Experience the charm of Des Moines in this spacious 4-bedroom retreat, featuring an open kitchen/dining area perfect for gathering and cozy living areas with modern and historical touches. Relax outside with a hot tub, gas grill, yard games, or unwind inside by the electric fireplace while enjoying fast internet.
Reviews
9.49.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10202 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air-conditioning
The current price is NZ$653
NZ$653
includes taxes & fees
12 May - 13 May
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.
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:
Rental Permit: 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 transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
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
Smoke-free property
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)
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 are 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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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 area
Drake, a neighbourhood in Des Moines, is home to this holiday 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 does it cost to stay at The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10?
As of 11 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 on 12 May 2026 start from NZ$653, 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 The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10?
On-site 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?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 located?
Located in Drake, this holiday 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 mile (2 km).
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
The Gathering House — Hot Tub | Arcade Attic | Fenced Yard | Sleeps 10 Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We had a great stay! The house was perfect for our group of 6 people, with plenty of room for everyone. The house was clean and cozy and the hot tub was an amazing treat. Would definitely stay here again!
Check-in process was easy. The host was very accommodating letting us drop off personal items before check-in home is clean! And provided lots entertainment everybody of all ages to do
We loved our stay in Des Moines. We brought our kids to go to Adventureland and explore in DM. This place was perfect for us. Very clean, very easy location to get to wherever you need to go. Owners are wonderful at communication. Would definitely stay here again!!!
We had a wonderful stay. The house was spacious and had wonderful amenities. We loved the backyard and hot tub. The hosts were very responsive too. If we are every back in Des Moines we will defiantly be staying here.
Easy check-in and access. Great neighborhood. Plenty of parking. Lovely accommodations. Loads of space. Fun extras like fireplace and hot tub. Perfect for our lady’s weekend. 10/10. Highly recommend.
We had a lovely visit to Des Moines with my son and his fiance. The house was well situated to all the fun breweries and restaurants and parks in the area. The biggest plus were the most comfortable mattresses! I love a firm mattress and these were fantastic.
This house is located in a quiet neighborhood close to Drake. It is nicely furnished, has plenty of room and lots of gathering spaces.The office was perfect for me to get some work done, while the runner among us enjoyed the hot tub after a workout.
Very pretty older home. Hot tub was perfect temp, and kids loved the upstairs game room!Unfortunately, my arthritis did not agree with the stairs. Not Handicap accessible at all, and maybe mark the low ceiling in the Regular staircase. My six foot daughter hit her head a couple times.
This property was the best VRBO we've ever stayed at.so far.We came to town for the holidays and found the house comfortable, with plenty of room to relax between gatherings. Every bedroom has a TV, plenty of pillows, room for your things, and a comfortable bed. The only drawback to the house was the stairs. There are stairs everywhere. We will definitely book this house again. As long as no one is on crutches.
Pam L.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Peggy C.
5 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
It was a perfect location.
We had a fabulous time. Used the hot tub a couple times that was an extra bonus. All the bedrooms were perfect.
The bathroom upstairs could use a little fixing...
The shower sounds like the floor will fall out it cracks horribly. The sink did not have a drain stopper therefore if you dropped anything it would go right down the drain. When you run the water its very loud can hear it in all the bedrooms.
Still we had a wonderful time...
House was in a great location for our needs; however, was not clean. Found a bag of trash in one of the bedside tables, couple of the bathroom cans had not been emptied and there was nasty dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Also for a place that can accommodate 10 people the fact that there was literally 4 wash clothes was a bit odd. The photos matched fairly well although be warned the bedroom with the two twin beds are through a closet on the middle floor
My family has stayed at a lot of VRBOs. Many of them were awful. This is one of the cleanest, most thoughtful homes we've stayed in. While my kids are 7 and 9, now, I know this would have been a great stay if the were babies or toddlers. There is a high chair, baby tub, pack and play, and several gates.It's INCREDIBLY clean. There are no tchotchkis that kids or pets could get into. We brought our dog, who still gets into everything, and it was really easy to have him there as there were no knick-knacksHad the weather been warm, we would have utilized the fenced in outside area.The neighborhood is very cute and we could walk to the grocery store and some places for food. As a mom I appreciate that there was a washer and dryer (though we didn't use it), dishwasher, and a few games to play.We had a few questions during our stay and we got responses incredibly fast. We had a lovely time and will absolutely book this place again when we go back to that area.
We had a great stay and really enjoyed our time staying in this DSM house. I love homes that allow us to bring our fur-babies. It’s a nice house with an interesting layout but not so perfect that I’m scared to live in it especially with my dogs. We had everything we needed and then some. The hot tub was very relaxing. Warning: every bedroom has stairs. This home is only for those capable of climbing somewhat steep stairs. If you can do that, you’re good. The kitchen is well equipped. The skillets weren’t in the best shape, but I scrubbed one a little cleaner to use—that’s more on whoever used it last. There are some loose knobs/quirky doors/dead battery in the candle remote/light bulbs out, but those are only very minor things. We appreciated the owner plowing the front porch/stairs/back patio and sidewalks when it snowed. Communication was great. I’d stay here again for sure. For me personally this is 5 stars because I don’t want to live in a perfect house that I’d be scared to relax and live in, but for others you’d probably consider it 4 stars that with just a little minor maintenance would make it 5.
We were in town for the marathon and the house was perfect!! Lots of room, great showers, wonderful hot tub, location that is close to everything!! The host responded quickly to inquiries!!
Nice, clean property with lots of space. Conveniently located, a very short distance from city of Des Moines. Papa John's Pizza and a gas/convenience store is within walking distance. The hot tub was great, well maintained.