Entire home
House of Funk - A Cozy & Eclectic Retreat in Des Moines’s Drake Neighborhood
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Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms 2+ bathrooms Sleeps 15 190.3 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Des Moines, IA
- Place, Drake University5 min walk
- Place, Iowa Events Center3 min drive
- Place, Casey's Center4 min drive
- Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)13 min drive
Rooms & beds
5 bedrooms (sleeps 15)
Bedroom 1 - The Salon
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 2 with En Suite - The Whole Funk
1 King Bed
Bedroom 3 - World of Funk
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 4 - Funky Finds
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 5 - Funkytown Attic with a View
1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed
2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1 - 1st Floor Water Closet
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet
Bathroom 2 - Walk-in Shower
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Bathroom 3
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
House of Funk - A Cozy & Eclectic Retreat in Des Moines’s Drake Neighborhood
Cozy & Eclectic Retreat in Des Moines’s Drake Neighborhood
Welcome to House of Funk, a clean, convenient, and welcoming home in the heart of Des Moines's vibrant Drake Neighborhood, lovingly known as Dogtown. While it’s not fancy or frilly, this Queer-owned and operated space is thoughtfully curated to ensure your stay is comfortable, fun, and memorable.
Central Location for Exploration
House of Funk is perfectly situated for those looking to explore Des Moines. Located within walking or biking distance to popular spots like local restaurants, bars, the historic Varsity Cinema, music venues like xBk Live and Lefty’s, grocery stores, and Walgreens, you’ll find all the essentials just moments away. Need to venture further? With quick access to I-235, you can be at Wells Fargo Arena in 6 minutes and just about anywhere in Greater Des Moines within 15 minutes. For added convenience, DART Bus Local Route 3 stops right outside the house.
Comfortable Accommodations
This 5-bedroom house comfortably sleeps up to 15 guests with:
1 King bed
2 Queen beds
1 Full-size bed
2 Twin beds
1 Trundle bed
2 Couches
4 Twin Air mattress
The primary bedroom features a king bed and an en suite bathroom with a full bath. A second 3/4 bathroom offers a walk-in shower and vanity. A third bathroom on the main floor is a convenient water closet. The property includes Central AC & heat, WiFi, an iron, and a washer & dryer, making it ideal for quick trips or extended stays.
Intentional & Sustainable
At House of Funk, sustainability is front and center. The home is furnished with thrifted pieces, features on-site composting, and actively supports local ecosystems, artists, and businesses. Whether you’re attending the Drake Relays, hosting a pop-up event, or reuniting with friends or family, this space is designed to accommodate a variety of needs with respect and style.
Extras for Your Stay
Includes off-street parking, bikes, a spacious fenced backyard with a Weber charcoal grill, chiminea fire pit, and patio furniture for outdoor relaxation.
Parking: Two off-street parking spaces are available in the front, with additional space for larger vehicles, such as campers or recreational equipment, available upon request.
Smoking: Smoking is not allowed inside but is permitted outside, with the expectation that waste is disposed of responsibly.
Bikes Included: Explore the neighborhood with two bicycles provided for guest use.
Additional Notes
There is a long-term renter in the basement with their own private entrance through the fenced-in back area, ensuring your privacy while sharing the property.
If you're looking for a place that's practical, clean, and community-centered on, House of Funk is an excellent choice for your stay in Des Moines.
Welcome to House of Funk, a clean, convenient, and welcoming home in the heart of Des Moines's vibrant Drake Neighborhood, lovingly known as Dogtown. While it’s not fancy or frilly, this Queer-owned and operated space is thoughtfully curated to ensure your stay is comfortable, fun, and memorable.
Central Location for Exploration
House of Funk is perfectly situated for those looking to explore Des Moines. Located within walking or biking distance to popular spots like local restaurants, bars, the historic Varsity Cinema, music venues like xBk Live and Lefty’s, grocery stores, and Walgreens, you’ll find all the essentials just moments away. Need to venture further? With quick access to I-235, you can be at Wells Fargo Arena in 6 minutes and just about anywhere in Greater Des Moines within 15 minutes. For added convenience, DART Bus Local Route 3 stops right outside the house.
Comfortable Accommodations
This 5-bedroom house comfortably sleeps up to 15 guests with:
1 King bed
2 Queen beds
1 Full-size bed
2 Twin beds
1 Trundle bed
2 Couches
4 Twin Air mattress
The primary bedroom features a king bed and an en suite bathroom with a full bath. A second 3/4 bathroom offers a walk-in shower and vanity. A third bathroom on the main floor is a convenient water closet. The property includes Central AC & heat, WiFi, an iron, and a washer & dryer, making it ideal for quick trips or extended stays.
Intentional & Sustainable
At House of Funk, sustainability is front and center. The home is furnished with thrifted pieces, features on-site composting, and actively supports local ecosystems, artists, and businesses. Whether you’re attending the Drake Relays, hosting a pop-up event, or reuniting with friends or family, this space is designed to accommodate a variety of needs with respect and style.
