The Gathering House is a 4-bedroom Des Moines vacation rental with private hot tub, vintage arcade attic, and fenced yard for pets. The upgraded historic home sleeps 10 across a king bed, 3 queen beds, and 2 twin beds in a finished attic bonus room. Located 3 minutes from Ingersoll Avenue — Des Moines' top restaurant corridor — and 4 minutes from Drake University. Pet-friendly with a fully fenced yard, 200 Mbps WiFi, home gym, Sonos sound system, and 2-car garage.
Listed with @BookTraverse
Pets: Allowed (maximum 1). Smoking: Not allowed. Events: Not allowed. Suitable for: children and infants
This fully upgraded historic home in Des Moines features a private hot tub, vintage arcade attic, fenced yard for pets, and 4 bedrooms plus a bonus attic room sleeping 10 guests total. Located 3 minutes from Ingersoll Avenue — Des Moines' top restaurant and bar corridor — the property is ideal for family gatherings, friend reunions, Drake University events, and Iowa group travel.
Listed with @BookTraverse
The private hot tub is heated year-round and exclusively for your group. The main-floor living room features a stone fireplace, Sonos sound system, and 55-inch Smart TV. A sunroom office with standing desk, free weights, and 200 Mbps WiFi supports remote work.
The finished attic is a dedicated entertainment space: a vintage Pac-Man arcade cabinet, board games, lounge seating, and 2 twin beds under cedar-plank ceilings. The attic is a consistent highlight in guest reviews, especially for families with children.
➔ Bedroom 1 (Main Floor): King bed, en-suite bathroom, Smart TV
➔ Bedroom 2 (Upper): Queen bed, Smart TV
➔ Bedroom 3 (Upper): Queen bed, Smart TV
➔ Bedroom 4 (Upper): Queen bed, Smart TV
➔ Bonus Room (Finished Attic): 2 Twin beds, Pac-Man arcade, board games, Smart TV
➔ Kitchen: Fully stocked with stainless steel appliances, cookware, utensils, and spices. Dining table seats 10 — open-plan into the kitchen for group meals.
➔ Outdoor: Private hot tub, propane grill, patio seating, fully fenced backyard with inside gate latch. Up to 2 pets welcome (fee details via digital guidebook).
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
We do utilize a weblink outside the platform that directs guests to our guidebook. You will receive an email with this link. This is the ONLY way guests can access check-in information, and facilitates the collection of fees and other special requests/upgraded services we offer.
To protect your stay, you'll choose one of two options during online check-in: a $250 refundable security deposit (a temporary card hold, released after checkout) or a small damage waiver ($10/night, max $80).
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.
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.
The Gathering House sits in one of Des Moines' most walkable residential neighborhoods — quiet streets with mature trees, a nearby playground, and a bakery within walking distance. Ingersoll Avenue, the city's top restaurant corridor, is a 3-minute drive with over a dozen restaurants and bars.
Drake University is 4 minutes away — ideal for game weekends and campus events. The Des Moines Civic Center (concerts, Broadway shows) is 7 minutes. Iowa State Capitol, the Des Moines Farmers Market (May–October Saturdays), and Gray's Lake are all within 10 minutes. Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is a 16-minute drive.
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.