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IU at Your Doorstep! Spacious Luxury Stay - Game Room, Firepit & More

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Game room
Interior
Dining
Food and drink
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 14269.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Bloomington, IN
  • Indiana University Bloomington
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Indiana University Auditorium
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Bloomington, IN (BMG-Monroe County)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Blue Bird Basement Lounge

1 Double Bed

Dunn Woods Bunk Room - Main Floor

1 Queen Bunk Bed

Rose Well House King - Upstairs

1 King Bed

Sample Gates King - Upstairs

1 King Bed

Showalter Fountain Double Full - Upstairs

2 Double Beds

3 bathrooms

Basement Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Main Floor Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Upstairs Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

IU at Your Doorstep! Spacious Luxury Stay - Game Room, Firepit & More

🆕 Brand New Listing

Welcome to Linden House—a timeless, spacious retreat just steps from Indiana University’s campus. Designed for alumni reunions, visiting families, and group getaways, this home blends modern comfort with nostalgic Hoosier charm. From football weekends and graduation celebrations to relaxed family visits, Linden House puts you right in the heart of Bloomington’s most iconic experiences.

Inside, every detail pays tribute to IU’s rich traditions and local landmarks, with vintage-inspired décor and framed prints of beloved spots like the Sample Gates, Showalter Fountain, and the Bluebird. With room for large groups, a fully loaded game room, and a beautifully designed backyard perfect for evenings under the stars, Linden House invites you to relive memories—and make new ones—just a short walk from it all.

🏡 PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS
🌟 Luxury & Comfort – Thoughtfully designed interiors with high-end furnishings and stylish decor that pay homage to iconic IU and Bloomington landmarks. Enjoy luxury linens, spa-quality towels, and plush bedding, ensuring a stay that is both sophisticated and indulgently comfortable while remaining deeply connected to the local charm.

🌟Spacious & Family-Friendly – Multiple bedrooms and ample living space, perfect for families, groups, or IU visitors.

🌟Dedicated Game Room – Enjoy retro arcade with over 3000 games, pool, air hockey, foosball, boardgames and a TV—perfect for game nights or Hoosier game days!

🌟Private Outdoor Space – Relax on the patio, fire up the grill, and gather around the firepit for s’mores and late-night conversations under the stars

🌟Hassle-Free Parking – Free on-site parking, a rare find near campus.

📍 PRIME LOCATION – Walk to These Popular Spots!
🌟Indiana University Campus (3 min) – Steps from the heart of IU, perfect for campus events.

🌟Kirkwood Avenue (10 min) – Bloomington’s vibrant strip with top restaurants, bars, and shops.

🌟Memorial Stadium & Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall (20 min) – Catch Hoosier football and basketball action.

🌟Local Coffee & Dining (5 min) – Enjoy favorites like Crumble Coffee and Bakery, Soma Coffeehouse, Inkwell Coffee, Mother Bear's Pizza, and Restaurant Ami—all just a short walk away!

🚘 SCENIC DRIVES FROM LINDEN HOUSE
🚤 Lake Monroe (20 min) – Indiana’s largest lake, perfect for boating, fishing, hiking, and lakeside relaxation.

🍁 Downtown Nashville, IN & Brown County (25 min) – A charming artist town with boutique shops, local restaurants, and stunning hiking trails in Brown County State Park.

🎯 PERFECT FOR:
✔️ IU Parents & Alumni Reunions
✔️ Hoosier Game Days & Graduation Celebrations
✔️ Couples & Family Getaways

ACCOMMODATIONS

5 Bedrooms
Linden House offers five thoughtfully designed bedrooms, each inspired by iconic IU and Bloomington landmarks. Luxurious bedding, modern furnishings, and unique decor ensure a restful and memorable stay for up to 14 guests:
🌟 Rose Well House King: 1 King, Workstation, Alarm Clock/Sound Machine/Charger (2nd Floor)
🌟 Sample Gates King: 1 King, Vanity/Desk, Alarm Clock/Sound Machine/Charger (2nd Floor)
🌟 Showalter Fountain Double: 2 Full Beds, Alarm Clock/Sound Machine/Charger (2nd Floor)
🌟 Dunn Woods Bunk: Queen-over-Queen Custom Bunk Bed, Alarm Clock/Sound Machine/Charger (Main Floor)
🌟 Bluebird Lounge: 1 Full Bed + 1 Floor Bed, Alarm Clock/Sound Machine/Charger (Basement)

