Northfield Airbnbs enliven unique accommodations with history, personality

SEE THE LISTINGS To explore a full listing of Northfield’s expanding number of Airbnbs, go to the airbnb website: airbnb.com and search “Northfield, MN.” 0709d5fd-819b-4dc1-8948-7dd8901d7ac3

Not long ago, overnight options for visitors to Northfield were often limited to hotel availability spread out along Highway 3. Now, the list of accommodations has grown to include a host of unique Airbnb properties located in many of downtown’s historic buildings, as well as near the two colleges.

Beside the growing number of second floor properties along Division Street, there are several Airbnb options located in residential neighborhoods closer to the city’s colleges. This first of several articles explores two historic properties positioned within easy walking distance of St. Olaf College on Northfield’s westside.

Destination downtown

For Larry Tolle, who retired from a career in information technology in 2020, managing two downtown airbnb properties picks up in the spring after a “dead” winter.

Both apartments are above Division Street and reached by a steep set of stairs. The 508 Division St. loft is a two-bedroom, 1,700-square-foot space with a pull-out couch; the loft sleeps five or six people. There are parking spaces located to the west that come with the rental. The spacious loft apartment, with views west to the Cannon River and east of Division Street, rents for $280 a night.

The sophisticated apartment at 16 Bridge Square has one bedroom with a pull-out couch, sleeping three total, and features a private outdoor deck to the south and a view of Bridge Square to the North. The 1,400-square-foot space, which is filled with original artwork by local artist, teacher and gallery owner Rebecca Tolle, married to Larry, rents for $180 a night. Both properties have laundry facilities and require a two-night minimum stay.

Tolle said both properties attract wedding parties, reunion groups, graduation families and woman-only get togethers.

“We had a couple from Owatonna who were married on the Fourth Street Bridge stay with us,” he said. “We’ve had parents of a Carleton student from Shanghai stay with us twice.

“Northfield is a tourist destination,” said Tolle.

The Novella at Content

Upstairs from Content Bookstore and Northfield Yarn, a newly renovated one-bedroom apartment in the heart of historic downtown Northfield features views of picturesque Division Street, extra comfy bedding, and a stylish interior with echoes of the early-20th-century details of the McKay Building in which it’s located.

Against one wall is a stocked bookcase filled with a selection of contemporary books selected by the booksellers downstairs. Owner Jessica Peterson-White said guests often come downstairs to purchase a book found shelved inside the unit.

With a well-equipped kitchen, family-friendly details, and an emphasis on quiet and ease, Peterson-White said it’s the perfect home base for visitors in tow for an adventure or a retreat.

“The original idea for the unit was to have a cool and romantic space where our visiting authors could stay while they are in town for a reading,” she explained. “We thought that, if publishers knew, we could also house an author who might be on a book tour between the Twin Cities and Iowa City, that might sweeten the deal.”

In recent years, Content has curated its visiting author events into a thriving program that attracts robust, loyal audiences. With new owners at the Grand Event Center open to partnerships, Peterson-White said if a high wattage author, such as William Kent Krueger, comes to town, they can expand beyond the 50-seat in-store space to host literary events for a much larger audience at the Grand.

“What’s also appealing about us is that we’re a bookstore destination,” she said. “That’s a good business model.”

As a downtown staple, Content Books will celebrate its 10th anniversary in November. To maintain the store’s high level of professional, yet personal customer service, Peterson-White said they now employ six full-time and five part-time staffers.

With no two-night minimum, the Novella’s rate ranges from $120 to $210 per night depending upon the time of year and availability. Guests may use an off-street parking spot in back of the building.

“Our guests have commented that they appreciate the super clean, family-friendly unit, its minimal decorations, its stocked bookcase and its well-equipped kitchen,” Peterson-White said.

Lena’s Loft

For Rae Horton-Clements, assistant director of residential life at Carleton College, housing is an area of expertise. She and wife Kendall Horton-Clements, the owner and general manager of the Ole Store, listed Lena’s Loft in August on Airbnb.

The quaint two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is located on the second floor above the main entrance of the Ole Store, 1011 St Olaf Ave. The west windows overlook Lena’s Lawn, a green space with picnic tables and umbrellas that is open during the warmer months.

Since opening the apartment to guests, Rae said they require a two-night minimum stay at $150 a night.

“The apartment with a restaurant below gives guests the sense of being in a bed and breakfast,” she said, even though there is no package deal in place at the moment. “We’re all about the hospitality and the connections.”

A Northfield business since 1889, the Ole Store is a Nordic-inspired restaurant with a rich history and a vibrant presence. Fueled by the support of the Northfield community, the restaurant aspires to continue to be a place where people gather with their loved ones to share a meal or celebrate important life events.

Nestled between Carleton College, St. Olaf College, and downtown Northfield, the owners tell guests they can expect a short commute by foot, bike, or car to almost anywhere around town. They are also exploring opening the space up to visiting artists and lecturers, as well as longer-term bookings.

So far, Lena’s Loft has housed prospective Oles and Carls, families in town for weddings, college reunions, family reunions and funerals. Rae said she encourages guests to leave a little note, a drawing or a poem in the guestbook.

“We love the feedback,” she said.

The Nest

When Rachel Morrison decided to turn the second floor of the home she owns at 100 Madison St. S. into an Airbnb, she already knew the theme would be birds. After all, birds remind her of her grandmother, who was obsessed with them; she died in May 2023.

Now, several bird-themed trinkets are scattered around the light-filled space, including a bird’s nest found in the Carleton Arb, which sits under a glass dome; bird books are stacked amid board games on the bookcase shelves; the cover of the guest book is illustrated with bird feathers; and an Audubon linen print hangs on one wall.

One feature that has become a guest favorite is the circular nest chair that swivels in the southeast window, a perfect place for reading.

“I want guests to feel like this nest is their safe, temporary home,” Morrison said.

After working at Carleton College as a mental health practitioner, Morrison, a St. Olaf graduate and cross country runner, plans to move into private practice in May.

Morrison lives on the first floor of the 110-year-old home, which had belonged to a St. Olaf professor before being divided into space for two families, only to later on acquire the nickname of Squirrel House for the small rodents living in the walls.

In September 2022, she and her best friend Chondra Hayes opened the one-bedroom, one-bath space. With both women living busy lives, they enjoy cleaning the space together.

Morrison said she likes offering local touches, such as stocking the kitchen with coffee from Little Joy and offering walking/biking/running maps of both campuses.

A two-night minimum if required to book The Nest, which is priced at $140 a night. Guests with bikes and kayaks can store them in the backyard.

With the Ole Store one block away, Morrison said she’s always praising the restaurant’s excellent food and the Ole Rolls to guests, some of whom are new to Northfield. For those newcomers, she prints out a list of live music events, local artist exhibits and farmer’s market opportunities.

“This is a quiet neighborhood with loads of parking and easy access to both colleges and downtown,” she said. “My goal is to make this space restful.”