Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Explore the area
Dexter, IA
Raccoon River Valley Trail
Place, Raccoon River Valley Trail
9 min drive
Bob Feller Museum
Place, Bob Feller Museum
16 min drive
Jordan Creek Town Center
Place, Jordan Creek Town Center
24 min drive
Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
37 min drive
Rooms & beds
5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 4
2 Double Beds
Bedroom 5
1 Queen Sofa Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Bathtub · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
About this property
Sleeps 12…. 5 beds and a sofa sleeper. 20 min from West Des Moines..
Perfect for getting together with family for any holiday or family get together you may have...(kid friendly) Now with free wifi internet and Roku TV.This home has all the space you need for several families... This beautiful, unique Victorian home has 4 large bedrooms, ( two rooms with Queen beds, one with 2 full beds and the other bedroom has one full size bed) as well as a sofa sleeper in the living room, 2 full baths, a large eat-in kitchen and a large formal dining area, suitable for small gatherings. Air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, and full laundry are just some of the features. The kitchen is stocked with everything you need to feel right at home when preparing meals. Paper towels and tissue are provided. Coffee, creamer and sugar, spices and cooking oil is also provided, just to name a few items. Fresh , clean towels and linens are provided, with beds made cozy and comfy just awaiting your arrival.Furnished with beautiful antiques, mattresses were chosen with comfort in mind. One bathroom has a nice size shower, the other has a beautiful claw foot tub. The upstairs also has a parlor or sitting area for relaxing and reading. The house sits on a large fenced private back yard with beautiful shade trees. A front wraparound porch, and a side porch including a porch swing ,and a back yard patio give guest an awesome outdoor area to relax. Charcoal grill. The large fenced back yard is perfect for children to run and play! The house is just off I-80, in a quiet town, within 15 to 20 min of shopping at Jordan Creek Mall and the West Des Moines area, with easy access to all of the favorite attractions. It is located about 5 or 6 minutes from the town of Stuart, Iowa, where you will find many facilities, 10 minutes from Earlham Iowa and just 15 minutes from Van Meter , Iowa . The town of Dexter has a Park within walking distance which is great for picnics, with bathroom facilities available. The property is located within 2 miles of public fishing and hunting. It's the perfect home for family gatherings, wedding groups, birthday celebrations, and hunters are welcome also....Great for any occasion. Be sure to try Drew's Chocolates, in downtown Dexter, for the most delicious chocolate you'll ever taste, as well as homemade icecream...a family business that's been in operation for over 100 years!..You'll have to try it to believe how awesome it is!...You can also eat in town at the well known Rusty Duck Restuarant( awarded Best Burger In Iowa award)... enjoy a home cooked breakfast at the town Cafe, or choose many other options about 5 minutes away in Stuart where you will find a Kountry Kitchen Restaurant, a Mexican Restaurant, Ruby’s Pub, a Subway, a Burger King, a McDonalds, a Hardware Store ,a Dollar General, a theatre and a Red Box DVD Rental just to name a few facilities. Also just 15 minutes away in Van Meter, Iowa, you can find a Home town bar and grill...Fat Randi's... which serves an award winning Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich among other delicious foods. Special Events are allowed in our home , children are welcome, non smoking only, pets not allowed inside. Earlier check in time is available if needed, as well as a later check out time.(Please contact me to arrange this) More pictures coming soon!
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
No disruptive type parties
default
Pets
No pets allowed
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside! Extra charges if smoking occurs
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
After washing the dishes please place them neatly back in the cabinets
Housekeeping will strip the beds, except for the sofa bed. Please fold it up if you use it. Put the sheets used on it with the dirty towels and place them by the washer or in the shower.
If you move any furniture around, please place it back where it was before leaving.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Wash dishes Replace them in the cabinets where you got them from. Make sure they are clean first. We will strip beds.
Please clean all trash up inside, and if you have outside activities...please clean up any trash.
Please gather all trash and put it in the garbage and take the garbage to the outside garbage bin before you leave. Roll to the curb.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 30
Note from host: No disruptive type parties
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
Dexter
Located in Dexter, this holiday home is near theme parks and on a lake. Bob Feller Museum and John Wayne Birthplace Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Roseman Bridge and Hogback Bridge. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting.
