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Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines

Apartment near Drake University in Des Moines

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Photo gallery for Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines

A large stone house with a wrap-around porch, multiple windows, and a well-maintained front yard.
A large bird sculpture in a park with a church in the background.
A modern room with a bed, a dining table with chairs, a red chair, and a glass table.
An outdoor patio with wicker furniture, including chairs and a sofa, and a potted tree.
A room with two red chairs, a wooden floor, a brick wall, a door, and a framed picture on the wall.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 493 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Des Moines, IA
  • Place, Des Moines Art Center
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Salisbury House
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Drake University
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

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About the area

Des Moines

In Des Moines .You'll find Des Moines Art Center and Salisbury House within a 15-minute walk of this Des Moines apartment. Des Moines Community Playhouse and Drake University are also within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Apartments in Des MoinesOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Des Moines Art Center - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Salisbury House - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Des Moines Community Playhouse - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Water Works Park - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Drake University - 3 min drive - 3.1 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪La Mie Bakery & Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Noah's Ark Restaurant & Lounge - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Jesse's Embers - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Pancheros Mexican Grill - ‬2 min drive

About this property

Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines

Unique lower level 1100 sq.f studio/loft with separate entrance in the completely restored Historical House Located in the safe and gorgeous South of Grand Salisbury neighborhood just minutes from Downtown, Art Center, Salisbury House, Des Moines Medical School, Drake University,shops,restaurants, gas,bus,i-235. Short stroll down our street takes you to the Greenwood Ashworth Park with its walking and biking trails. Science Center, Hy-Vee Hall,Iowa Events Center, Iowa State Capitol Building.
The space.
Separate entrance to the loft/ suite with exposed historical brick, modern full bathroom with heated floors, full equipped kitchen with full size refrigerator.
2 beds with 2 room dividers for privacy per guest wish
Wi-Fi, 55 inches smart TV, Netflix, you tube
Coffee provided
Guest access
Guest can use back patio and space outside to have morning cup of coffee
Keyless lock. Free parking. Has central air conditioner and central heat with thermostat
Other things to note
Historical Oscar Lofquist House is located in Des Moines, 2.6 miles from Science Center of Iowa, 2.6 miles from Hy-Vee Hall, as well as 2.6 miles from Iowa Events Center. The apartment is 3.6 miles from Iowa State Capitol Building.

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  • Washer
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Outdoor areas

  • Garden
  • Patio
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

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)

General

  • Garden
  • Soundproofing
  • Unit size: 1,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the trash
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

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
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
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

How close is Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines to the airport?

This apartment is 5.8 mi (18-min drive) away from the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this apartment.

Does Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines offer free breakfast?

This apartment does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines?

No, there is no casino at this apartment, but Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino (18-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines?

Free parking is not available at this apartment.

Does Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines have a pool?

This apartment does not have a pool.

Does Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this apartment.

How close is Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines to downtown Des Moines?

This apartment is 2.9 mi away from Des Moines.

Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 16 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 16 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 16 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Helpful responsive host in a nice basement studio apartment. If you are staying in the area, would highly recommend!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super cool Property!

Was perfect location and place
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spacious and comfortable

It was close to good food and both roomy AND cozy. I especially appreciated the bathroom! Beds were quite comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent VRBO Stay Review - Clean, Convenient, and Safe Location

The VRBO stay was fantastic - clean, easy to find, and in a safe, convenient location. It was perfect for my teenage daughter and I after attending a Zach Bryan concert at the Wells Fargo Arena.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

The location was perfect. We hosted a party in Valley Junction and brunch the following morning was downtown. We experienced a friendly check-in.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Wonderful

This Vrbo was absolutely stunning. It was in a gorgeous part of Des Moines. I cannot wait to stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice rental

The listing and photos were spot on with this rental. Good for our over night stay. Cute furnishings with little kitchenette and a bathroom with a warm floor!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Close to college-DMU

Great spot to stay near Des Moines University as an alternative to a downtown hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Business Casual

Comfortable & clean, just as described - elegant - comfy beds, classy place - great value
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy

Nicely decorated

Location was more congested than expected, but an ok place to stay for a few nights. Very clean
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good

Loved the property. Super cool to stay in. Only confusing thing is finding the place because the directions guide you to the street behind the house, so just know, the house in on Grand Ave, not where Google Maps takes you
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent!

Everything as advertised. Lovely property in lovely neighborhood. Hosts were helpful in every way, but never intrusive. Things couldn't have gone better.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a gem!

If you want to stay in a VRBO, why not stay in style. This historic mansion boasts a well adorned basement apartment with all the amenities. The furnishings, artwork, exposed brick, and beautiful hardwood floors give your stay that "something special" feeling. Private entrance and super easy check in/out process just add to the experience. Definately will stay again. Thanks!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our second stay

Overall our second stay here was good. We do really like the location. The room is quite spacious and the beds are too. We had a minor issue with getting in as our host was out when we arrived (after the posted check in time) and the self check in lock had not been coded, but she came quickly to let us in. The other issue that was a bit discombobulating was (and again, relatively minor but a bit awkward) that her cleaner was sick, so she started wiping out the bathroom and kitchen sinks, etc. herself. As I said, not insurmountable, just a tad awkward but probably an anomaly.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025