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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
Exceptional
7 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 20278.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Dryer
  • Washer

Explore the area

View map
Des Moines, IA
  • Place, Drake University
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Iowa Events Center
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Casey's Center
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪13 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

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. Travelling with kids? Consider Science Center of Iowa, or check out an event or a game 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
  • Iowa Events Center - 4 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Hoyt Sherman Place - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Casey's Center - 4 min drive - 4.6 km
  • EMC Expo Center - 4 min drive - 4.6 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.

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. 48 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 53 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Keith C.

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

Family Stay for the Fair

We had a great stay at this property! It has a great location near Drake with grocery stores and restaurants nearby - some within walking distance. We had a family gathering for the fair (a <15 min drive or <5 min to fair shuttle) and it was great for the kids. We enjoyed having the extra space for family get together. Dinners were easy with the kitchen and large dining table. Highly recommended this place for groups given the size and location!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andy H.

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

Big, Spacious Home

This house is very nice and spacious. We were able to sleep 12 comfortably here. Very clean too. Would recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Evie Ann V.

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

Charming 130 yr old house

This place exceeded our expectations! The furnishings were on point and nothing was forgotten! The host is very responsive and accommodating! Definitely recommend this place! Thank you again!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynda G.

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

94 DG Relays Reunion

We were in town for our 30th anniversary, graduating from Drake. The house was perfect for 5 of us - bedrooms were comfortable and bathrooms were clean. Plenty of space to hang out inside and out - numerous Scrabble games on the front porch. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

kimberly m.

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

Enjoyed our stay!

This is an older home but has been decorated and kept well. The littles loved the bunk beds, game room and many kid friendly extras!! Everyone slept well on comfortable beds and the house was very clean! We loved the amount of space we had and especially loved the large table that allowed us all to sit around it and visit! Our hosts were easy to communicate with and very friendly, I would suggest using the WiFi to communicate from the house if needed as I couldn't count on Verizon from there. Overall, we enjoyed our stay, would recommend it and stay there again!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Troy H.

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

Family Vacation

We really enjoyed the weekend that we spent at your property. The house has been remodeled very nicely with all the amenities. It was stocked very well with dishes in the kitchen and towels, and sundries for bathrooms and the outside. The house was very clean, and the outside porch was very usable, and had plenty of seating. The beds were very comfortable and the rooms were clean and large.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Connie S.

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

Comfortable Stay

The house was much larger then we expected. It is a very beautiful house. Very clean. The only issue we had there are several steps up to the house.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

charlie n.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

lost jacket

Did you find a jacket in the front downstairs bedroom?
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie D.

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

.

.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Family Reunion

The house was very clean and had all the necessities. Near downtown for festivals and huge Farmer's Market. We had a very nice family reunion. Disappointed in not getting a refund for guests who were unable to attend. Originally pd for 15 guests and only had 9.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

karen m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Bed shortage

The place was nice it was clean. The only problem I had was listing said there were two queens in the living space and there was not. There was just two sofas that did not pull out. So I was short beds, and one of our families had to go to a hotel. Bunkhouse occupied the kids, but as for my single adults that I thought I was getting separate beds for that became a problem. By the family leaving and going to the hotel that freed up the bunkhouse for my single adults.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michele L.

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

A true home away from home!

This is such a special home! We had three generations together in Des Moines to celebrate a special birthday of our mother/grandmother, and were looking to celebrate some meaningful time together. We chose Ryan and Angie's house because it had flexible bedrooms to accommodate all 10 of us comfortably, but it has so much more to offer than just the sleeping accommodations. The living room and dining area accommodated all of us together, but there are also smaller gathering spaces inside, and a wonderful large front porch as well. This home is clearly a labor of love - Ryan and Angie have given a great deal of attention to all of the details. The bedding (mattresses and linens) were unusually comfortable; the little quirks in the floorpan were creatively used to add functional touches-like extra surface areas for bathrooms; plenty of empty storage spaces available in the kitchen and bedrooms; an adorable and well-stocked coffee/tea bar; comfortable, quality furnishings, a nice variety of pantry items and shower products for guest use. I could go on and on.... But for us, the home was a wonderful place for us to hang out, cook together, laugh, and relax together. It accommodated all of us in the living room sharing memories, and quiet conversations in the upstairs living room and the front porch. Ryan was quick to respond to questions and fix a small issue with one of the bathrooms. This is a wonderful home that is a great place for extended families to relax and connect!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Mitchel C.

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

Nice location.

Good location. Lots of room
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

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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