Picture yourself cruising along the picturesque Highway 50, heading toward Elmdale. A simple 90-minute drive transports you to the heart of Kansas, where time seems to slow, and nature embraces you.
As you step into the serenity of the Kansas countryside, listen to the soft whispers of the wind through the trees, gaze up at an untouched, star-filled sky, and let the warm glow of golden hour wash over you.
Nestled in the quiet charm of West Chase County, surrounded by expansive soybean fields and cradled by a peaceful creek valley, stands the Owl’s Nest Silo House — a unique vacation retreat that promises an unforgettable getaway.
But this isn’t your typical rental. Behind its striking silo exterior lies a beautifully crafted log cabin, built in 2019 with love and attention to every detail. This is a place you can truly call home, if only for the weekend.
The mastermind behind this cozy escape, Gerald Wiens, had originally planned it as a weekend getaway — a simple log cabin for occasional rental.
“We wanted to build a log cabin and offer it for weekend stays, kind of like an Airbnb. At first, we thought it would just be a couple of weekends a month,” he shared.
What Gerald didn’t foresee was the surge in demand during the pandemic, when the Paw Print Cabin became a sought-after haven, booked for over 180 nights in a single year!
Not far from the cabin, an old silo stood tall, its weathered exterior hinting at potential. The structure was in remarkable shape, and it sparked a new idea in Gerald’s mind.
Fueled by creativity, sketches, and several brainstorming sessions, he envisioned a living space within the silo’s walls. But the unique, circular shape presented its own set of challenges.
“We started exploring different ideas. We had little models drawn, tried various floor plans, and just kept tweaking,” Gerald recalled in an interview with KSN.
The result? A striking four-story structure that rises 45 feet into the sky — an architectural marvel.
When you step inside, you’re immediately greeted by an inviting circular living room, a space designed to feel both intimate and spacious, offering the perfect environment for comfort and relaxation.
As soon as you step in, your eyes are drawn to two luxurious leather chairs, perfectly placed for cozy conversations or quiet moments of contemplation.
For those seeking entertainment, a sleek flat-screen TV is mounted above a stunning stone-framed gas fireplace. Whether you’re planning a movie marathon or simply want to bask in the comforting warmth of the fire while enjoying your favorite show, this living room creates the ideal atmosphere for both relaxation and enjoyment.
Practicality blends seamlessly with charm in the Owl’s Nest Silo House. Tucked away beneath the winding staircase, you’ll find a discreet half bathroom—an ingenious space-saving touch that ensures guests have easy access to amenities without straying far from the cozy comfort of the living room.
But the real adventure begins when you make your way to the fourth-floor master bedroom. A breathtaking ascent of 45 steps leads you up, each step offering a sense of anticipation as you spiral toward the pinnacle of comfort and style.
For those eager to experience this unique retreat, the log cabin is already available on Airbnb under “Vacation Rentals Chase County.” And soon, the charming silo vacation house will join the list, offering even more opportunities to unwind in this tranquil Kansas haven.
“It’s been a true labor of love,” Gerald says with a smile. “We’ve poured so much time into this project. If you had to pay me for all the hours spent, well, I’d rather not say. It’s definitely not your typical construction.”