Ruthven Couple Transforms Old Hartley Daycare into Airbnb

Missy Studer and Steve Jarvis purchased the former daycare facility and are quickly renovating it into a four-room Airbnb rental.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The old daycare building in Hartley, Iowa has found new life just three months after it closed. Missy Studer and Steve Jarvis purchased the facility on January 30 and have been transforming it into an Airbnb. Once finished, visitors will be able to rent rooms for overnight stays when their travels bring them to the area.

Why it matters

In a small town like Hartley, the repurposing of an old building into a new business venture like an Airbnb can provide a boost to the local economy and tourism. The couple's decision to invest in the property and convert it into a unique accommodation option shows their faith in the community and the potential for growth.

The details

Studer and Jarvis are already accepting future booking reservations for two rooms, with plans to have two more finished in short succession. Each of the four rooms will have a themed decor, with the first two dubbed "Farmhouse Charm" and "Rustic Revival." The couple is updating the appearance to be more modern while preserving the building's character. They noted that the daycare facility had been recently updated, making it an attractive purchase that required less work upfront.

  • The old daycare building closed in November 2025.
  • Studer and Jarvis purchased the facility on January 30, 2026.
  • The first two rooms are expected to open in a couple weeks.
  • Studer is planning a vendor fair at the new Airbnb in March 2026.

The players

Missy Studer

A Ruthven resident who already operates an Airbnb on her acreage and is now transforming the old Hartley daycare building into a new Airbnb venture.

Steve Jarvis

Studer's partner who is working with her on the Airbnb renovation project.

The Six Eleven Co.

Studer's company that regularly holds leadership classes in the area and plans to use the new Hartley Airbnb building as a rentable gathering space.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My son saw the listing and told me about it. Initially, I was a 'no' on it, but then I thought about it a little more.”

— Missy Studer (hartleysentinel.com)

“We've done a lot in a short amount of time.”

— Missy Studer (hartleysentinel.com)

“Our goal was to update the appearance so it's a little more modern. We're just trying to make things as nice as possible.”

— Steve Jarvis (hartleysentinel.com)

What’s next

Studer is planning a vendor fair in March 2026 to showcase the updated Airbnb facility.

The takeaway

The repurposing of the old Hartley daycare building into a unique Airbnb rental shows the entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability of small-town residents. This project not only provides a new accommodation option for visitors, but also highlights the potential for breathing new life into underutilized community assets.