The perfect gift for every occasion

  • The Mason House Inn B&B and Caboose Cottage
    Caboose Cottage
    Autumn rainbow over the Mason House Inn
    Main street Bentonsport with the Mason House on the right.
    The historic Bentonsport bridge with a view of the Inn on the other side of the Des Moines River.
    Christmas 2007
    The Mason Suite. Antique bed dates to 1857.
    The Wild Rose Room. 9 1/2 foot tall hand carved walnut sleigh bed dates back to 1800s.
    The Bentonsport Room. Hand carved walnut headboard dates to 1800s. This room used to be the town tavern.
    • Nightly Rate $84 - $105
      ,
    • Reviews 10  
    • Rooms 9
    • Accepts Gift Cards

    • Address 21982 Hawk Drive
      Bentonsport, IA 52565
      USA
    • Phone+1-319-592-3133
    • Toll free+1-800-592-3133
    • EmailContact Innkeeper

    Bentonsport's Mason House Inn Bed and Breakfast was built in 1846, to serve travelers on steamboats going from St. Louis to Des Moines. It was constructed by Mormon craftsmen, who stayed in the area about three years, before continuing their journey to Utah. During the Civil War, the building was a hospital and a station on the Underground Railroad. It's cozy Federal style provides a warm welcome for big-city visitors who want to experience a quiet and restful stay. Many of the rooms appear much as they did in the early days. Rooms are furnished with original antiques. Some guests have reported being visited by friendly spirits during the night. Until 1958, there was no plumbing or electricity in the house. There's still a chamber pot under every bed, and a full cookie jar in every room, plus free wireless internet access. The Caboose Cottage can be rented by the night, week, or month. It is fully self-contained and open year-round.

    Rooms & Rates


    Deluxe Room

    Private Bath, sleeps2
    Average Nightly Rate $79
    Check Dates

    Caboose Cottage

    1 Queen Beds, Private Bath, sleeps2
    Average Nightly Rate $112
    Check Dates

    Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 10 Reviews

    4.5 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  4
    • Services  5
    • Value  5
    • Cleanliness  5
    • Dining  4

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    4.6 out of 5
     

    Weekend getaway 7/28/12

    July 28, 2012

    We completely agree with the previous reviews- the Mason House Inn of Bentonsport is a perfect place to escape to, to leave the daily grind of home, and escape to the mid-1800's. We have stayed in several B&B's, but this one is special. An oasis in rural SW Iowa! The Hansons' are excellent hosts and the breakfast is wonderful. It is fascinating to learn of all the spiritual inhabitants there too. We had a quiet,peaceful experience and will definitely be returning to stay in the Caboose sometime soon. Our highest recommendation for a family, couple, or group!

    4.8 out of 5
     

    Fantastic two days

    October 20, 2011

    My wife and I enjoyed a couple of days by ourselves at the Mason House Inn and we were very impressed with the accomodations and the service. Joy and Chuck were great hosts and the temper-pedic bed we slept on was so nice that I woke up early and ready for the day without being sore or tired. Their knowledge of the history of the Inn and the town kept us captivated for a long time and we really enjoyed hearing the stories about the underground railroad and tunnels behind the house. This is a great place to stop in and stay a while and we will definitely be back. Thanks Chuck and Joy for great food and a great retreat.

    3.0 out of 5
     

    Relaxing girls night

    October 17, 2011

    My small group stayed at the Mason house.. It was very nice feeling as if I had went back in time. Breakfast was really good and the conversation with the Innkeeper Chuck was wonderful and imformative, His wife Joy seemed to be a little withdrawn at first and since none of us had never been to a B&B before we really did not know what to expect... she is a wonderful cook and by morning she was talking and very cheerful..a smile goes a very long way! I would certainly go back the expierence was very pleasant and veiw of the Des moines river was absolutly beautiful Fall was a wonderful time to choose to go.. I would love to see the Rose garden in the late spring! I'm looking forward to a Murder mystery weekend at the Mason Inn! This B&B would be the most wonderful stay for a couple looking to get away from the kids for a weekend or honeymooners....a nice walk by the river and across the bridge would be so romantic!

