Entire home

The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10

Vacation home near Drake University in Des Moines

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Photo gallery for The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10

TV, fireplace, offices
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel crib
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
TV, fireplace, offices
Interior

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 102178 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

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

Room options

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About the neighborhood

Des Moines

Drake stay.With a stay at this Drake vacation home, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Des Moines Community Playhouse and 2 miles (3 km) of Drake University. Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Des Moines Art Center are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Des Moines Community Playhouse - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Drake University - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Des Moines Art Center - 3 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Salisbury House - 3 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Knapp Center - 3 min drive - 1.5 miles

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Habanero’s - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bruegger's - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪La Mie Bakery & Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • University Library Cafe
  • ‪Hugo’s - ‬18 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.

The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10

Summary:

The Gathering House — historic Des Moines vacation rental, fully upgraded. Private hot tub, arcade attic, fenced yard. Sleeps 10.



▵ Private Hot Tub — heated year-round, never shared

▵ Arcade Attic — Pac-Man, board games, 2 twin beds

▵ 4BR + Bonus Room — King, 3 Queens, 2 Twins

▵ Fenced Yard — 2 pets welcome

▵ 200 Mbps WiFi + Gym + Sonos

▵ 2-Car Garage + Smart Lock Check-In



★ "bought the same mattress when I got back" — Dan



» 3min ➔ Ingersoll Ave | 4min ➔ Drake | 16min ➔ Airport



The Space:

A historic Des Moines vacation rental, fully upgraded — 4 bedrooms plus a finished attic bonus room with vintage arcade games and 2 twin beds. Sleeps 10 across 3 floors. Pet-friendly with a fully fenced yard.



The private hot tub sits in the fully fenced backyard — heated year-round, never shared with other guests. Inside, the stone fireplace anchors an open living room with Sonos sound system and a 55" Smart TV. The sunroom doubles as an office and mini gym with free weights and a yoga mat — 200 Mbps WiFi handles video calls without buffering.



The finished attic is the kids' domain: a vintage Pac-Man arcade cabinet, stacks of board games, a tufted lounge chair, and 2 twin beds under cedar-plank ceilings. Adults get the hot tub; kids get the hideout. Everyone wins.



➔ Bedroom 1 (Main Floor): Queen bed, en-suite bathroom, Smart TV

➔ Bedroom 2 (Upper): Queen bed, Smart TV

➔ Bedroom 3 (Upper): Queen bed, Smart TV

➔ Bedroom 4 (Upper): King bed, Smart TV

➔ Bonus Room (Finished Attic): 2 Twin beds, Pac-Man arcade, board games, Smart TV



➔ Kitchen

Fully stocked — full-size stainless appliances, cookware, utensils, coffee maker, spices. Open-plan into the dining room with a table that seats 10. Cook for the whole group without missing the conversation.



➔ Outdoor

Private hot tub (heated year-round), propane grill, patio seating, fully fenced yard with inside gate latch — secure for dogs.



What this home does well:

— Hot tub + arcade attic + fenced yard — entertainment for every age group under one roof

— Sleeps 10 across 5 sleeping areas — nobody shares a bed unless they want to

— 3 min to Ingersoll Ave (DSM's best restaurants and bars)



What to know before booking:

— Two sets of open stairs without gates — worth noting if traveling with toddlers

— Street is residential and quiet — Ingersoll Ave restaurants are a 3-min drive



Guest Access:

The entire house is yours — all 4 bedrooms, the finished attic bonus room, the fenced backyard, hot tub, and 2-car garage.



Self check-in: Smart lock on the front door — your unique code is sent via the digital guidebook link emailed after booking. No key exchange, no waiting.



Parking: 2-car garage included. Additional street parking available on the block.



Backyard: Fully fenced and private. Gate latch is on the inside — secure for dogs.



Not accessible: Utility/storage areas in the basement.



The Neighborhood:

The home sits in one of Des Moines' most walkable residential neighborhoods — quiet, tree-lined, and safe. Ingersoll Avenue, the city's best strip for restaurants and bars, is a 3-minute drive.



FOOD & DRINK (3–10 min by car):

» 3min ➔ Ingersoll Ave — Pour Decisions, Buzzard Billy's, El Bait Shop, Exile Brewing, and more

» 5min walk ➔ Neighborhood bakery + morning coffee

» 2min ➔ Grocery store



ATTRACTIONS:

» 4min ➔ Drake University — game weekends + campus events

» 7min ➔ DSM Civic Center — concerts + Broadway touring shows

» 8min ➔ Iowa State Capitol

» 8min ➔ Des Moines Farmers Market (May–Oct, Saturdays) — one of the best in the Midwest

» 9min ➔ Gray's Lake — running path, paddleboarding, summer evenings

» 16min ➔ Des Moines Airport (DSM)



A playground and neighborhood bakery are within short walking distance.