Extras for Your Stay
Includes off-street parking, bikes, a spacious fenced backyard with a Weber charcoal grill, chiminea fire pit, and patio furniture for outdoor relaxation.
Parking: Two off-street parking spaces are available in the front, with additional space for larger vehicles, such as campers or recreational equipment, available upon request.
Smoking: Smoking is not allowed inside but is permitted outside, with the expectation that waste is disposed of responsibly.
Bikes Included: Explore the neighborhood with two bicycles provided for guest use.
Additional Notes
There is a long-term renter in the basement with their own private entrance through the fenced-in back area, ensuring your privacy while sharing the property.
If you're looking for a place that's practical, clean, and community-centered on, House of Funk is an excellent choice for your stay in Des Moines.
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House Rules
Check in after 12:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 3:00 PM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Events Require Prior Approval
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 30
Note from host: Events Require Prior Approval
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Des Moines
Located in Drake, a neighbourhood in Des Moines, this holiday home is near theme parks. Jordan Creek Town Center is worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Iowa State Fairgrounds and Adventureland. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Casey's Center or Knapp Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Des Moines, IA
What's nearby
- Drake University - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
- Iowa Events Center - 3 min drive - 3.9 km
- Hoyt Sherman Place - 3 min drive - 2.9 km
- Casey's Center - 4 min drive - 4.2 km
- EMC Expo Center - 4 min drive - 4.2 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 10 min walk
- Cafe Chai - 10 min walk
- Hugo’s - 4 min walk
- La Mie Bakery & Restaurant - 19 min walk
- Habanero’s - 9 min walk
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Rachel Gulick

Rachel Gulick, a fifth-generation Iowan and life-long musician is a proud
DMPS alumna of Roosevelt High School and Drake University graduate,
double majoring in Sociology and Anthropology with a concentration in
Women’s Studies. They own three small businesses: House Of Glass, REG
Investments, and Green Peace Collective - The Art of Ag Permaculture
Farm. Rachel serves on the boards of the Iowa Cultural Coalition and the
Drake LGBTQ+ Alumni Association. Rachel was a founding volunteer with Girls Rock Des Moines, aka GR!DSM in 2013, later serving as their Executive Director from ‘20 - ‘25.
DMPS alumna of Roosevelt High School and Drake University graduate,
double majoring in Sociology and Anthropology with a concentration in
Women’s Studies. They own three small businesses: House Of Glass, REG
Investments, and Green Peace Collective - The Art of Ag Permaculture
Farm. Rachel serves on the boards of the Iowa Cultural Coalition and the
Drake LGBTQ+ Alumni Association. Rachel was a founding volunteer with Girls Rock Des Moines, aka GR!DSM in 2013, later serving as their Executive Director from ‘20 - ‘25.
Why they chose this property
This neighborhood chose me! I grew up right here, at the Funk! When my parents retired and wanted to move out to the country, I was able to purchase our home from them.
The Drake Neighborhood, aka Dogtown has been an incredible place to grow up. There are tons of amazing activities and amenities within walking distance, a short bike or bus ride, or by car. In DSM we say, you’re never more than 15 minutes away from everything; who doesn’t love that convenience?!
Our neighborhood has tons of character, and arts & culture abounds. We have the annual Greek Food Festival, just around the block; local eats like next door at Library Cafe with tons of local craft brews and great bar food (try their famous, flour nachos), Lzaza Indo-Pak Cuisine, Gursha Ethiopian Grill, Doughco Pizza, Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers, Campbel’s Health Food Store, Louise’s Wine Dive, and more; beautiful Craftsman style homes; xBk Live & Lefty’s for live music and community events; thee Drake Relays… I could go on.
Ask me if there’s something specific you’re looking for, I’ll probably have a recommendation!
The Drake Neighborhood, aka Dogtown has been an incredible place to grow up. There are tons of amazing activities and amenities within walking distance, a short bike or bus ride, or by car. In DSM we say, you’re never more than 15 minutes away from everything; who doesn’t love that convenience?!
Our neighborhood has tons of character, and arts & culture abounds. We have the annual Greek Food Festival, just around the block; local eats like next door at Library Cafe with tons of local craft brews and great bar food (try their famous, flour nachos), Lzaza Indo-Pak Cuisine, Gursha Ethiopian Grill, Doughco Pizza, Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers, Campbel’s Health Food Store, Louise’s Wine Dive, and more; beautiful Craftsman style homes; xBk Live & Lefty’s for live music and community events; thee Drake Relays… I could go on.
Ask me if there’s something specific you’re looking for, I’ll probably have a recommendation!
What makes this property unique
Location, location, location! This is the heart of the Drake neighborhood, aka Dogtown. You’re never more than a 15 - 20 minute drive from everything Greater Des Moines has to offer.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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