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

Family-friendly holiday home in Des Moines with a fitness centre

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

Living area
Living area
Living area
Living area
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
7 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 20278.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym

Explore the area

View 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

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 20)

Bedroom 1 Main floor king

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2 Main floor queen

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3 main floor den with futon

1 Double Futon

Bedroom 4 Upstairs king with chair

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5 upstairs queen with desk

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 6 upstairs queen with chair

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 7 upstairs bunk room

+1
1 Double Futon and 4 Single Bunk Beds

Common area 2 upstairs living room

2 Queen Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1 main floor shower

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2 upstairs shower and laundry room

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3 upstairs with tub/shower

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

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.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Gym

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
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.

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
On-site 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 that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property # 3218817vb

About the area

Des Moines

Drake, a neighbourhood in Des Moines, is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Margo Frankel Woods State Park and Walnut Woods State Park, while Des Moines Community Playhouse and Hoyt Sherman Place are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Make time for Iowa State Fairgrounds, or head to an event or a match at Casey's Center.
View more Holiday homes in Des MoinesOpens in a new window
Map
Des Moines, IA

What's nearby

  • Drake University - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Knapp Center - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Des Moines Community Playhouse - 3 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Waveland Municipal Golf Course - 3 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Broadlawns Medical Center - 3 min drive - 2.8 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Lzaza Indo-Pak Cuisine - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Habanero’s - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Hugo’s - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Cafe Chai - ‬7 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro?

As of 18 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro on 22 Dec 2025 start from AU$1,119.75, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro located?

Located in Drake, this family-friendly Des Moines holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Drake University and Knapp Center. Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Des Moines Community Playhouse are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 49 out of 54 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 54 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 54 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 54 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 54 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Aarika B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is super nice and all of the beds were very comfortable!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

J R.

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

Jessica O.

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

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

Jody J.

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

Race

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

10/10 Excellent

Michelle K.

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Wyatt Y.

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

Great spot!

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

10/10 Excellent

Theresa T.

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

Great stay!

Plenty of room for everyone.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tammy B.

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

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

Paul K.

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

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

Sherry A.

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

Great place to stay

The owner was very gracious with accommodations and what they have to offer. I recommend this lovely VRBO for family gatherings. Our family really liked it.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tami P.

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

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

Jody T.

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

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

Adam B.

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

Great property!

My coworkers and I had a fantastic stay at this house. We each got our own bedroom which was a big plus and there were plenty of bathrooms and amenities for all of us. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachael B.

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

Great Retreat

This was a great well stocked location. Plenty of room for our retreat. It had everything we needed. We would stay there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew R.

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

Perfect for what we needed

It was really close to downtown. The place was great for us, and accommodated all of our needs!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jaclyn B.

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

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

Jody J.

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

Great stay

Ryan was a wonderful host. Very helpful and answered quickly. Hose was very clean and nicely remodeled
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie P.

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

Great find!

The rambling old home is warm and inviting. The wide open space and windows adds charm to the house and the many rooms afford plenty of space.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda D.

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

Business Trip

My team was in Des Moines working on a project. Their stay was wonderful - clean, accommodating, comfortable. We will definitely be booking again. thank you for your wonderful hospitality.
Stayed 11 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie C.

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

State Pool Crew

We had such a great weekend and this was an amazing place to stay. Can’t tell you enough how comfortable the beds and the whole house was. Only thing missing was a pizza cutter but they had plenty of knifes that did the job. I would definitely stay here again. Thanks for a great place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erica N.

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

Loved it

Super house! Very clean, kitchen things were labeled, lots of seating. Loved all the bedrooms and beds available. Host had great communication and very friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Ryan

Host profile image
I enjoy restoring historic homes and remodeling them to maintain much of their original character in woodwork and custom aspects of their day while updating them enough to provide modern comforts and conveniences including all new kitchens and bathrooms. I always strive to restore and refinish original hardwood floors as that is one of the most amazing beautiful aspects of the older homes. I enjoy custom woodworking and bringing the natural aspects of woodworking into parts of the home with shelving and tables etc.

Why they chose this property

1895 mansion with all original hardwood oak floors that I refinished! Why not enjoy seeing this beauty and pondering this massive house back in its original glory as a single family home. And it is so central to everything in the metro.

What makes this property unique

Walk to any events on the Drake University campus. Enjoy a space that can fit everyone comfortably in the family or even multiple families.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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