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Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro

Family-friendly vacation home in Des Moines with a fitness center

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Photo gallery for Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro

7 bedrooms, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
Interior
Interior
Dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

7 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 203000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym

Explore the area

View in a map
Des Moines, IA
  • Place, Drake University
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Knapp Center
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Des Moines Community Playhouse
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪12 min drive‬

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About the neighborhood

Des Moines

Located in Drake, this vacation home is a leisurely stroll from sights such as Drake University and Knapp Center. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a sofa bed.
View more Vacation Homes in Des MoinesOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Drake University - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Knapp Center - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Des Moines Community Playhouse - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • The Wallace Centers of Iowa: Wallace House - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Broadlawns Medical Center - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Drake Diner - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Lzaza Indo-Pak Cuisine - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Habanero’s - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Hugo’s - ‬12 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro

Historic 1895 home completely remodeled with all new bathrooms and kitchen and original hardwood oak floors refinished throughout. Brand new kitchen with island seating and large dining table. Original fireplace with infrared insert. Walking distance to Drake stadium and Knapp center and all facilities. Minutes drive or even bike to downtown and all metro area. So central to almost everywhere in the metro and in a great neighborhood.
Just finishing up this remodel now with final touches so book early to be the first ones to use the beautiful space full of original character and updated features. I plan to continue to add to the property with additional touches as time allows.
This is a great space to entertain large family gatherings or multiple families and more bedrooms than most single family homes. Fun to imagine what life was like in this historic home back in 1895 in its original glory.

Huge dining table sits 8 comfortably and potentially more with provided extra chairs.
Peninsula/island has bar top seating for 3 or 4 more
Brand new appliances
All new paint and flooring throughout
Refinished original oak hardwood floors.
All beds and bedding and bathroom towels etc new.
Main Living room seats 10 comfortably and more room if extra chairs brought into the space.
Upstairs living room seats 4 comfortably and game room with TV and air hockey table and a wall. Mounted infrared fireplace.
Massage/heat powered lift reclining chair upstairs.
3 all updated bathrooms including one tub/shower others are shower only.

Outside enjoy a massive front porch with swing and stone table with chairs around. Also a grill is out front on a brand new patio with furniture.
Small front yard but enough space to play.
Drake University owned open lawn space they use for practice fields etc right across the street for public use to play field games or sports. I also have large portable tailgate tents and some tables and folding chairs that can be rented for $30 if requested before your stay.

Large parking lot in back of house for around 5 cars and another 6 or so can parallel park in the double wide long driveway. Alley access too for convenient entering and exiting or if bringing a trailer.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and 3 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 7 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a sofa bed.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 7 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Porch/lanai

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Gym

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Unit size: 3,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

Strict quiet hours enforced after 10 pm.
No smoking in the house or on porch as it has carpet and also is damaging to the ceiling and furniture with smoke and odor.
Must have 5 star profile rating to book this property instantly. Otherwise please inquire with host and explain why rating is not a 5.

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Long-term renters welcome.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do near this vacation home?

This vacation home is situated in Drake within a short 13-minute walk of Knapp Center. You'll also find Casey's Center and Hoyt Sherman Place within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at this vacation home?

No, there isn't parking at this vacation home.

Is this vacation home associated with a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

What do couples enjoy most about Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this vacation home include a fireplace, a kitchen, and a smart TV.

Are there hot tubs at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro?

No, this vacation home doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this vacation home include breakfast service?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Des Moines International Airport (DSM), which is 6.4 mi away (20 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro?

Yes, every accommodation at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro comes with a porch.

Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 50 out of 55 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 55 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 55 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 55 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 55 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dennis E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful, well maintained home, large enough for our family gathering
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dirk C.

Liked: Cleanliness
The home is beautiful. Ryan was an awesome host, great communicator. Location is close to everything you need or would want to do. There were 12 of us and all loved that there was enough room to spread out and also be together when we wanted that.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aarika B.

Liked: Cleanliness
The house is super nice and all of the beds were very comfortable!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

J R., Ankeny, IA

Liked: Cleanliness
This was the perfect stay for family traveling in from around the US. Easy location for multiple airport trips, space for everyone to eat together, and large comfortable bedrooms. The play space for the 3 year old was more than perfect, with toys and books! We would stay here again. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randy and Nicole G.