Getting Around:

Des Moines is a car city — you'll want your own vehicle.



From Des Moines Airport (DSM): 16-min drive. Rental cars available at the terminal.



Once here, Ingersoll Ave (DSM's best restaurant strip) is a 3-min drive. Drake University is 4 min. Downtown DSM and the Capitol are 7–8 min.



A playground and neighborhood bakery are within walking distance. Most restaurants and attractions require a short drive.



Free parking in the 2-car garage.



Other Things to Note:

License: RENT-2023-006528



Check-in: After 4:00 PM | Checkout: Before 10:00 AM

Max guests: 10



Pets: 2 pets max, ($50). Fee details provided via digital guidebook link after booking.



No smoking inside the house. Ashtray provided in the backyard.



Toddler note: Two sets of open stairs without gates — worth noting if traveling with very young children.



Guidebook: You'll receive an email after booking with a link to the digital guidebook. Check-in codes and pet details are handled there. Message us through the platform if it doesn't arrive within a few hours.



Interaction with Guests:

We respond within an hour and are always reachable through the booking platform or the digital guidebook. The level of interaction is up to you — we're available if you need us, invisible if you don't.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Gas grill

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Things to do

  • Gym

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,178 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

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

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Charge may apply

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

640106e60c97c700383796e6

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 to the airport?

This vacation home is 7.2 mi (26-min drive) away from the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home, but Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino (18-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 to downtown Des Moines?

This vacation home is 2.8 mi away from Des Moines.

The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 41 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay! The house was perfect for our group of 6 people, with plenty of room for everyone. The house was clean and cozy and the hot tub was an amazing treat. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Sydney R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were there with family over christmas and the house was very nicely decorated for the holiday.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rodney E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very comfortable home, great location
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debi C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a nice, clean, and comfortable place for our large family. We were comfortable and plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were in town for the marathon and the house was perfect!! Lots of room, great showers, wonderful hot tub, location that is close to everything!! The host responded quickly to inquiries!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed for a bachelorette party. It was perfect for us! Plenty of space for everyone to sleep and hang out. The hot tub was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful oroperty
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheila G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice, Clean, Great Location

Nice, clean property with lots of space. Conveniently located, a very short distance from city of Des Moines. Papa John's Pizza and a gas/convenience store is within walking distance. The hot tub was great, well maintained.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Bill O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cycling trip

Inside was great. Great location
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location and place to stay while in Des Moines

The property was clean and well maintained. We were super close to everything and will definitely stay there again!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

alexandra S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Get Away

this was a grwat place to stay. Out of the hustle and bustle but close enough to restraunts and entertainment. house was clean and well supplied.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location in middle of Des Moines

Great location. Easy to get to most Des Moines landmarks.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Shellie V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Christmas

Overall was good stay. Only complaint was the beds were really hard.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

DeeDee

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great in town get away!

We loved the environment! Great place for our business meeting and our theater troupe to meet! Would be great for a family song though too!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Little getaway to Adventureland

Check-in process was easy. The host was very accommodating letting us drop off personal items before check-in home is clean! And provided lots entertainment everybody of all ages to do
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great central location!

We loved our stay in Des Moines. We brought our kids to go to Adventureland and explore in DM. This place was perfect for us. Very clean, very easy location to get to wherever you need to go. Owners are wonderful at communication. Would definitely stay here again!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

PATRICIA T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Zoo trip

We came to Des Moines to go to the Blank Park Zoo and Science Center. The house fit us well. A little high in price but made our trip very enjoyable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls Trip

We had a wonderful stay. The house was spacious and had wonderful amenities. We loved the backyard and hot tub. The hosts were very responsive too. If we are every back in Des Moines we will defiantly be staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Home has been remodeled with nice furniture and new appliances. The master bedroom bed was very comfortable. Quiet neighborhood. Great location. We liked the large garage parking.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandi M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay

Amazing
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Des moines

It was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janet W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay in Des Moines

Easy check-in and access. Great neighborhood. Plenty of parking. Lovely accommodations. Loads of space. Fun extras like fireplace and hot tub. Perfect for our lady’s weekend. 10/10. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandy Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

parent visit

We had a lovely visit to Des Moines with my son and his fiance. The house was well situated to all the fun breweries and restaurants and parks in the area. The biggest plus were the most comfortable mattresses! I love a firm mattress and these were fantastic.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pamela M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great, spacious house close to Drake

This house is located in a quiet neighborhood close to Drake. It is nicely furnished, has plenty of room and lots of gathering spaces.The office was perfect for me to get some work done, while the runner among us enjoyed the hot tub after a workout.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

BRYAN H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Easy access

This house is very suitable for several persons to stay. Hosts are easy to communicate wth. I recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024