Smitten over Stillwater & The Commander Grain Elevator
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Just….WOW! Sometimes this career path is so cool because we get exclusive access to vacation rentals & amazing new listings before anyone else. This was the case with some dear clients in Stillwater, Minnesota; Sally & Bill, who recently put the iconic Commander Grain elevator up for short term rentals on AirBnB. It was an honor & a pleasure they asked for our tips & feedback!
Stillwater has such a fun downtown with tons of live music, libations, & energy. I was impressed by all the rooftop decks and restaurants with views of the Saint Croix River. Take an adorable trolley or a riverboat cruise, or opt for the trail loop over the river and through the woods into Wisconsin. There’s tons to do and see.
The property itself is unforgettable. Not only is it the focal point of Stillwater’s downtown, it’s a cornerstone of its history. Enter to the sweet smells of grain wafting through the air, and step up into the innovations of Sally’s father, architect Michael McGuire. He kept the charm and original wood walls of the grain silos, yet completely renovated the space for modern day living. The grain elevator was formerly his office, where he designed thoughtful living spaces for thousands.
Local art adorns the walls and the coffee table, and the design is both compelling & comfortable. The space is perfect for a weekend with friends or family offering 2 bedrooms and an upstairs outdoor deck, complete with views of the downtown, famous Stillwater lift bridge, and Saint Croix river. It was great to hear live music from the private deck, and bonus that both bedrooms have river views, too!
We walked to a spectacular dinner at Feller restaurant in the Lora Hotel, which is formerly a brewery. Daniel had a banana nut bread old-fashioned, and had to go back for more, LoL. Bill arranged an exclusive tour for us of the caves the brewery used to store the beer in (yes, caves!) and I officially fell in love with this town. Plus there’s Matt’s Basement coffee shop & tea lounge right below the rental – so quick & easy. Make sure to take a stroll & support the local restaurants & shops!
We didn’t get to experience Stillwater’s kayaking or the beaches this time, but we’ll surely be back to this historical gem again.