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Paradise Retreat On Beautiful Rathbun Lake - Homemade Mexico

Vacation home in Mystic with private pool and kitchen

Photo gallery for Paradise Retreat On Beautiful Rathbun Lake - Homemade Mexico

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
Outdoor dining
Terrace/patio
Beach
Escape to this spacious 3BR, 2BA retreat with a large living room and kitchen, all on one level. Unwind in the huge yard with an outdoor fire pit or enjoy games by the swimming pool off the back patio.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 101680 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Paradise Retreat On Beautiful Rathbun Lake - Homemade Mexico

3BR , 2 BA with large living room and kitchen, all one level with laundry facilities. Huge yard to setup games or just enjoy running around. Has a Large outdoor fire pit to enjoy on a relaxing evening. Has swimming pool off back patio for the kids and BBQ area. Just 3/4 of mile from closest boat ramp or about 10 min walk to water access, as the lake is visible from the property. It also has a camper spot for those that have larger families and need extra room! This space includes water and electricity the sewer will need to be pumped by local company. Camper spot all for only $50 per night added.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Patio
  • Yard

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total (up to 20 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Single level property
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Optional golf privileges
  • Water park
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,680 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

Welcome to our OOL notice there is no P in it, lets keep it that way... Please be respectful of the Pool.
WHEN DEPARTING PLEASE PUT DIRTY DISHES IN DISHWASHER AND START IT, AND PUT TOWELS / LINENS IN WASHER.

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)
Note from host: Pets are allowed for an additional $50/ea fee

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 20
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Paradise Retreat Beautiful Rathbun Lake House Mystic
Paradise Retreat Beautiful Rathbun Lake House
Paradise Retreat Beautiful Rathbun Lake Mystic
Paradise Retreat Beautiful Rathbun Lake
Parase Retreat Beautiful Rath
Paradise Retreat On Beautiful Rathbun Lake Mystic
Paradise Retreat On Beautiful Rathbun Lake Private vacation home

About the neighborhood

Map
Mystic, IA

What's nearby

  • Rathbun Lake - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Leah Bradley Park - 22 min drive - 13.4 miles
  • Honey Creek State Park - 26 min drive - 16.4 miles
  • Monroe County Courthouse - 35 min drive - 24.7 miles
  • Lake Thunderhead - 48 min drive - 36.3 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Louie's On The Lake - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Tackle This - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪A Mexican Affair - ‬36 min drive
  • ‪Lake Shore Lounge - ‬35 min drive
  • ‪Rathbun Lakeshore Grille - ‬35 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Paradise Retreat On Beautiful Rathbun Lake - Homemade Mexico have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Paradise Retreat On Beautiful Rathbun Lake - Homemade Mexico pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-out at Paradise Retreat On Beautiful Rathbun Lake - Homemade Mexico?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Paradise Retreat On Beautiful Rathbun Lake - Homemade Mexico located?

Situated in Mystic, this vacation home is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Rathbun Lake and within 9 mi (15 km) of Mystic Reservoir and Rathbun Wildlife Refuge Area. Rolling Cove Park and Rathbun Wildlife Management Area are also within 12 mi (20 km).

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Reviews

Paradise Retreat On Beautiful Rathbun Lake - Homemade Mexico Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.0

Cleanliness

9.6

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 70 out of 90 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 90 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 90 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 90 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 90 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lucky Cong L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fishing get away

Came here for a fishing get away with the boys and this place was awesome, close to the lake and clean more than enough room. Enjoyed our stay
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Nick N.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Overall good stay. Some of the furniture is getting pretty worn down and place shows some wear and tear. Kids loved the pool it’s really nice for the younger kids. We would stay again. Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family/Friends Vacation

We had a great time! The property was well maintained. Pool was great, the kids enjoyed swimming in the morning and evening. We had a large parking spot for our boat too. Great communication right away for anything that we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another great stay!

We go every year, great place and owner!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding trip

Perfect for a weekend wedding. I would highly recommend this property to anyone going to Rathbun, Centerville or Bessie’s Barn!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

perfect for a self-contained getaway

Friends trip and accommodations worked out great. Easy check-in and check-out. Pool has a little privacy fence so you truly feel like you are out there on your own, surrounded by nothing but nature. Was very happy with how well kitchen was stocked with pots, pans, utensils, and various kitchen appliances. Floor is finished cement which was actually really nice for in and out of the pool, didn't have to worry about making carpet gross & wet. Do recommend bring your own floaties and a shade umbrella. Didn't leave the property but Lake Rathbun was beautiful on the way in and seems like lots to explore there. We were happy with the experience and plan to come back here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

nichole j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Summer getaway

We really enjoyed our stay, very family friendly and the kids loved swimming and roasting marshmallows. Less than 10 minutes to a boat ramp for Rathbun lake, ideal home if you have a boat. We will be coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stacy M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Family weekend

