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.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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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
Property # 3218817
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
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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the neighborhood
Des Moines
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. Traveling with kids? Consider Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden and Des Moines Civic Center.
Des Moines Community Playhouse - 3 min drive - 2.8 km
Getting around
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 20 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 5 min walk
Drake Diner - 18 min walk
Habanero’s - 6 min walk
Lzaza Indo-Pak Cuisine - 15 min walk
Tommy's Hickman Pub - 2 min drive
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.
How much does it cost to stay at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro?
As of May 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro on Jun 14, 2026 start from $470, 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?
Onsite parking is available at the 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?
Check-out 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 vacation 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 mi (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
We had an excellent stay at this Vrbo! The host was awesome and the accommodations exactly what we were looking for. Thank you for the great experience!
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!
J R.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 16, 2025
Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed your time together. Would love to have you back anytime.
Ryan and Angie
The home is beautiful. Ryan was an awesome host, great communicator. Location is close to everything you need or would want to do. There were 12 of us and all loved that there was enough room to spread out and also be together when we wanted that.
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.
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!
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.
Anel P.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 17, 2025
Oh I’m so sorry about ants. We had no idea that was happening. Wish you would have told us during your stay and we would have treated it immediately. It’s always tough in spring when everything wakes up for the first time and starts moving. We have never heard from any other guests about ants or any bugs before so that is a big surprise. The kitchen was left a complete mess with food all over from you guys so I’m sure that was a big part in attracting ants. Wish that the house was left in better condition before you exited. But either way thank you for letting us know. We will for sure be doing our spring treatment immediately now. Hope everything else was satisfactory.
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!!
My coworkers and I had a fantastic stay at this house. We each got our own bedroom which was a big plus and there were plenty of bathrooms and amenities for all of us. Would definitely stay here again!
We had a large group stay in this wonderful home recently for a conference held at the convention center. It was a cozy and welcoming home and it functioned perfectly for all who stayed here. Communication was clear and check-in / check-out was easy. Definitely recommend this home.
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!
Ryan was a wonderful host. Very helpful and answered quickly. Hose was very clean and nicely remodeled
Jody J.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
About the host
Hosted by Ryan
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