Imagine driving down the picturesque Highway 50 to Elmdale and turning west. In just 90 minutes, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the authentic tranquility of Kansas.
Hear the rustling of leaves, admire the pristine night sky, and experience golden peace.
Deep in the heart of West Chase County, surrounded by lush soybean fields and a gentle valley with streams, lies a vacation rental silo known as the “Owl’s Nest Silo House.”
This is no ordinary house; it’s a carefully designed log cabin, built in 2019, that you can call home — even if just for a weekend.
Gerald Wiens, founder of this retreat, originally envisioned building a log cabin for occasional weekend rentals.
“We decided to build a log cabin and rent it out on weekends, hopefully as an Airbnb. We were thinking just a few weekends a month,” he said.
However, the unexpected demand during the pandemic year kept Paw Print Cabin booked for over 180 nights!
Nearby stood an old silo in remarkable condition, which sparked an idea in Gerald.
With creativity, sketches, models, and planning, he decided to convert the silo into a living space. But the round structure posed its own challenges.
“That’s what happened. Then, you know, we considered lots of ideas. We sketched little models. We had different floor plans,” Gerald told KSN.
The result? A four-story, 45-foot-tall marvel.
Upon entering, the foyer flows into a unique round living room designed for comfort and relaxation. Two cozy leather armchairs immediately catch your eye — perfect for deep conversation or quiet reflection.
A modern flat-screen TV is mounted above a stunning stone gas fireplace. Whether you’re in the mood for movie night or just enjoying the soft warmth of flames, this living space sets the perfect scene.
Don’t forget practicality: a discreet guest toilet is cleverly tucked under the spiral staircase — a space-saving solution.
To reach the luxurious fourth-floor primary bedroom, guests climb 45 winding steps.
The second floor hosts a cozy bedroom for three, with a custom-built bunk bed: a double on the bottom and a single on top.
The third floor is dedicated entirely to a spacious bathroom serving both bedrooms. Its large shower rivals that of typical homes — pure luxury.
The crown jewel is the primary bedroom with a 16-foot ceiling and a lavish king-size bed.
Gerald poured his heart, soul, and countless hours into this project. The Silo has recently welcomed its first guests.
Wondering about the price? It’s $175 per night, with a two-night minimum and a cleaning fee.
But Gerald gently warns: if you’re looking for a Disneyland-type thrill, this might not be for you. This is for those who truly value nature.
Gerald and his family built everything themselves, with occasional help from his grandson, an architecture student.
For those interested, the cabin is already listed on Airbnb under “Vacation Rentals in Chase County,” and the Silo will soon join the listing.
“When I say it was a labor of love, I mean we spent a lot of time here.
“If you had to pay me for it, I wouldn’t want to say how many hours it took — because it’s not your typical construction,” said Gerald.
See how amazing this Silo vacation rental is in the video below: