1911 Stucco Bungalow in Iowa with Coffered Ceilings, Fireplace Insert, With Built-In Buffet, Bloom-Filled Gardens and Mature Trees on a 9,000 Sq. Ft. Lot

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

This charming bungalow, located in Des Moines’ North of Grand neighborhood, is a beautiful example of early 20th-century architecture. Built as a century home, it features original woodwork, built-in cabinetry, and hardwood floors that highlight its historic character. The formal dining room boasts a coffered ceiling and classic buffet, perfect for gatherings. A professionally installed fireplace insert adds warmth to the home. Upstairs includes three bedrooms and a versatile sleeping porch, while an unfinished attic offers room for expansion. The large fenced backyard with mature trees enhances privacy. Priced at $345,000, this home combines historic charm with modern comfort in a walkable, vibrant location close to amenities.

Front Exterior View

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

A charming early 20th-century American home with a steeply pitched gray shingle roof and white stucco walls contrasted by muted green window trim. The front facade highlights a prominent gable with symmetrical double windows above a covered porch, flanked by lush green shrubbery. Concrete steps lead up to a dark front door sheltered by the porch roof, which is supported by square pillars. A single chimney rises above the roofline, and mature trees provide a soft, natural backdrop. The adjacent homes feature complementary classic designs, lending a nostalgic neighborhood atmosphere, while a neatly maintained lawn and a clear blue sky complete the setting.

Backyard and House Exterior

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

The backyard area shows a spacious, somewhat bare yard with patches of dry grass and some scattered wood logs along the edge. A stone or concrete border defines the boundary of the yard. The house exterior is painted in a light cream color with muted green trim around the windows and doors. Architectural details include a steep, gray shingled roof, a chimney, and a small enclosed porch with a door and window. The setting includes a weathered wooden fence separating neighboring properties and a clear blue sky overhead, enhancing the historic and peaceful ambiance.

Backyard and Exterior

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

A spacious backyard with mature trees, including a large central tree surrounded by a rustic log border, creates a natural focal point. The ground is a mix of dirt and sparse vegetation, hinting at a quiet, untamed garden space with potential. The house’s rear exterior is painted in a light cream color with a muted green door and window shutters. The simple, two-story home features a pitched roof and several windows, while neighboring homes and a wooden privacy fence enclose the backyard, enhancing the feeling of seclusion and suburban charm.

Front Yard and Driveway

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

A charming historic American home with a steeply pitched gable roof and white siding contrasts with dark trim around the windows. A porch runs along the front façade, bordered by well-maintained shrubs and a potted plant near the concrete steps leading up to the door. The driveway stretches alongside the house, clean with a slight discoloration mark. The lawn is partially green with garden beds on each side of the walkway containing dormant or early spring plants covered in dark mulch. Bare trees in the background add a seasonal touch, while neighboring homes with similar period details complete the scene beneath a blue sky dotted with white clouds.

Front Porch Seating

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

The porch has a quaint, inviting ambiance, defined by a soft green and off-white color palette that complements the historic charm. Two brown wicker rocking chairs flank a small wooden table with a drawer and lower shelf, offering a comfortable setting for relaxation. The porch floor is painted in muted blue, contrasting subtly with the light walls. Windows and the main door feature green trim with clean, classic lines. The door has a screen with lace curtains visible, enhancing the vintage aesthetic. A red mailbox adds a vibrant touch against the textured stucco wall. The ceiling is painted white with a modest light fixture.

Living Room Fireplace

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

The hearth is framed by a large wooden mantel resting on a textured stone surround above reddish-brown tiled hearth flooring. A sleek black metal wood-burning stove with maintenance tools sits in the center, exuding warmth. The white walls create a crisp contrast against the natural wood trim, while decorative accents such as framed botanical prints, green glass vase, and a strand of colorful hanging hearts add charm to the space. Adjacent wooden cabinetry and a chair with a tan cushion enrich the natural, historic Craftsman style filled with light and cozy details.