3 Full Bathrooms
Experience offer comfort and convenience, stocked with organic luxury shampoo, conditioner, body wash, plush towels, and a hair dryer. Every detail is designed for a refreshing and effortless stay.
🌟 Main Floor: Full Bath with Shower
🌟 Second Floor: Full Bath with Jetted Tub/Shower Combo
🌟 Basement: Full Bath with Shower

Kitchen
The fully equipped kitchen blends vintage charm with modern efficiency, perfect for everything from tailgate wings to gourmet meals:
🌟 Gas range with griddle and air fryer oven
🌟 Keurig Duo for K-cups or ground coffee
🌟 Appliances: Toaster, Blender, Crockpot, Rice Cooker, Kettle

Dining Room
Enjoy restaurant-style elegance in the dining room, featuring plush banquette seating for 12, ambient lighting, and chic decor—ideal for intimate meals or lively gatherings.

ENTERTAINMENT & AMENITIES

Game Room
The game room is your entertainment hub, featuring:
🌟 2-in-1 Pool Table & Air Hockey
🌟 Retro Arcade with 3,000+ games
🌟 Foosball Coffee Table, Dartboard, Giant Wall Connect Four, Board Games, Cards, Dice
🌟 50” Smart TV

Living Room
Relax in the inviting living room with:
🌟 Spacious seating and cozy conversation zones
🌟 Chess table for games or wine nights
🌟 55” Samsung Frame TV with soundbar

Basement
The music-themed Blue Bird Lounge is perfect for unwinding:
🌟 Vintage record player with vinyl collection
🌟 Cozy velvet seating and popcorn machine
🌟 50” Smart TV for movie nights

Backyard
Step outside to two thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces:
🌟 Fire pit table with comfortable seating and 36" Blackstone griddle in the side yard
🌟 Fenced backyard with dining area, large firepit, outdoor heater and bistro lights
🌟 Outdoor games like corn hole for family fun

Kids’ Corner
We’ve got the little ones covered with:
🌟 Crib, high chair, sound machine (please provide crib sheets)
🌟 Kid-friendly dishes and toys for ages 6 months to 6 years

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Parking
🌟 On-site parking for 2–3 cars (via alley)
🌟 Free street parking available weekends (Friday 5 PM–Monday 7 AM)

Guest Policies
➡️ Quiet hours: 10 PM–7 AM to respect our wonderful neighbors
➡️ Ring cameras at front/back doors and alley collect both audio and video and are in place to ensure guest safety

Make Linden House your home base for creating lasting memories in Bloomington. Whether you’re exploring IU, enjoying downtown, or simply relaxing with loved ones, this charming retreat is ready to welcome you.

GUEST ACCESS
Guests can enjoy the entire property with the exception of the garage.

OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:
All streaming services require users to log in with their own accounts to access content and maintain personalized viewing experiences.

Built in 1924, Linden House retains many of its original features, all of which are functional but may operate differently from modern constructions. The original double-hung windows, complete with their counterbalance system requires a delicate touch and some windows will not have screens. Doors, handles and hardware throughout the home reflect the craftsmanship of the time, but may stick or need a little finesse. The original hardwood floors are in great shape, but show signs of 100 years of use. Although modern updates have been made these historic elements remain and add to the home's charm.

Property manager

Nicole and Brad
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Bloomington

Elm Heights, a neighbourhood in Bloomington, is home to this holiday home. IU Opera and Ballet Theater and Indiana University Auditorium are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at IU - Student Recreational Sports Center and Wonderlab Science Museum. Travelling with kids? Consider Jump-N-Joey's and Monroe County Fair Grounds. Take some time off to enjoy the winery tours and health/beauty spas in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like cycling nearby.
Map
Bloomington, IN

What's nearby

  • Indiana University Bloomington - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Indiana University Auditorium - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Wonderlab Science Museum - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Memorial Stadium - 3 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall - 4 min drive - 2.3 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Upstairs Pub - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Mother Bear's Pizza Campus - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪The Restaurants at Woodland - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Nick's English Hut - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is IU at Your Doorstep! Spacious Luxury Stay - Game Room, Firepit & More pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at IU at Your Doorstep! Spacious Luxury Stay - Game Room, Firepit & More?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at IU at Your Doorstep! Spacious Luxury Stay - Game Room, Firepit & More?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is IU at Your Doorstep! Spacious Luxury Stay - Game Room, Firepit & More located?