    Innkeeper Response
    I'm sorry I was not my usual 'joyful' self that day. I was having a three-day migrane headache episode. Anybody who has had one of those knows that all you want to do is sleep and pack your head in ice! Generally though, I am on the shy side. Chuck is the talker, I'm more of a listener. But if you need something done....I'm the one to come to. :)

    5 out of 5
     

    Best Bed Ever

    September 02, 2011

    We've just returned from spending two nights at the Mason House Inn. We enjoyed this experience so much that we are already talking about when we can go back. The challenge will be having to decide between staying in the unique caboose or returning to the great Temper-pedic bed in the Bentonsport Room. It lived up to the advertising claims for comfort. In addition, I could raise the head and foot to make a great "nest" for my night time reading. This was our first visit to a Bed and Breakfast and we lucked out. Our hosts contributed greatly to the good experience.


    Location

    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeeper(s)

    Chuck and Joy Hanson

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English

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  • Rooms & Rates

    • Nightly Rate $84 - $105

    Deluxe Room

    Each room comes with either a king or queen sized bed. Some rooms also have a twin bed. (Additional charge for more than 2 people.) Our rooms are decorated with authentic antiques from the 1800s. To keep the antique ambiance, there are no TVs or radios in the rooms, but there is one in the common room for our guests to enjoy. All rooms have free wireless internet access available. A great place to get away from it all!

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath

    Nightly Rate
    (High/Low Season)
    $79/$79
    Check Dates

    Caboose Cottage

    This cottage is in a real railroad caboose. Features satellite TV, free wireless internet access, kitchen, bathroom with shower, dining area, and a queen size bed. Enjoy breakfast in the main building dining room at the hour of your choice. And, of course, each room comes with a full cookie jar.

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 Queen

    Nightly Rate
    (High/Low Season)
    $125/$100
    Check Dates

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check In: 3:00pm    Check Out: 11:00am

    • Deposit Amount Required: First night's stay must be reserved with credit or debit card

    • Cancellations: Within 7 days or a $25 cancellation fee will be charged.

    • Open All Year Round: Yes


    General Policies

    • Smoking Allowed: No

    • Guest Pets Allowed: No

    • Drinking Allowed: Limited

    • Drinking Description: Bring your own, drink responsibly

    • Drinks Available: No

    • Suitable For Children: No

    • Childcare Provided: No

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  • Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 10 Reviews

    4.5 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  4
    • Services  4
    • Value  4
    • Cleanliness  4
    • Dining  4

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    4.6 out of 5
     

    Weekend getaway 7/28/12

    July 28, 2012

    We completely agree with the previous reviews- the Mason House Inn of Bentonsport is a perfect place to escape to, to leave the daily grind of home, and escape to the mid-1800's. We have stayed in several B&B's, but this one is special. An oasis in rural SW Iowa! The Hansons' are excellent hosts and the breakfast is wonderful. It is fascinating to learn of all the spiritual inhabitants there too. We had a quiet,peaceful experience and will definitely be returning to stay in the Caboose sometime soon. Our highest recommendation for a family, couple, or group!

    4.8 out of 5
     

    Fantastic two days

    October 20, 2011

    My wife and I enjoyed a couple of days by ourselves at the Mason House Inn and we were very impressed with the accomodations and the service. Joy and Chuck were great hosts and the temper-pedic bed we slept on was so nice that I woke up early and ready for the day without being sore or tired. Their knowledge of the history of the Inn and the town kept us captivated for a long time and we really enjoyed hearing the stories about the underground railroad and tunnels behind the house. This is a great place to stop in and stay a while and we will definitely be back. Thanks Chuck and Joy for great food and a great retreat.

    3.0 out of 5
     

    Relaxing girls night

    October 17, 2011

    My small group stayed at the Mason house.. It was very nice feeling as if I had went back in time. Breakfast was really good and the conversation with the Innkeeper Chuck was wonderful and imformative, His wife Joy seemed to be a little withdrawn at first and since none of us had never been to a B&B before we really did not know what to expect... she is a wonderful cook and by morning she was talking and very cheerful..a smile goes a very long way! I would certainly go back the expierence was very pleasant and veiw of the Des moines river was absolutly beautiful Fall was a wonderful time to choose to go.. I would love to see the Rose garden in the late spring! I'm looking forward to a Murder mystery weekend at the Mason Inn! This B&B would be the most wonderful stay for a couple looking to get away from the kids for a weekend or honeymooners....a nice walk by the river and across the bridge would be so romantic!