Some of the property was clean. The beds was very dirty when we took the sheets off and stains very big property, which was nice. The pool was awesome.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chelsey B., Ankeny

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for a little getaway

My family has an annual girls trip and this property was perfect for it! We loved the pool and fire pit. The house slept us all comfortably and was great for game night. There are plenty of chairs for by the pool and fire pit. Everything was well kept and clean. Highly recommend and we look forward to our next trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

Katy F.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness

It was so-so

The property wasn’t anything fancy, but it also served its purpose. The entire house has concrete floors that felt less than clean (dead spiders, dry grass, etc). The house interior was pretty tore up. But the pool and fire pit were nice. Lots of beach areas nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer T., Iowa City, IA, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to gather with friends and family

We had a great time staying at the house at Rathbun Lake. We had just about everything we needed and were able to cook for 10 easily! The yard was ample, the firepit was large and the pool was endless fun for the kids. The only things we might add would be a couple more blankets for the folks on the sofas/sofa bed, towel hooks in the bathrooms, and as other reviews had noted, a new mattress or two would also go a long way! Overall, we had a great time and the place was well-priced - felt like a great value for the cost. Thanks, Doug!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eryn H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home

First time at this house but rented the blue one previously. Other family stayed I. The blue house at the same time. Never really any issues. Pool was perfect for the hot weather we had. Definitely recommend renting. Hopefully try renting the green house next.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Deb H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

n/a

some light switches didn't control anything.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Sherry G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family vacation

Overall it was what we needed. A little miscommunication about RV/campers. Pool was refreshing but pool/mowing maintenance man made us uncomfortable. He showed up early am of checkout day and asked when we'd be out. Even though we were still there eating and having family time he wandered amoungst us and filled pool - weird. Host was accomadating to issues with outside power and parking of boats. Thought it was closer to Lake and boat ramps but it kept kids busy walking trail. Unfortunately, one family member fell in a rut on the gravel drive and broke her ankle. Its a good place to rent for a large family with plenty of interior/exterior room.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

6/10 Okay

Kayla B.

Liked: Communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, some downsides

The neighborhood/location of this rental is super nice! The house has enough space for a family of 6 adults and allows dogs, which is always nice. Unfortunately, there were several issues with the home that made it a less desirable experience, including: the lock box to get in was clearly old and didn't operate smoothly anymore, one of the showers never had hot water the entire time we were there, the front door kept popping open with the breeze even when it was deadbolted, there was no broom or vacuum left for us to clean up any messes, and there was only one working light in the main bedroom. We were also charged a pool fee even though we rented in the winter and obviously couldn't use the pool. Overall, we had a good experience, but for the price for a weekend, we expected to have minimal issues and expected it to be a little more high end than it was.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ike M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

As advertised

Listing is very accurate I would stay there again
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Allison W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place!

Loved staying here for a weekend! The house had everything we needed. Kids enjoyed the pool and short walk to the lake. Will definitely return and stay a bit longer next time.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scott W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family gathering spot

My family and I got together for my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. It was a beautiful weekend and the kids loved hanging out in the pool all weekend. We had campers onsite as well to accommodate some of our crew and that worked out really well. There's a electric hook up and a really flat spot near the garage to park. The backyard is huge for playing and the firepit was a group favorite throughout the weekend. Thanks for reading !
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jesse K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place for a quick getaway

Nice weather this weekend. The property was clean and tidy and a great place to have friends around a fire. Thanks for everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ames G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice long weekend

We had a nice time staying here, the property was as expected. We didn’t get to swim much cause the weather was a bit cold. But we had a nice time playing with our dog in the big backyard and enjoyed the quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Traci H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Summer Getaway

Other than the wasps around the pool deck and the uncomfortable beds in 2 of the 3 rooms - it would have been a 5-star stay! We have stayed here 3 times and come back despite the wasps and beds.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Lisa L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Pros/cons

Pros: Pool was wonderful. Outside was clean, mowed and attractive. Home was adequately furnished. AC is COLD. PM always answer the phone when we called. Lots of privacy. Cons: Floors need a thorough cleaning. Dust bunnies under the beds. The full size bedroom needs a new mattress badly. Price is high. This is a remote area.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christina S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice!

We enjoyed our time at the house. It was roomy, cozy, and clean. Very nice location! Would definitely rent again. Only complaint is the mattresses were not very comfortable. But all and all very happy with our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding weekend

We had a great stay. It was hot so the pool was wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Melanie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Trip to the Lake

The property was simple but nice. We had everything we needed at the house. It was also close to the lake and fit our family comfortably. The pool, however, was very cold and dirty. Overall, our stay was very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022