Living Room Entry

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

Hardwood flooring seamlessly stretches across the spacious living area with pristine white walls surrounding the room. A classic brick fireplace under a wide wooden mantel acts as a focal point on one side, adorned with framed art and a large mirror. Natural wood trim highlights the windows and door frames, lending warmth and contrast. A wooden staircase with paneled wainscoting and a small round window beneath introduces architectural interest. Bright yellow floral curtains bring subtle color, while the front door with frosted glass leads to a covered porch visible through adjacent windows, inviting natural light.

Living Room Center Seating

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

A serene living room with a light blue sofa centered between two black metal bookshelves filled with books and decor items including a small globe. On the left, a wooden-framed glass door opens to an adjoining sunlit room with a rocking chair. Warm wooden beams and trim frame the open doorway to a dining area, featuring classic craftsmanship with built-in cabinetry. The hardwood floor adds natural warmth, contrasting with white walls and a clean ceiling. Yellow patterned curtains frame a central window, and a rustic wooden coffee table below the sofa holds an array of magazines and books, lending a cozy, lived-in feel.

Dining Room and Living Room View

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

Light hardwood floors extend through the dining area into the adjoining living room, creating a warm, inviting flow. The dining room table is draped with a white cloth, surrounded by mismatched wooden chairs, blending traditional and casual styles. Rich, medium-tone wood trim frames the walls, windows, and ceiling beams, highlighting the craftsman-style architecture. A vintage stained-glass pendant light dangles from the beamed ceiling, adding decorative charm. Through the large openings with glass-paned French doors and windows, the adjacent living room is visible, furnished with a pale green sofa and accented with floor lamps that enhance the bright, airy atmosphere.

Kitchen Interior

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

This kitchen has a traditional design with oak cabinetry that lines the walls, featuring raised panel doors with a natural wood finish. The cabinetry extends above and below the gray laminate countertops, forming an L-shape along two walls. A large stainless steel refrigerator with a French door style stands prominently beside a smaller lower cabinet. The sink is located beneath a window, adding natural light and views outside. The space is equipped with a gas stove, a dishwasher, and a ceiling fan with lights. The flooring consists of grayish ceramic tiles, complementing the neutral and functional aesthetic.

Sunroom with Plants

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

Bright and airy sunroom lined with multiple large windows allowing ample natural light to flood in. The room’s white painted wooden ceiling with beadboard detail complements the white walls, enhancing the spacious, clean feel. A white ceiling fan is centrally mounted. The natural wood floor adds warmth, anchored by a large patterned area rug in muted blues, reds, and browns. Various green potted plants placed around the perimeter bring life and color contrast to the neutral tones. Simple, classic molding frames the windows and baseboards, fitting the historic charm. Views of a quiet neighborhood street are visible outside.

Bathroom Vanity and Toilet Area

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

A compact bathroom space with a clean, crisp white palette dominates the area. The white beadboard wainscoting extends around the room, complementing white cabinetry above the toilet, which has small, ornate knobs with a vintage feel. The sink vanity is simple, white porcelain with a classic chrome faucet and a towel ring holding a navy blue towel for a subtle splash of color. Above the sink is a mirrored medicine cabinet with rounded light fixtures. A small floral artwork provides a gentle decorative touch beneath the cabinetry, while the ceiling is painted a soft green, adding a hint of refreshing contrast. The flooring is a warm-toned wood, grounding the light, airy ambiance of this bathroom corner.

