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.
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
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:
Rental Permit: 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.
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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
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 and a first aid kit
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
About the area
Des Moines
Drake, a neighbourhood in Des Moines, is home to this holiday home. 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. Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden and Des Moines Civic Center are also worth visiting.
Des Moines Community Playhouse - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
Drake University - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Des Moines Art Center - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
Salisbury House - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
Knapp Center - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
Getting around
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 26 min drive
Restaurants
Habanero’s - 3 min drive
Hugo’s - 18 min walk
Bruegger's - 14 min walk
La Mie Bakery & Restaurant - 5 min walk
University Library Cafe - 15 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 on 30 June 2026 start from AU$481, 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 The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 located?
Located in Drake, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Des Moines Community Playhouse, Drake University and Waveland Municipal Golf Course. Des Moines Art Center and Salisbury House are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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!
Ashley L.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Feb 2026
Thank you so much! We’re happy to hear the home was a great fit for your group and that you enjoyed your stay and the hot tub. We’d love to host you again!
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!!
Jennifer S.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Nov 2025
Thank you! I’m so glad the house worked perfectly for your marathon weekend. You’re welcome back anytime!
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.
Sheila G.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug 2025
Thanks so much for the great review! Glad you enjoyed the space, location, and the hot tub — sounds like you made the most of it!
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!
Laura S.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept 2023
Hi Laura, We're thrilled to hear that you found the property clean, well-maintained, and conveniently located. We can't wait to welcome you back for another stay in the future! Thank you for choosing us.
Overall was good stay. Only complaint was the beds were really hard.
Shellie V.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jan 2025
Hi Sylvia,
Thank you for your feedback. We're glad to hear you had a good stay overall. We sincerely apologize for any discomfort with the beds! Beds are such a subjective thing for guests as we tried to purchase beds for all people, but some guests will always want them firmer or softer than others. We hope to have the opportunity to host you again in the future.
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
Rebekah O.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Nov 2024
Thank you for your kind feedback! We're so glad you enjoyed the easy check-in process and that the home offered entertainment for everyone. It was our pleasure to accommodate your early drop-off, and we hope to welcome you back soon!
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!!!
Michelle K.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2024
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled you and your family enjoyed your stay and found the location convenient. It’s great to hear that our communication met your expectations. We’d love to welcome you back anytime!
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.
PATRICIA T.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2024
Thank you for choosing to stay with us during your visit to Des Moines! We're glad the house fit your needs and that it contributed to an enjoyable trip. We appreciate your feedback on the pricing and hope the convenience and comfort made it worthwhile. We hope to host you again in the future!
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.
Melissa M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2023
Hi Melissa, Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful stay and enjoyed the spacious house, wonderful amenities, backyard, and hot tub. We're always here to provide a great experience for our guests. If you find yourself back in Des Moines, we would be delighted to host you again. Don't hesitate to reach out whenever you need a place to stay. Safe travels!
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.
Margaret B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 July 2023
Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the recent remodeling of the home, including the new furniture and appliances. It's wonderful to know that you found the master bedroom bed comfortable and appreciated the peacefulness of the neighborhood. We're glad you found the location convenient as well. Additionally, we're pleased that the large garage parking met your needs. We strive to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for our guests, and your positive comments mean a lot to us. We hope to have the opportunity to host you again in the future!
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.
Janet W.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Dec 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed your stay and that everything was perfect for your ladies’ weekend. We truly appreciate the recommendation!
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.
Sandy Y.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug 2024
That sounds like a wonderful visit to Des Moines! It's great to hear that the house was conveniently located near all the fun breweries, restaurants, and parks. And having comfortable, firm mattresses is such a big plus – it really makes a stay so much more enjoyable. I'm glad you had such a positive experience with your son and his fiancée!
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.
Pamela M.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2023
Hi, We're delighted to hear your positive feedback about the house! Its peaceful location near Drake, ample space, and inviting furnishings indeed make it a great choice. We're pleased the office was conducive to your work needs and that the hot tub provided post-workout relaxation for the runner in your group. Your satisfaction is our priority!
This house is very suitable for several persons to stay.
Hosts are easy to communicate wth.
I recommend it.
BRYAN H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Feb 2024
Thank you for your kind recommendation! We're thrilled to hear you found our house accommodating and our communication easy. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
About the host
Hosted by Traverse Hospitality
Languages:
English, French, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests