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Cottage on Kirkwood | Charming, Walk to IU, Downtown | King Bed · 2BR · Sleeps 6

Holiday home with kitchen, near Indiana University Bloomington

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Charming historic cottage on iconic Kirkwood Avenue
On Kirkwood Ave with sidewalk access & bus stop at the corner
A sweet spot to relax and enjoy the neighborhood
Comfortable living room with seating for gathering or relaxing
Living room has a sofa bed for flexible sleeping options

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6105.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Bloomington, IN
  • Place, Wonderlab Science Museum
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Monroe Convention Center
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Indiana University Bloomington
    ‪4 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Separate dining area

About this property

Cottage on Kirkwood | Charming, Walk to IU, Downtown | King Bed · 2BR · Sleeps 6

IU FOOTBALL SPECIAL! Celebrate the Hoosiers with early check-in, late check-out, and an assortment of local craft beers chilled and ready. This weekend only.

Built in 1900, Cottage on Kirkwood is a character-filled home on one of Bloomington’s most iconic streets, just blocks from the Square and a pleasant walk to IU’s Sample Gates. The house sleeps six with a king bedroom, queen bedroom, and sofa bed, and offers a warm town-and-country feel with natural light, farmhouse details, and a surprisingly spacious 1,132 sq ft layout.

Enjoy a large backyard with patio seating and grill, off-street driveway parking for two cars, and easy access to restaurants, shops, breweries, the B-Line Trail, and campus. A well-lit reading and work alcove at the back of the home provides a quiet spot to focus after a day exploring.


Welcome to Cottage on Kirkwood, a charming historic home on one of Bloomington’s most iconic streets — walkable, welcoming, and full of character.

Just blocks from downtown and a scenic walk to IU’s Sample Gates, this light-filled cottage blends farmhouse warmth with modern comforts in a location that puts Bloomington’s best right outside your door.

— Highlights —
• Sleeps 6 — ideal for couples, families, or small groups
• 2 bedrooms • 1 bathroom
• King bed • Queen bed • Sofa bed
• Walk to Downtown Bloomington & IU Campus
• Iconic Kirkwood Avenue location
• Off-street driveway parking for 2 vehicles
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Fast WiFi • Dedicated work/reading alcove
• Washer & dryer
• Two patios • Front porch with swing
• Large backyard • Gas grill
• Well-mannered dogs considered with prior approval

— The Details —
Built in 1900, Cottage on Kirkwood is a character-filled historic home with a classic “this old house” personality — charming, imperfect, and full of warmth — paired with thoughtful modern updates. Natural light pours into the space, highlighting farmhouse details, original features, and a surprisingly spacious 1,132 sq ft layout.

The home includes two comfortable bedrooms: one with a king bed and one with a queen bed, both dressed with quality linens. A sofa bed in the living area provides flexible sleeping for additional guests. The single full bathroom features a vintage clawfoot tub, adding to the home’s historic charm.

At the back of the house, a well-lit reading and office alcove offers a quiet place to work or unwind after a day exploring campus and downtown. This space is especially appreciated by remote workers and longer-stay guests.

Outdoor living is a highlight here. Enjoy two patios, a front porch with swing, and a large backyard with patio seating and a gas grill — perfect for morning coffee, casual dinners, or relaxing evenings at home.

The kitchen is fully equipped for everyday cooking, and a washer and dryer are provided for guest use. Off-street driveway parking for two cars makes coming and going easy.
Please note: the garage is not available for guest use.

Location
• Blocks from downtown restaurants, cafés, shops, and breweries
• Pleasant walk to IU’s Sample Gates
• Corner bus stop steps away
• Easy access to the B-Line Trail
• Located on Kirkwood Avenue in Bloomington’s historic Prospect Hill neighborhood
You’ll be close to everything — right in the heart of Bloomington’s energy — while still enjoying a cozy place to retreat at the end of the day.

— Why We’re Different —
• One of Bloomington’s classic historic cottages on iconic Kirkwood Ave
• Walk-to-everything convenience for campus, dining, and nightlife
• Warm farmhouse style with natural light and original character
• Dedicated office/reading alcove — rare in a 2BR historic home
• Multiple outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining
• Room-darkening curtains (Queen bedroom), ear plugs, and white noise machines for restful sleep

Family-Friendly Features
• Flexible sleeping layout for families or mixed groups
• Tub — helpful for bathing young children
• Quiet backyard for outdoor play and downtime

Pet-Friendly Perks
• Well-behaved dogs considered with prior host approval
• Easy access to walkable streets and nearby green spaces

Sustainability — Lower Your Travel Footprint
• Local coffee with reusable filters
• Recycling provided
• Refillable dispensers with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Eco-friendly cleaning products + “free & clear” detergent
• WiFi-enabled thermostat

House Rules
Quiet hours: 11pm–8am (residential neighborhood)
No parties or unauthorized events
Only registered guests permitted overnight
No smoking or vaping indoors or on the front porch
Garage not available for guest use
Please avoid tracking mud inside after games or hikes
Check-out: simple list provided in home
Dogs allowed with prior approval

— Other Things to Note —
Neighborhood & sound: Kirkwood Avenue is a lively, well-loved street. Guests should expect normal urban activity, including street noise, pedestrians, and the occasional dog. Ear plugs and white noise machines are provided for comfort.

Historic home note: As a 1900 cottage, this home has a classic historic personality — charming, imperfect, and full of character — balanced with modern comforts.

Bathroom access: The bathroom features a vintage clawfoot tub without a grab bar. Due to the raised base, it may be difficult for guests with mobility limitations. A step stool is provided.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 22
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
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

About the area

Bloomington

Located in Bloomington, this holiday home is in the city centre. Wonderlab Science Museum and Butler Winery & Vineyard are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Monroe and Griffy Lake Nature Preserve. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Memorial Stadium or Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
Map
Bloomington, IN

What's nearby

  • Wonderlab Science Museum - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Monroe County Courthouse - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Monroe Convention Center - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • IU Health Bloomington Hospital - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Indiana University Bloomington - 4 min drive - 2.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Video Saloon - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪The Back Door Bloomington - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪The Pourhouse Cafe - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Crazy Horse - ‬8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Cottage on Kirkwood | Charming, Walk to IU, Downtown | King Bed · 2BR · Sleeps 6 pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Cottage on Kirkwood | Charming, Walk to IU, Downtown | King Bed · 2BR · Sleeps 6?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Cottage on Kirkwood | Charming, Walk to IU, Downtown | King Bed · 2BR · Sleeps 6?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cottage on Kirkwood | Charming, Walk to IU, Downtown | King Bed · 2BR · Sleeps 6?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Cottage on Kirkwood | Charming, Walk to IU, Downtown | King Bed · 2BR · Sleeps 6 located?

Located in Prospect Hill, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Wonderlab Science Museum and Indiana University Bloomington. Cook Family Health Center and Monroe County Courthouse are also within 10 minutes.

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. 13 out of 13 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Donald W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was super responsive and accommodating The place was spotless and had very nice small touches that made us feel appreciated
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay. House was cozy and clean. It was in a perfect location for us.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was very charming and hosts were thoughtful about small details and amenities. Check in/out was very easy but the best thing was the communication from property manager and owner. Cyndi started communicating as soon as we booked the reservation and was extremely responsive when we had a minor issue arise. Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kourtney L.

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

Cute for a small group

This was a really cute house! It was a perfect size for 2 couples. Very well stocked with everything we needed for a weekend. We liked that it was walking distance to downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

stacy H.

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

Perfect space!

Two of my adult daughters and I spent the week in this adorable cottage:) we were busy moving one of them into her apartment at IU! It was a great space to relax - very adorable!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shawna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay in the fall of 2025. The place is so cute and perfectly advertised. It’s cozy and also within walking distance of campus. The street is noisy, but the host white noise helped. The home is perfectly stocked with linens, towels, coffee and filtered water. We did not need to bring anything. Highly recommend and I know we will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bedford P.

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

Very nice!

We stayed for three nights and enjoyed it very much. Very clean with comfortable furniture and a nice front porch swing. Great communication from our host. We will come back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

stacy H.

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

Easter 2025

We stayed here to visit our daughter over Easter break as she attends IU. Perfect location to walk to kirkwood and exceptionally clean! Love it!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelli B.

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

Perfect girls’ weekend property

We stayed for a weekend of Bloomington shopping and a visit to Oliver Winery. This location, while in less up-to-date neighborhood, was close enough to walk to downtown and drive to Oliver. This property was scrupulously clean with a private, lovely backyard. The kitchen was well stocked. We loved it and would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gwen I.

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

Perfect for College Visit!

My son and I stayed in the Cottage on Kirkwood for a few nights while attending his "Red Carpet Day" at IU. It was the perfect cottage, very cozy with all amenities available, and close to campus. Communication with the host was excellent. We felt very at home, would definitely book again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

William "Cory" M.

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

A night off campus

This gave us all we needed. I picked up my daughter from campus and we enjoyed an fall evening carving pumpkins, watching movies and eating too much. The house is clean and cozy. Communication was great. Will be staying again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming. Host was very helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Garrett S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

About the host

Hosted by Cyndi Johnson

Host profile image
I am originally from Austin, Indiana but now reside in Bloomington with my husband, a professor at Indiana University in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and daughters. I was a public school teacher for many years.

I first got into hosting during the pandemic when I lost my job working with The Arc of Indiana and decided to become my own boss. I needed a great deal of flexibility to provide educational support to my 3 children (at the time--an 8th grader with learning disabilities, a 6th grader with Down syndrome, and a precocious 3rd grader), so it was essential that I be able to take my kids to work with me and set my own hours.

We took out equity in our home to buy this charming 1900s cottage on iconic Kirkwood Ave near IU. It went so well that we sold it as an investment property and I continued to host it.

Now I host a small portfolio of properties in 2 of the most historic cities in Indiana: Bloomington and Madison. I still own 2 properties and host for others. Madison Manor is our dream home. We hope to retire there in one townhouse and rent the other.

Why they chose this property

I love downtown Bloomington!

Languages:

English

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