The Central Hearth: Spacious, cozy family home. Sleeps 8. ISU only 7 min away!

Welcome to the Central Hearth! Your cozy home base in Ames!

Whether you're visiting ISU, watching the Cyclones play, relocating to the area, working remotely, or simply escaping for a family getaway, our spacious home offers room for everyone! Enjoy 3 living spaces, 3 bedrooms and fully fenced backyard with patio seating for 8! Plenty of space for the whole family or crew!

Just 7 minutes from Iowa State campus and perfectly positioned for exploring Ames' year-round attractions. Take Cyride's green route, just 1/2 block away, and enjoy ISU events while skipping the campus parking stress! Or stay in with family-friendly board games, smart tv's with apps good books and a wood-burning fireplace! Or relax on the patio in the sunshine with 8 patio chairs and a charcoal grill.

Why guests love us:
✓ Sleeps 8 comfortably
✓ Fully Fenced backyard with playground
✓ Full kitchen saves you $$
✓ 3 separate living spaces
✓ wood burning fireplace
✓ kids indoor play area
✓ high speed 1G wifi and designated workspace
✓ full size washer and dryer
✓ charcoal grill, charcoal and lighter fluid provided upon request



The space
Our home is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch with finished basement in a quiet family friendly central location. Just minutes to anywhere!

Our home includes many upgrades like:
-front door keyless entry
-50 in smart TVs on the main and lower levels
-fully equipped kitchen with new small appliances
-high-speed 1G wifi
-designated workspace with a desk and comfy office chair
-family dining room for 6 with bar stools to accomodate up to 8.
- new HVAC system installed in 2025.

All 3 bedrooms have queen size memory foam or hybrid mattresses and sleep 2 people. Hygienic zippered mattress covers are provided on all beds.

A fold out couch and bunk beds for the kids are also available in the lower level with complete bedding for all beds. Fold-out sleeps 1 adult or 2 small children. Bunk beds are twin size and sleep 1 person each.

Extra bedding provided

Full bathroom on the main floor and 3/4 bath with shower on the lower level.

Extra toiletries provided

Full size washer and dryer are available for guest use in the lower level bathroom. Hypoallergenic laundry soap and dryer sheets are provided.

There are 3 spacious living spaces for everyone to spread out! Kids can stream their favorite shows in the basement while adults watch the game upstairs! 50 inch TVs have many common apps preinstalled.

Or, browse the books in the front library room and then cozy up in the den in front of the wood-burning fireplace for a peaceful night in! Starter pack of firewood and fire-starter provided.

Plan a delicious family meal in the full-sized kitchen which is fully equipped with:
-multiple sizes of pots and pans
-cookie sheets
-cocktail making supplies
-coffee making supplies
-charcuterie board and knives
-various kitchen utensils
-large appliances
-large farmhouse sink
-small appliances
-coffee grinder
-3 types of coffee making tools
-glasses, mugs and cups of all sizes
-dining service for 8 adults
-divided plastic plates and cups for children
-paper plates and plasticware

Enjoy a delicious cup of fresh brewed coffee, however you like it, whole bean or ground, regular or decaf brewed your way!

Keep the kids entertained with toys and games in the basement playroom! Complete with toys, board games and children's books!

Or take them outside to run off energy while you recharge on the patio! The shaded fully-fenced backyard has playground equipment with swings, climber, playhouse and a slide!
Enjoy the patio seating for 8 while the kids play! Show off your grillmaster skills with the charcoal grill. Charcoal and lighter fluid provided, upon request.

A local elementary school is also a short 4-block walk west with 2 seperate newly installed inclusive playgrounds, available after school hours or anytime in the summer!

Safety features include:
-smoke detectors
-carbon dioxide detector
-water leak alarms
-first aid kit in the main level bathroom
-fire extinguisher under the kitchen sink

Do not hesitate to ask for anything else you may need during your stay! We are Ames residents and happy to answer any questions you may have! We will respond as soon as possible. The best way to reach us is through the app.

Guest access
Guests have access to the entire home, front and back yards and driveway during their stay. Additional parking is available on the street. Driveway can accomodate 2-3 vehicles end to end.

The unattached garage is not available to guests.

Please use the provided code at the front door upon arrival.

Other things to note:
There is no smoking allowed in or on our property.

Pets are not allowed. For allergy disclosures, we did own a dog when this was our family home, but we do not allow guests to bring pets onto the property. Property is thoroughly cleaned between bookings