Located in the southeast corner of Iowa, Albia is the county seat of Monroe County. Noted for its coal production in the late 1800s, Albia was home to many mining families and the physicians who tended to them. This home was built by Dr. Powell in 1901 in an Edwardian style. No expense was spared in the beautiful maple and quarter-sawn oak pocket doors, pivot doors, columns and staircase. With two parlors, a library and a formal dining room, this was early 20th-century elegance. At the top of the oak staircase is a large original stained glass window depicting Rebecca at the well.
The home was built next to St Mary’s Catholic Church. When Dr. Powell’s children passed away, the home was sold to St Mary’s and used as a rectory for many years. In the 1980s, the church was torn down, and the home was sold. A few church relics were saved and displayed in the home, including the cross that adorned the steeple. The home has long been known as the “rectory” in Albia, hence our name, the Olde Rectory B&B. Continuing in that vein, the guest rooms are named after saints Patrick, Vincent, Michael and Valentine.