Raccoon River Valley Trail - 9 min drive - 12.5 km
Van Meter Recreation Complex - 15 min drive - 32.3 km
Bob Feller Museum - 16 min drive - 32.6 km
Van Meter Public Library - 16 min drive - 33.0 km
Jordan Creek Town Center - 24 min drive - 47.7 km
Getting around
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 41 min drive
Restaurants
Casey's General Store - 9 min drive
McDonald's - 9 min drive
Casey's General Store - 10 min drive
Beans And Beignets - 10 min drive
Subway - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Sleeps 12…. 5 beds and a sofa sleeper. 20 min from West Des Moines.. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Sleeps 12…. 5 beds and a sofa sleeper. 20 min from West Des Moines..?
As of 8 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sleeps 12…. 5 beds and a sofa sleeper. 20 min from West Des Moines.. on 9 May, 2026 start from S$206, 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 at Sleeps 12…. 5 beds and a sofa sleeper. 20 min from West Des Moines..?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Sleeps 12…. 5 beds and a sofa sleeper. 20 min from West Des Moines..?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sleeps 12…. 5 beds and a sofa sleeper. 20 min from West Des Moines..?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Sleeps 12…. 5 beds and a sofa sleeper. 20 min from West Des Moines.. located?
This family-friendly Dexter holiday home is located on a lake, 6.5 mi (10.5 km) from Raccoon River Valley Trail, and within 20 mi (32 km) of Bob Feller Museum and Trindle Park. Southbridge Park and Bailey's Grove Park are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The old house is beautifully decorated and was the perfect setting for our family Christmas gathering. I could go on and on, but it was simply perfect. It’s challenging to get the adult kids and significant others together over the holidays. However, everyone absolutely adored our time together in this little slice of holiday nirvana! I’ll cherish the memories. Thank you!
Christian W.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jan, 2026
Christian we are so glad you enjoyed your Christmas in The Victoria! It brings me joy to see this home bring special family time for others. We hope you will come again. Thank you so much!
The property was as described. It was a quiet and sedate neighborhood, very quiet. Family, friendly environment very safe. There is a Caseys convenience, store in town for gas and drinks/snacks. There is a very good supper. Club in town called Rusty Duck. Great food huge portions there is also a chocolate shop called Drew’s chocolates. Wonderful hand dip chocolates been in the family for over 100 years. We enjoyed exploring the old Victorian house. It was a beautiful well kept home.
The house was exactly as advertised! Clean, plenty of bedrooms and the dining table was big enough for game night! Check in was so easy and Darlene was so easy to talk to and very accommodating!
Danielle S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Mar, 2025
Danielle, Thank you for your kind remarks and for booking our home. It was a pleasure hosting you and your group and I would love to have you return. I’m so glad you enjoyed the home. This is my desire for all my guests!
Our stay at this charming Vrbo house, built in the early 1900s, was a delightful experience. The historic character of the home added a unique touch, with its vintage architecture and cozy ambiance. The house was clean, well-maintained, and equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The host was responsive and provided clear instructions for check-in and use of the property.
Rick R.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Janette B.
29 Dec, 2017
Great place to make memories!
Second time having family Christmas at the Dexter Victorian House. Everyone really enjoyed it and many wonderful memories were made. Beautiful place to share time with family! Everyone wants to come back again next year!!
Janette B.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar, 2020
Janette...We were glad to have you to come again and stay in our home. It was a pleasure communicating with you and we would love to have you return next year! Thanks, Darlene
I stayed here with my sister on our way back east. The house was easy to access from I-80 and spacious enough to accommodate two families. We loved the big front porch and watching fireflies in the backyard. Great location and great house with lots of character.
This is a beautiful old house that was so fun to stay in. It is extremely clean and the antiques are beautiful. Great location to see all the bridges. Darlene is a great host who is very good/fast with responding
We really enjoyed our stay. It is a beautiful vintage home and very affordable. Instructions were easy to understand and I hope we followed them correctly. We only wish we had had more time to spend enjoying this property.
Marian T.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept, 2024
Marian it was a pleasure hosting you and your group! I’m so glad you enjoyed the home and hope you will come again! Thank you for booking our home. Darlene
Booked this property when we visited for my nephew’s wedding. Everything was amazing! Exactly as described. We had a group of several family members who enjoyed all of the areas to sit and visit. Very comfortable home in a nice quiet area. We had everything we needed and the communication with our host was outstanding! I would definitely recommend this property!!
