First impression: WOW! How many times can you say to your friends and family that you stayed in a grain bin? It's incredible how transformed it is inside! Marcia is a wonderful hostess. Very flexible, welcoming and great conversationalist! She called to make sure we arrived all right since we were getting in late, and gave us plenty of breakfast options for the morning. It was gorgeous to see the moon out the window in the bedroom loft and be away from the city lights. We even woke up to birds happily chirping right outside our window, too! The silo is quite roomy, perfect for quiet getaways away from the noise of modern day life. There are modern amenities like a TV, but why bother when you can enjoy snuggling around the ironcast fireplace? We will definitely be recommending this once in a life time experience to all Starved Rock/outdoor adventurers! read more

One day, I was abducted. No need to be sorry for me; I had actually been warned in advance by an "anonymous" letter which was signed "The Bridal Shower Gang". My friends had indeed decided to take me away from my groom-to-be for a weekend to be just-us-girls together. They set their choice on a rustic retreat, far from the city and all the book-induced headaches that we all shared as students/instructors at U of C. So after a little ride in Mimi's old faithful we arrive in the outskirts of Ottowa and park in front of a silo. The weather is really grey, a cold wind is blowing and we are welcome by Marcia, the lady of the house. Emmanuelle quickly leaves us behind to go say hi to Mary-go-round, the local mare while we patiently listen to Marcia explaining all the high and lows of the area. If you don't know where to go, what to do or what to eat - she's definitely your woman and an endless well of information............ The premises are nice but not fancy. The silo we stayed in was newly renovated and it showed - there's a neat mezzanine with a queen size bed and a couple pieces of furniture, a adorable bathroom and a lot of kitchen amenities (microwave, fridge, a burner, glasses, etc.) and a wood-burning stove - which was much appreciated in this cold November weekend! There's also an AC unit for the summer months. Overall it's a cool place to hang out - but you have not to mind sleeping in the bathroom or on a bench under the window....if it sounds weird, it's because it is! I also have to mention the dozen or so of dead flies by the upstairs window...I didn't mind them but I would understand if some people don't enjoy their company that much. If you decide to go pay a visit to Marcia, the silo is your best bet. The little house where my other friends stayed didn't sound too appetizing, and even rural charm has its limits: the three of them had to share the bed because the couches were covered with mouse excrement.... and it really looked worn out, like an old hunting hut which hasn't known the loving touch of a woman for years. Almost everything was forgotten though the next morning around breakfast which was plentiful, satisfying and filled with the purrs of Simba, the most adorable and social cat we had ever seen..... It is 10 minutes away from Starved Rock State Park and it really makes you forget the hustling and bustling of the city. And Miss Illinois slept there!!! If THAT is not an argument!!! read more

When my husband originally made the reservation for "The Round House," we had no idea it was a renovated silo! Marcia sent us a newspaper article about the space with our confirmation. We had stayed on a working ranch and in (yes, in) a brewery in the past, so a silo was right up our alley! It was the cutest, most unique space, and it was very comfortable for the two of us. We made full use of the kitchenette and the grill each night we were there, and we LOVED having blueberry pancakes and scrambled eggs with Swiss cheese over at Marcia's house in the mornings. Marcia is an extremely interesting and intelligent person with an open mind and an open heart. Even if Starved Rock State Park and the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate hadn't enticed us to visit the area, we would have loved to go there just to meet Marcia. We spent extra time lingering over our breakfast dishes because she was such a delight! We loved her menagerie which includes two horses, Fritz & Mary (perhaps Merry for Merry-Go-Round); the ginger cat with a distinct personality, Simba (whom I called Simba Ssi in order to offer proper respect to his highness); and the dog, Kane. Marcia invites guests to board their horses with her, and guests are allowed to bring their dogs as well. This is not a fancy bed & breakfast. This is a working farm, and the silo is like a cabin. Marcia also has a little shack-like cabin and rooms available in her house. She has a sweat lodge and bonfire pit too. If you want a unique experience in a somewhat rustic setting that still offers you the luxury of running water and air conditioning, this is the place for you! read more

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If you are looking for an unusual and rustic bed and breakfast, Marcia's round house is a great choice. Accommodations are cozy and comfortable, but not luxurious. It is a working farm. Breakfast was delicious and conversation with Marcia was fun and interesting. She knows the area very well and we were not disappointed with any of her recommendations. read more