On my first post about Ida Grove, we visited Moorehead Park, but I did not elude to the fact that the same day I went to Moorehead Park was the same day I met up
On my first post about Ida Grove, we visited Moorehead Park, but I did not elude to the fact that the same day I went to Moorehead Park was the same day I met up with Eric who runs the local vineyard, which I’ll be featuring next month during our wedding series. While chatting with Eric about his business I mentioned how unique this town was, and asked him what else there was to do here, and he started rambling off several things, so much so that he eventually said he could score me a private tour of the town when I make a return visit. So, taking up his offer I reached out to him about two weeks later, and mentioned that my husband and I have an upcoming day off and it would be perfect to spend some time learning more about this infamous “Castle Town”.
New meaning to “Boat life”
Therefore, starting off our eventful journey was the famous Lake LaJune. Built in 1969, Byron Godberson named this man-made lake after his wife, LaJune Godberson. Intended to showcase recreational equipment for the customers of Midwest Industries (which builds boats) Byron also housed his personal airplane in the on-site hangar, which now hosts banquets and other types of functions. We will be visiting this hangar in our next post.
Being a fan of nautical modes of transportation, Byron had a half-scale reproduction of the HMS Bounty construction in 1970, which still rests on Lake LaJune to this day, and can be seen from the road. In fact, it is one of the first things visitors see driving into town. Also situated around the lake is a lighthouse, a gazebo and lots of aesthetically pleasing landscaping.
Having direct access to the lake is the Chalet, which is surrounded by beautiful sculptures of swordfish. These giant fish reminded me of the art galleries in Key West, and the views from the wrap-around porch really made me miss being out on the water. But alas we must continue our tour. Eric had keys to the chalet, and allotted us a mini tour of this retro villa.
Knock knock?…
I’m trying my hardest here to not call it a house, because there are no bedrooms like a modern home would have, rather just gathering spaces…and many of them. When you walk in off the patio, you walk into the main level. Situated beneath a giant wood and cast-iron chandelier are mid-century furniture pieces, green velvet carpet and hand carved wood chairs.
We then went down to the basement, where we found a bar with aged whiskey locked behind a giant safe. On the walls were pictures of Byron and his love of all things water. This lower level truly felt like an ultimate man-cave, or possibly a secret hidden away speakeasy, where which only certain people are invited to attend.
Before we left, we quickly made our way upstairs where we found a circular 70s burnt yellow sectional couch. From here guests get an up-close view of a miniature-scale Dutch cargo ship from the 1800s. You can also enjoy a bird’s eye view of the main level, and look out even further over Lake LaJune.
Follow me!
In all, this was like walking into a time capsule. My husband and I felt like we were witnesses to what time looks like when it stands still. And Eric told us there are in talks to revamp the chalet to its former glory, which includes cleaning all the cobwebs out, replacing the carpet and giving the walls a fresh coat of paint.
For the most part, this is private property, and to get a tour you would have to contact someone from the city, but this why you have me! I can get you some awesome pictures of places most people can’t go. To all my male readers, imagine having your bachelor party here?! How cool would that be?!
Overall, I hope the next time I come to visit the chalet it will be for a special event unveiling this iconic beauty. I can’t wait to see what they have planned, and to restore this amazing property into a timeless event venue.