Bonnie B.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ross M.
3 Oct, 2018
Family Remembrance
It was great
Ross M.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar, 2020
I am so glad you had a great stay in our home! We enjoyed having you and would love to have you return anytime! Thanks for booking our home! Darlene
This home was a perfect place for our Ladies Weekend and we enjoyed it very much. Very well appointed and decorated. Loved the wrap around porch and we used it every day! Dexter has a fascinating history and is very friendly. Drew's Chocolates is an absolute must!! We would return in a heartbeat.
Barbara Horne F.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept, 2024
Barbara it was a pleasure hosting you and your group! I’m so glad you enjoyed the home and hope you will come again! Thank you for booking! Darlene
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Faye H.
25 Oct, 2017
Beautiful Victorian house in a small town
We had a great time. Lovely house we felt right at home lots of space to relax the front porch was very pretty with a swing and couple of chairs to relax on. Thanks for a great time.
Faye
Faye H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar, 2020
Faye...we enjoyed having you stay in our home. We would love to have you come again! Thanks, Darlene
Beautiful home. Plenty of room for all. Great backyard for activities. Darlene got back to me quickly with answers to any questions I had. Great time had by all!!
patti p.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar, 2020
Thank you Patti...I am so glad that you and your group enjoyed your stay at our home! It is my goal to provide a great stay for the guests that book our home. Thank you for booking our home.
We had a wonderful time and created cherished memories in this sweet, charming vintage home.
The house was very cozy, the owner very accomodating, the period pieces of furniture enhanced each room in this gem of a vintage home. Very tidy and clean and the beds were so comfortable. Beautiful fenced in yard too! Highly recommend it for a family reunion weekend or ladies getaway! Hope to come back !
Cynthia D.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 May, 2023
It was a pleasure hosting Cynthia and her group! They were great at communicating their plans and needs for their trip. They took great care of our rental home. I would be glad to host them again anytime! Darlene
The house is extremely spacious! The front porch on the warm Iowa nights was very relaxing (plus the fireflies!!). The home retains much of the original charm as when it was first build. Love “old” homes like this property! Darlene was a fantastic and attentive host, checking in by text to make sure we got checked in and settled in.
Chris K.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Jul, 2023
Thank you Paige for booking our home! It was a pleasure hosting you! You were great guests! You’re definitely a 5 star guest!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Valerie M.
27 Feb, 2017
Amazing Experience!
We absolulty loved it, the whole layout of the house was incredible, the house gave us all a real warm feeling, the fireplace was amazing as well as the tub and Beds. I was surprised by how stocked the house was with snacks, coffee etc. Darlene defiantly went above and beyond, simply wonderful. My family and I plan to be back!
Valerie M.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar, 2020
Valerie..We are so glad you enjoyed your time spent in our home and .would love to have you stay again!
The home was clean and the owner provided plenty of necessities, such as paper towels, towels and toilet paper. Very good communicator and replied to messages fast. Highly recommend! Only improvement would be to oil the front door (its very squeaky, normal for an older home). We great appreciated this Victorian home!
Mindy W.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct, 2023
Mindy, I’m so glad you enjoyed your time in our rental home! You were great guests and are welcome to return anytime! Thanks for the pointer to oil the front door. I will definitely do so. Thanks again, Darlene
This town is about half way between Kansas and Wisconsin. We got together with my husbands family from Kansas, for a little time together before school started. Every nice home for the 12 of us!! Table was large enough for all of us to play family games! We also enjoyed sitting on the front porch drinking coffee in the morning.
Jessica M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Peggy M.
8 May, 2017
Beautiful home in beautiful Iowa
Darlene was a wonderful host. Her communications were timely and I appreciated her accommodation when we had questions or requests. The home is stunning. I don't believe pictures will ever be able to capture its true elegance. As a bonus, the town is quite friendly. We even enjoyed a morning cup of coffee with the neighbors. This is the place to stay in Iowa.
Peggy M.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar, 2020
We enjoyed having you stay at our home and would love to have you come back again!
About the host
Hosted by Darlene…. 1-251-282-7543
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests