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From Barn to B&B: The Iowa Farm Story Behind Taylor Hill Lodge
Some places are more than a destination. They just feel like coming home.
Long before Taylor Hill Lodge welcomed weekend retreats, weddings, and family reunions to Audubon County, the land it sits on was simply a working family farm.
For Charles “Chuck” Manatt, Taylor Hill Farm was where everything started. Growing up four miles north of Audubon, Chuck’s childhood was shaped by the daily rhythms of rural Iowa – feeding the pigs, cleaning the stalls, and doing chores, all before heading down to town for school and 4-H meetings.
At the heart of the property stood a classic red English barn, raised at the turn of the century. For three generations, beginning with Chuck’s grandfather, Charlie Taylor, that barn was the backbone of the farm. It sheltered livestock, stored feed, and stood watch over the changing Iowa landscape as agriculture evolved through the decades including world wars, recessions, and the introduction of new technologies.
Chuck and fellow Audubonite Kathy married while at Iowa State and after graduating in 1958 and were drawn to both the east and west coasts while starting their family. They lived in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles for military service, law school, and the eventual founding of a law firm. But no matter how far long they were away, western Iowa never lost its pull.
Every summer, they made their way back to the family farm with their own children, staying with Chuck’s parents in the white farm house next to the barn (see photo). Beginning in the 1990s, they started bringing friends with them during harvest season to hunt, introducing outsiders to the quiet beauty of the rolling fields, the warmth of small-town Iowa hospitality, and local treasures like award winning pie maker Dianna Sheehy, long a mainstay of the Iowa State Fair pie competitions (we’ll have a slice of her chocolate silk pie, thanks!).
Every summer, they made their way back to the family farm with their own children. They often brought friends with them during harvest season to hunt, introducing outsiders to the quiet beauty of the countryside, the warmth of small-town hospitality, and the distinct peace that comes from sitting on a hill looking out over the fields.
Over time, those visits sparked an idea.
Chuck and Kathy wanted to build a space where families could gather and connect the same way they did. At the same time, they couldn’t bear to watch Grandpa Taylor’s aging barn slowly fade into history.
Instead of letting the building disappear, they decided to give it a second life.
Partnering with local farmers Donna and Ted Bauer and contractor Tom Testroet, the Manatts took on the transforming the historic barn into a modern lodge, without stripping away its agricultural soul.
Within a year, the old barn was reborn as Taylor Hill Lodge, opening its doors to guests in 2002.
Named for Grandpa Taylor and the high hill it sits on, the Lodge became a true community effort. Local artist Clint Hansen crafted a custom stained-glass window for the space, depicting cornfields, a pheasant, and a hunting dog, a visual tribute to the rural Iowa spirit. Interior designer Vickie Albers helped Kathy bring the Lodge’s warm, welcoming character to life, creating inviting spaces that blend the barn’s historic charm with timeless comfort.
When you step inside, the lower level, where livestock once rested, is now a space centered around a cozy fireplace, furnished with comfortable leather sofas and warm earth tones. But look closely, and the building’s history is still right there in the original beams, hay fork, family heirlooms, and the stories shared around the long table.
Over the years, Taylor Hill Lodge has hosted everything from quilting retreats and hunting groups to holiday celebrations and weddings. What started as one family’s mission to save a beloved barn has grown into a place where hundreds of other families come to make their own history.
That’s the real beauty of Taylor Hill Lodge. It isn’t just a restored building. It’s proof that certain places can keep bringing people together, generation after generation.
Some places are worth visiting because of what they offer. Others are worth visiting because of how they make you feel.
At Taylor Hill Lodge, you’ll find wide-open views, a beautifully restored barn, and plenty of space to gather, but you’ll also find something harder to describe. It’s the feeling of being connected to the land, to history, and to the people around you. And if you’re looking for ideas on where to explore next, Innkeeper Ann is always happy to help. She loves sharing recommendations for local hidden gems, scenic drives, favorite dishes at Audubon’s restaurants, and the latest events and attractions, helping guests experience western Iowa like a local.
If your travels bring you to Audubon area, consider spending a little time on this hill. You just might leave with a few stories of your own.