This family-friendly Bloomington holiday home is located in Elm Heights, within 1 mi (2 km) of IU Opera and Ballet Theater and Indiana University Bloomington. Wonderlab Science Museum and Indiana University Auditorium are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 3 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 3 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sue

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
IU Visit
Loved this charming historic house that was beautifully decorated and stocked with everything you could possibly need. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peggy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best VRBO ever!
Absolutely hands down a great property! The hosts thought of every possible need to make it feel like home. The amenities were perfect for our group. We loved the game room and wished it were warmer to utilize the outdoor space. Excellent experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brittany D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous Historical Home in Bloomington
Our extended family enjoyed the holidays in this beautiful 1920s, renovated home. The hosts were very prompt and responsive in all communications. The home included thoughtful amenities, and the decor and furniture choices were all beautiful. We all enjoyed the games, arcade, pool table, darts, and air hockey. The bedding was high end, and we all slept well. While the kitchen was small for today's standards, it added to the charm of the historic home, and was stocked with everything we needed to make home cooked meals. The outdoor spaces were inviting and would be great for warmer temps. Everyone in our party loved the home, except for our Boilermaker alum, Ha. We will definitely consider staying here again. (Go Hoosiers!)
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

About the host

Hosted by Nicole and Brad

Host profile image
Hello! We're Nicole and Brad, a family with deep ties to Bloomington and a passion for hospitality. Brad, an IU alumnus and Indiana native, grew up immersed in Hoosier traditions and knows all the local favorites - from Nick's English Hut to the Bluebird. While Nicole, originally from California, fell in love with Bloomington's charm - the liveliness of Kirkwood Ave., the serene beauty of Dunn Woods and the campus' remarkable architecture that combines history and character.

We're a family of six, with twin daughters eager to join IU in 2025, a curious and imaginative five-year-old daughter, and an energetic three-year-old son. Our two lovable dogs round out our busy household in Carmel, IN. Hosting gives us the joy of meeting new people, sharing our favorite parts of Bloomington and creating a memorable experience for every guest.

At Linden House, we've carefully designed a space that blends luxury and comfort, perfect for IU events, family getaways, or peaceful escapes. We look forward to making your stay special!

Why they chose this property

What we love most about Elm Heights is its perfect blend of history, community and accessibility. The tree-lines streets are not only visually stunning but also provide a peaceful retreat, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of campus. The neighborhood's rich architectural history, with a mix of charming vintage homes and modern updates, gives it a timeless appeal. Among the neighbors, you'll find IU professors, graduate students and members of the vibrant Greek community.

We also appreciate the walkability of Elm Heights. Being able to easily stroll to campus, Kirkwood Ave, and downtown Bloomington makes it incredibly convenient to visitors. Whether its grabbing a coffee at a local cafe, pizza at Mother Bear's, attending an IU event, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area, Elm Heights offers the perfect location for all of it. There's something special about being so close to the heart of IU but still nestled in a neighborhood that feels like a quiet retreat.

What makes this property unique

Linden House stands out for its exceptional amenities, making it the perfect choice for large groups, families, and anyone looking for a fun and comfortable stay in Bloomington. This spacious home offers a game room that will keep everyone entertained – whether you’re into pool, air hockey, foosball, arcade games, or darts. There’s also a wide selection of cards, dice, and board games for some classic fun with friends and family.

Step outside to a large, fenced yard designed for relaxation and recreation. You’ll find a grill for cookouts, outdoor dining area, firepit to gather around on cool evenings and enjoy s'mores. The outdoor heater adds a cozy touch, ensuring you can enjoy the yard even as the temperatures drop.

For music lovers, the basement lounge is a must-see. Equipped with a record player, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy your favorite tunes in a relaxed, cozy setting.

Linden House is perfect for large groups, with ample space for everyone to spread out and relax. Each room is thoughtfully designed, with several rooms inspired by Indiana University, adding a personal touch for alumni, students, and fans alike. Whether you’re here to cheer on the Hoosiers or enjoy a family getaway, Linden House provides the perfect blend of comfort, entertainment, and convenience.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests