Near Drake University, The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 provides a garden, laundry facilities, and a gym. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Guests can connect to in-room WiFi.
Reviews
9.49.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10202 sq m
Popular amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10
Summary:
The Gathering House — historic Des Moines vacation rental, fully upgraded. Private hot tub, arcade attic, fenced yard. Sleeps 10.
▵ Private Hot Tub — heated year-round, never shared
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.
➔ Bedroom 1 (Main Floor): King bed, en-suite bathroom, Smart TV
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:
License: 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.
Property amenities
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transportation
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2.5 bathrooms
Bathtub
Hair dryer
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Entertainment
TV
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Fenced yard
Garden
Gas grill
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Office
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Things to do
Gym
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Unit size: 2,178 square feet
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You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Note from host: Charge may apply
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the neighborhood
Drake, a neighborhood in Des Moines, is home to this vacation 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. Visit our Des Moines travel guide
Is The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Onsite 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?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 located?
Located in Drake, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Des Moines Community Playhouse and Drake University. Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Des Moines Art Center are also within 1 mi (2 km).
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The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 Reviews