Liked: Cleanliness
This home and hosts are fantastic! Very detail oriented owners. Good quality furnishings that enhanced the stay (I.e. linens, beds)
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

jeremy g.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spacious and very comfortable and convenient for our family. Loved the piano, too! Thank you for a lively stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robyn M.

Liked: Cleanliness
We stayed here during our annual trip to the Iowa State Fair and Adventureland. We had 5 couples and 2 children. We had plenty of space for all of us, including bedrooms. There were even toys for the kids! We had plenty of seating at meal time and found everything we needed in the kitchen for meal preparation. The beds were so, so, so comfortable! We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynn B.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jody J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Race

Nice house. Very clean and organized
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Suited our needs

We had 2 families of young adults and teens. Plenty of space for our needs and well located.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle K.

Liked: Cleanliness
The BEST VRBO we have ever stayed in!! Absolutely beautiful! So many great little extras and little details. We were in town for our daughter's wedding and it was the perfect home to accommodate us and our extended family. So much space to spread out with places for all ages to enjoy! The beds were wonderful and the decor was gorgeous! Hope to be back again!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Anel P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Weekend stay

Everything was great. Anything we needed was there only thing we had a problem was there were ants in the kitchen and bathrooms, But other than that the stay was comfortable and great.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Ross E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mitchel C., Iowa

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice location.

Good location. Lots of room
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jaclyn B., Elkader

Liked: Cleanliness

State tournament

We came to Des Moines for state wrestling. The house is big, was very clean and accommodating. I had one question about the internet while we were there and the owner was very responsive. Check in and out were very easy. They have games, exercise equipment and plenty of room for everyone to spread out. We would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice house

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tammy B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous

We loved this property! It was a lovely, big house for our sports team. The location was great and the neighbors were super friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tami P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Home for Large Group

We had a large group stay in this wonderful home recently for a conference held at the convention center. It was a cozy and welcoming home and it functioned perfectly for all who stayed here. Communication was clear and check-in / check-out was easy. Definitely recommend this home.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melody S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great amenities, tricky outside stairs

Our family loved the thoughtful and fun amenities provided in this large home. The small Christmas tree was especially thoughtful since we were gathering for the holidays! The host had good communication as well when we had questions. One note - the outside stairs and railings leading into the house are run down and not up to code. The risers are different heights, and the treads are uneven (especially the cement stairs). It was particularly hard to see the cement stairs down to the driveway at night (maybe host could add some solar powered lights?). Our family has some older folks and one family member with visual impairment, so the different height risers was hard. Host offered for us to walk up from the neighbor's driveway, but it was a bit too steep and too far for my older parents. (We appreciated the offer though!) We'd love to stay again for another holiday gathering, especially if the outside stairs are brought up to code.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great property

Large house and pictures do justice . A lot of bedrooms and great living room
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kurt B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Large Older Home for Family Thanksgiving

Shared this house with my extended family for Thanksgiving - six adults and six kids of all ages. House was spacious enough to spread out in. Decent kitchen and large dining room met our needs. House is older - a lot of interesting nooks and rooms, but heating was inconsistent. Owner noted that heating vents may have been closed to cause that issue. Piano, TVs, air hockey, board games, kids toys were all a hit. Neighborhood is older and fairly quiet, close to Drake University. It met our needs very well.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jody T., San Jose

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect for a group of 10 people

We stayed for a family wedding and the house was very accommodating for 10 people. Anywhere you want to go in Des Moines is only 15 minutes from this location!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wyatt Y.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great spot!

Good location, lots of space.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Keith C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family Stay for the Fair

We had a great stay at this property! It has a great location near Drake with grocery stores and restaurants nearby - some within walking distance. We had a family gathering for the fair (a <15 min drive or <5 min to fair shuttle) and it was great for the kids. We enjoyed having the extra space for family get together. Dinners were easy with the kitchen and large dining table. Highly recommended this place for groups given the size and location!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie D.

Liked: Cleanliness

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Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024