    Innkeeper Response
    I'm sorry I was not my usual 'joyful' self that day. I was having a three-day migrane headache episode. Anybody who has had one of those knows that all you want to do is sleep and pack your head in ice! Generally though, I am on the shy side. Chuck is the talker, I'm more of a listener. But if you need something done....I'm the one to come to. :)

    5 out of 5
     

    Best Bed Ever

    September 02, 2011

    We've just returned from spending two nights at the Mason House Inn. We enjoyed this experience so much that we are already talking about when we can go back. The challenge will be having to decide between staying in the unique caboose or returning to the great Temper-pedic bed in the Bentonsport Room. It lived up to the advertising claims for comfort. In addition, I could raise the head and foot to make a great "nest" for my night time reading. This was our first visit to a Bed and Breakfast and we lucked out. Our hosts contributed greatly to the good experience.

    4.6 out of 5
     

    Excellent Hospitality and Restful

    June 15, 2011

    Chuck and Joy were wonderful hosts. Breakfast was delightful, and the scenery to die for. Speaking of that, the 'unseen' lodgers were more than cordial, also, and will leave you alone, if you request it. A more than 'safe' place, if you wish to flirt with the paranormal. Will be back!

    5 out of 5
     

    Loved the place!

    November 07, 2010

    My husband and I received a BedandBreakfast.com gift card for our anniversary. After reviewing the B&Bs on the web site, we chose the Mason House Inn, mostly because it was fairly local and also because it is historic and we like that kind of thing. The room we had was very cozy and clean. Because we chose the first floor room, we did get some noise from the other guests coming and going out the front door. Next time we will choose a room on the second floor where there is not as much traffic. It would be a good room for someone who can't do stairs. The breakfast was great and the conversation with the other guests was fun. The owners were very pleasant and informative about the history of the place. We will definately be back.

    4.4 out of 5
     

    Fabulous Service

    March 04, 2009

    I stayed here on Feburary 27th in Room 5. Chuck the proprietor was an exemplary host detailing the history of the Inn. The room was very comfortable and accented with period historic pieces which allowed me to step back in time. The country breakfast was simply scrumptious. I am planning a return visit this summer.

    4.0 out of 5
     

    The Caboose is Great

    February 12, 2008

    We stayed at the Caboose the summer of 06 - it was a real unique experience. I would reccomend that everyone try it just once. The area itself was all closed up so there was little to see or do, I expected more activity for mid July - I hope to return in the future to check out the ghosts in the main house.


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  • Location Type

    • By Des Moines River

    • Countryside

    • Village

    City - Keosauqua

    • Distance to city: 6 miles

    • Directions to property:
      On county road J40 between Keosauqua and Bonaparte in Van Buren County, Iowa.

    Airport

    • Burlington, IA (BRL) 60 miles

    • Directions to property:
      From Burlington, take Highway 34 to Mount Pleasant. Go south on Highway 218 and then west on J40. Go through Bonaparte and into Bentonsport. Turn left on Sanford Street. We are on the corner of Sanford and Hawk Drive.


    Area Attractions

    • Antique Shopping

    • Casino

    • Historical interests

    • Lake

    • National/State parks

    • Nauvoo, Illinois

    • Picnic area

    • River

    • Winery

    • Bicycle riding trails

    • Bird watching

    • Boating

    • Canoeing

    • Fishing

    • Golfing

    • Hiking trails

    • Horseback riding

    • Hunting

    • Kayaking

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Swimming

    • Swimming pool

    • Tennis courts

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  • Amenities

    Type:

    • Bed and Breakfast

    Property highlights

    • Ghost Hunting

    • History

    • Underground Railroad history

    • Antiques/decor

    • Christian Travel

    • Economical rates

    • Group events

    • Nature

    • Peaceful getaway

    On-site

    • Board games

    • CD player

    • Conference Rooms

    • Copier

    • DVD Player

    • Fax Machine

    • Fireplace

    • Piano

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • TV

    • Telephone

    • VCR

    • Videos

    • Washer/dryer

    Guest room(s)

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Ceiling fans

    • In-room internet

    • Internet Service

    • Private entrance

    Other

    • wireless internet access

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  • Breakfast

    • Type: Full

    • Serving Location: Dining Room

    Special meal options

    • Low fat

    • Restrictive

    • Vegetarian

    • Diet

    Additional food services

    • Cookie jar in every room

    Recipes

    Breakfast-Brunch

    Egg Pie
    Serves: 8
    Prep time: 10 minutes

    Baked French Toast
    Serves: 8
    Prep time: 10 minutes

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