Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Highlights
Made for relaxation
Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
Walkable and wonderful
Guests love the walkable location for its easy access on foot.
Discover nearby landmarks
Walk to Indiana University Bloomington
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Pet-friendly
Kitchen
Washer
Air conditioning
Gas grill
Explore the area
Bloomington, IN
Wonderlab Science Museum
Place, Wonderlab Science Museum
6 min walk
Monroe County Courthouse
Place, Monroe County Courthouse
10 min walk
Indiana University Bloomington
Place, Indiana University Bloomington
17 min walk
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
Cottage on Kirkwood is a 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 2 bedroom, 1 bath, light-filled cottage blends farmhouse warmth with modern comforts in a location that puts Bloomington’s best right outside your door. The home has a large backyard, patio and grill, off-street parking in driveway for 2 vehicles, and bus stop at the corner just steps away. Well-behaved dogs considered — ask host for details.
✨ Highlights • 2 bedrooms • 1 bathroom • Sleeps 6 (1 king · 1 queen · 1 sofa bed) • Ideal for couples, families, small groups • 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 vehicles makes coming and going easy.
📍 Unbeatable 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 young children • Quiet backyard for outdoor play and downtime • Walkable neighborhood - great for evening strolls
🐾 Pet-Friendly Perks • Well-behaved dogs considered with prior host approval • large backyard, partially fenced • 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: 9pm–7am (city ordinance) 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 Shoes off indoors Check-out: simple list provided in home Dogs allowed with prior approval. Dog rules: 1) Dogs are not permitted on any furniture, with the exception of the sofa if you use the cover provided on the shelf in the laundry room. 2) Clean up dog waste immediately.
— 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.
Garage is not for guest use.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
About the neighborhood
Bloomington
Located in Bloomington, this vacation home is in the city center. 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 and cycling nearby.
Indiana University Bloomington - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
Memorial Stadium - 6 min drive - 2.8 km
Restaurants
Circle K - 4 min walk
Video Saloon - 12 min walk
Bloomington Bagel Company - 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 does it cost to stay at Cottage on Kirkwood: walk to IU?
As of Jul 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cottage on Kirkwood: walk to IU on Jul 19, 2026 start from $263, 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 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?
Check-out 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 vacation 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 labeled.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests