Lodging at the Cather Second Home Guest House
"I am not exaggerating, Carrie, when I confide to you that I would rather go home to Red Cloud than to any of the beautiful cities in Europe where I used to love to go."
—Willa Cather, in a letter to childhood friend, Carrie Miner Sherwood [April 29, 1945]
Visitors to Red Cloud are invited to book a stay at the Cather Second Home Guest House. Guests may rent the room that was Cather's, or the rooms of her parents and siblings. The entire home may also be rented for family retreats, meetings, and special occasions. The Cather Second Home once provided Cather with a nurturing and encouraging atmosphere in which to work, while Red Cloud and its residents gave her inspiration and insights. The house—now owned and operated by the Willa Cather Foundation—is a retreat for guests as it was for Willa Cather. There are six cozy guest rooms and two-and-a-half baths.
Additional lodging options in and around Red Cloud can be located on the Visit Red Cloud website.
About the Guest House
The Cather Second Home is a host-free guest house located within walking distance of the Willa Cather Foundation’s headquarters at the Red Cloud Opera House, as well as downtown restaurants and shops, a grocery store, and the Auld Public Library.
Each guest bedroom has a comfortable chair for reading and relaxing, throw pillows, armoires or chests, and personal robes. A main level shared bathroom contains a pedestal sink and walk-in shower. An upper level shared bathroom is quite spacious and features a claw-foot tub with shower extension and a large vanity. An additional shared half-bath on the second floor is situated at the top of the stairs.
Guests are free to use our fully furnished kitchen, including dishes, flatware and cooking utensils. The kitchen is stocked with coffee, teas, and condiments. A self-serve continental breakfast is provided. Guests may also prepare their own meals and are encouraged to enjoy dining at the large quartersawn oak table, which seats 6-10 guests.
The front parlor offers a relaxing and comfortable setting for family gatherings, book clubs, quilt groups, and other guests. The back parlor features beautiful antique furnishings and a library of books and games. An intimate sun porch provides a private space for reading or quiet reflection.
The home has a secluded brick patio in the back. A wraparound front porch is a relaxing area for enjoying your morning coffee, curling up with a good book in the afternoon, or winding down in the evening with friends.
Reservations and Policies
Price for one room: $139/night + $15 service fee+tax
Price for entire home: $399/night + tax
Address: 541 North Seward Street, Red Cloud, Nebraska
Reservations: Please reserve online with Air BNB. Click here to place your reservation today!
Policies
- Reservations must be made 48 hours in advance of stay.
- Check-in time is after 3:00 p.m. and will be arranged with the Willa Cather Foundation
- Check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
- A $10 fee will be charged for early check-ins or late check-outs.
- We kindly ask that you remove your shoes at the door to help us maintain the beautifully restored wood floors. Soft-soled bedroom slippers are provided for your convenience.
- The Cather Second Home is a smoke-free and pet-free environment. If you are traveling with pets, we can assist you with arrangements at a kennel in Red Cloud.
History
Willa Cather's parents purchased this home in 1903, leaving behind their little rented home at Third and Cedar Streets where Willa Cather had spent her formative years. Over the next 28 years, Cather often returned to Red Cloud for long visits and was frequently seen reading and writing on the upper front porch. Cather described this house as the Ferguesson family home in her final short story, "The Best Years." Over the years, the home had several private owners and also served as a hospital, nursing facility, and bed and breakfast. It was acquired by the Willa Cather Foundation in 2011 through the generosity of a Cather family descendant.