Children’s Bedroom

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

A simple children’s bedroom with hardwood flooring and white walls outlined with light beige trim. A wooden bunk bed with a lower bed covered in a star-patterned blue sheet and upper bed holding a collection of plush toys occupies one corner. A white open bookshelf filled with books, small boxes, and toys stands next to the bed. On the opposite wall, a black electronic keyboard with a padded black seat is positioned beneath a small gallery of framed pictures. A white ceiling fan with three lights provides overhead illumination, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

Bright Sunroom Corner

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

The space is a small sunroom or enclosed porch section bathed in natural light from four adjacent windows. The windows are dressed with simple white half curtains that billow gently, suggesting a light breeze. The walls and ceiling are painted a clean, soft white, creating an airy and spacious feeling. The warm honey-toned wood floorboards run parallel beneath, showing subtle character and age. The room is minimalist with no furniture, emphasizing openness and versatility. The view outside reveals mature trees and hints of neighboring houses, adding a peaceful suburban charm to the space.

Sunroom and Adjacent Bedroom

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

Bright sunroom with natural hardwood floors bathed in sunlight streaming from a large window. The walls and ceiling are painted crisp white, enhancing the airy feel of the space. A wide opening with mustard yellow curtains leads into an adjoining bedroom, where a vintage wooden dresser and colorful quilted bedspread add warmth and historic charm. Architectural details include simple white trim around the window and doorways, along with slightly elevated flooring that subtly separates the two rooms. The space offers a clean, minimalist canvas highlighting the home’s historic character through original wood flooring and traditional room divisions.

Bedroom with Workspace

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

Light cream walls and trim frame the room’s vintage hardwood floor, lending a soft warmth to the space. A modest-sized bed sits against the wall under two colorful modern art prints, covered in an earthy, patterned quilt with neutral-toned pillows. Next to the bed, a window seat is tucked under the single window with a green patterned curtain, allowing natural light to brighten the room. Opposite the bed, a simple antique wooden desk holds an iMac and ring light, paired with a rustic metal chair featuring a brown leather seat, blending historic charm with practical modern use.

Sunroom Entrance

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

Bright sunroom highlighted by multiple large windows that allow ample natural light, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. The walls and trim are painted soft white, paired with beadboard wainscoting that adds subtle historic charm. A simple white door provides access to an outdoor area, blending indoor and outdoor living. The ceiling is finished with white-painted wooden planks and exposed beams that enhance the vintage appeal. A neutral circular woven rug on the light gray floor introduces texture and warmth to the minimalist space, offering a cozy spot to enjoy outdoor views from indoors.

Basement Utility Area

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

Exposed wooden ceiling beams and an extensive network of metal and PVC pipes run throughout the ceiling. The floor is painted smooth gray concrete with a small beige round rug near the laundry appliances. A water heater and a furnace with visible ducts occupy the left corner on a raised platform. The walls consist of painted white brick, giving an industrial, utilitarian feel. Two white laundry machines sit side-by-side against the far wall beneath a dark wooden window, providing natural light. The white walls, gray floors, and exposed mechanical elements create a functional but clean basement workspace.

Basement Storage Area

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

A spacious basement room with painted concrete floors in a muted gray tone. The walls are whitewashed brick, adding texture and a sense of historic character. The ceiling is unfinished, revealing exposed pipes, wooden beams, and an earthy-toned insulation or paneling. Fluorescent light fixtures hang from the ceiling alongside a single exposed bulb, giving utilitarian illumination. Built-in white wooden shelving lines the right side, holding various tools, paint cans, and storage bins, emphasizing its use for organization and storage. An inset utility area is visible at the back, hinting at laundry or maintenance functions. A plain white door and a white cabinet affixed to the wall provide additional storage options, maintaining the clean and functional aesthetic often seen in older homes’ basement areas.

Basement Sitting Area

Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts

Low ceiling with bright white painted walls creates a clean, simple ambiance in this basement corner. A small horizontal window near the ceiling lets in limited natural light. Patterned brown and beige carpet adds texture and warmth to the otherwise stark space. Modern, minimalist black metal chairs with fabric seats surround a small black glass-top table. One chair has a throw blanket draped over it, while a patchwork cushion on the loveseat introduces subtle color and pattern. A built-in white cabinet is mounted on the wall, providing storage without disrupting the minimal décor.

Listing Agent: Micole Van Walbeek of RE/MAX Concepts via Zillow 

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