifully decorated behind the dark teal door, he listed it on Airbnb and nearly immediately began to receive reservations. Considering it doesn’t cost anything extra to also list the home on VRBO, he went ahead and added a listing to that site, as well.
He describes renting this home on the sites as “a nostalgic experience,” featuring ample parking and a great location tucked away from the busy street, but close to Hy-Vee and other amenities in Mt. Pleasant. The rental offers two bedrooms with three beds and one bath ideal for up to four guests. As a hairstylist, Wagler is also sure to furnish the home with great Kenra hair products.
Guests leaving reviews about the property on Airbnb certainly noticed the details, commenting things like “The decor is the cherry on top-just so welcoming,” and “Decorated beautifully and very comfortable and clean.”
“It was really cool to see people liking it,” Wagler said. “It's quite charming, I think, and we've had a lot of excellent feedback. People love the location. It's kind of set back off the road in the trees a little bit, so you feel kind of secluded. It's very safe.”
Wagler feels that his success thus far comes from those wanting a little more of home when they are traveling or a little more space for larger groups or families. Unlike a traditional hotel room, renting a home like Wagler’s offers living space along with bedrooms. Guests also have the opportunity to use the kitchen and feel like they’re at home even when they’re not.
The house includes all necessary cookware, dishes, board games, wifi, and reading materials to help guests really feel at home.
“I have a guest book, and I’ve had guests comment when they walk in, they just felt completely like they’re home, and gosh, that makes me feel good,” Wagler said.
Another concern Wagler initially had about short-term rentals was cleanliness. He worried that those staying for a short time might not care for the property well but has not seen any evidence of this aside from some poor choices of mud removal with white towels.
“I’ve been very thrilled with how well people have taken care of it,” Wagler said. “Everybody is different in that respect, but most people have been very good at following the rules. We’ve just learned how to make our signage more effective otherwise, and I try to communicate well.”
As a short-term rental, Wagler says he also has the opportunity to check in on the property more frequently, make sure everything is in running order, and the wear and tear is significantly less than if he rented it traditionally.
Wagler has also found a joy in meeting the people staying at his property over the last few months. After all, as a hairstylist, he loves to chat with people. So far he has hosted guests from all over including Colorado, Georgia, Texas, Florida, and New York. Just like his friend advised him, many came to his rental on work assignment and to visit family.
Guests leaving reviews noticed Wagler’s excellent hosting abilities, as well.
“Kevin was a great host!” one visitor identified as Margaret commented. “Very responsive to any problems and very helpful. The house is cute and clean, very enjoyable stay!”
“Kevin was very communicative and friendly,” another guest named Amanda said. “Greatly appreciated.”
In the six months Wagler has listed this home, he has not yet regretted the decision and looks forward to seeing what interesting people come through his door in the future.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
