Point Ann Place: Where Friends and Family Gather
Joan and Paul Burns are no strangers to the state of Iowa. Both grew up in the Cedar Falls-Waterloo area and once married, moved to Iowa City where they raised their two daughters. During a vacation to visit friends in McGregor, the couple fell in love with all that the Ports of Discovery area had to offer. "We love the river, the hiking, and fishing," shared Joan. Shortly after their visit, the two purchased their own cabin in McGregor and eventually would spend much of their time there.
Paul is an attorney in Iowa City and Joan is now retired after a lengthy career as a school administrator. Once retired, Joan searched for opportunities to purchase a home to put on Airbnb. "I love hospitality," stated Joan. Which is what prompted her to purchase what has been historically known as the Stauer House. "The beauty of the home and the story that goes with it made it the perfect fit," Joan continued.
Recently, Joan invited me to visit her at the home which is now named Point Ann Place a reference to the hiking point at Pikes Peak National Park and to honor the late Ann MacGregor, the wife of Alexander MacGregor. The minute I walked in the door, nostalgia set in. To this day, the home is decorated with period furniture, wall paper, and draperies. It felt as though I had stepped back in time to the 1800's when Peter Stauer became the first owner of the house. In fact, the dining room is still home to Peter's original piano.
The tour continued to take me down history lane with framed receipts for items purchased by Peter Stauer hanging on the wall. Claw foot bathtubs await you in your own private bathrooms and the spacious kitchen allows for family to share memories around the table. Joan shared that in 1902, Joseph Rampage took possession of the home and owned it for 100 years. Later, in 2002, the home was turned over to Donna and Robert Staples who raised their three grandchildren there while still renting out the rooms. Donna even had a hair shop in the back of the home.
The home has six bedrooms, six and a half baths, a newly renovated game room, and an outdoor oasis just waiting for friends and family to gather. "It makes me feel good knowing that people can come here, stay and have a great experience," Joan stated. Joan and Paul still reside in Iowa City, but make their way up to tend to the house and stay in their McGregor cabin. Joan is also active in the city of McGregor and enjoys working along side other McGregor business owners to improve the quality of life for the community.
You can book Point Ann Place on Airbnb for an overnight stay or single day rental for special occasions such as office parties or baby showers. Or maybe you just need a break from everyday life. Regardless, this historic home as a lot to offer and many special characteristics that you won't find in a hotel.