Tucked away in the heart of Broad Ripple, a curious little bungalow has emerged from the rabbit hole and into reality. Meet Almost Alice—a whimsically designed rental space that’s part storybook fantasy, part Instagram dream, and fully a labor of love. From vintage pocket watches to dancing garden flowers (yes, Barbie faces are involved), this newly opened home is brimming with offbeat details and Wonderland-inspired charm. Whether you’re planning an overnight escape, creative photoshoot, or magical gathering, here are 10 fun facts that bring this surreal space to life.
1. The book nook is literally layered in story.
In a corner of the house meant for quiet and curiosity, the walls are mod-podged with individual pages from 12 unbound copies of “Alice in Wonderland.” Each page was soaked in coffee and hand-applied by the James Rae design team—three full layers of literary magic.
2. Look up in the hallway—yes, those are floating keys.
Roughly 60 vintage-style keys dangle from the hallway ceiling, evoking the moment when Alice must choose the right key to enter Wonderland. They were hand-strung, counted (several times), and hung at different lengths for maximum whimsy.
3. The whole project took two full years to complete.
What started as a creative idea slowly transformed into a passion project. From sourcing vintage pocket watches to custom-building furniture and hand-painting ceiling roses, this was no overnight makeover.
4. Even the pergola lighting has a story.
The candelabras and hanging lamps beneath the garden pergola aren’t just for show—they actually light up, adding an ethereal glow to outdoor evening gatherings (or very curious tea parties).
5. Dancing flowers with Barbie faces? You read that right.
The fence is lined with flowers that appear to dance along its edge. Their faces? None other than repurposed Barbie dolls from Dollar Tree, transformed into a cheeky homage to Wonderland’s living flora.
6. The Mad Hatter’s table is truly a family affair.
The long, colorful table was hand-painted by the daughters of the James Rae design team, adding a sweet, personal touch to one of the most iconic scenes in Wonderland.
7. Roses in the kitchen? You bet they’re painted red.
The ceiling of the kitchen is filled with hand-painted red roses, an ode to the Queen of Hearts’ infamous demand. Each bloom was meticulously touched up for that perfectly imperfect feel.
8. The Caterpillar wasn’t blown in by hookah smoke—it was handcrafted.
Made entirely from styrofoam, foil, and air-dry clay, this 16-hour project brings the mysterious Caterpillar to life. It’s perched in the garden, waiting for guests to ask, “Who are you?”
9. Pocket watches everywhere—and they’re all vintage.
The collection of pocket watches hanging from the dining room ceiling wasn’t a bulk buy, it was a patient, obsessive hunt. Most were scored through eBay auctions, collected one at a time, with a few Wonderland-themed pieces sprinkled in.
10. You can book it now…but don’t be late.
Whether you’re planning a photo shoot, bridal shower, overnight stay, or Mad Hatter–worthy tea party, the house is now open for bookings with a 2-hour minimum. Just don’t be late. It wouldn’t be very Alice of you.
For more information or to book Almost Alice visit almostaliceindy.com.
Leslie Bailey is the cofounder and CEO of Indy Maven and just realized she hasn’t seen the most recent “Alice” film.
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