1916 Two-Story Classic in Iowa with 4 Spacious Bedrooms, Timeless Wood Trim, Detached 2-Car Garage and Spacious Outdoor Living

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.

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

This classic two-story century home embodies historic charm with its original woodwork and spacious layout. Designed likely in a Colonial Revival style, it features a large living room, dining room, kitchen, and half bath on the main floor. Upstairs offers four sizable bedrooms and a full bath. Built decades ago, it captures the essence of early 20th-century American architecture. The property includes a detached two-car garage and a large, flat yard, perfect for outdoor activities. Though it has been a rental and requires some TLC by a handyman, it is priced attractively at $165,000 and sold as-is, presenting a great opportunity for restoration and personalization.

Detached Garage Exterior

Detached Garage Exterior
Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

A standalone garage constructed with white vinyl siding and a gabled roofline. The garage door is a large, double-wide, white sectional door with raised rectangular panels, accompanied by a smaller pedestrian door to the left. The concrete driveway extends in front, showing slight discoloration and aging. Surrounding the garage are mature trees with sparse foliage, indicating a season of early spring or late fall. The yard consists of a mix of grass and patches of bare soil. A neighboring green house and a few vehicles are visible in the background, contributing to a quiet suburban or rural setting.

Backyard and Garage

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

An expansive backyard with scattered fallen leaves stretches across the scene, bordered by mature deciduous trees that are just beginning to show new spring growth. The grass is a mix of green patches and some areas with dried leaves, suggesting a natural, untended yard. The white-sided garage with a single window stands on the right, accompanied by a long, black metal bench beneath the window. A concrete driveway curves towards the garage, its edges slightly overgrown with grass and leaves. The neighborhood in the distance shows modest homes, contributing to a tranquil suburban setting.

Backyard

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

A spacious backyard with a lush green lawn scattered with fallen leaves surrounds a two-story white house and a detached garage. The house has a simple, rectangular design with white siding and multiple windows providing natural light. A small set of wooden stairs leads to a side door with a modest awning. The detached garage echoes the home’s exterior with matching white siding and a low-pitched roof. Mature trees with budding spring foliage dot the landscape, adding natural beauty and shade. A black wire fence encloses part of the yard, suggesting a subtle boundary within this peaceful suburban setting.

Front Porch Entrance

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

The front porch presents a simple, classic design with aged white wooden siding and floorboards painted in a muted grayish-green tone. A white door with a window panel and the house number “513” above it stands central to one wall, accompanied by two adjacent windows that allow natural light inside. A dark brown floor mat contrasts subtly with the porch floor, while a weathered black handrail leads up the stairs on the right side. The ceiling features visible wood paneling painted white, adding texture and a vintage charm. Outside, landscaped greenery and blooming tulips add color and life to the entrance area, enhancing the inviting atmosphere.

Staircase Landing

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

Dark-stained woodwork frames the staircase and doorway, creating a warm contrast to the subtly patterned wallpaper that adorns the walls. The staircase itself is carpeted in a muted tone, with squared newel posts and a simple balustrade design reflecting early 20th-century craftsmanship. Below the stairs, a small closet with a cream-painted door is open, revealing an interior with wooden flooring. The linoleum floor features a geometric pattern in various shades of tan and brown, evoking a vintage mid-century style. A small, single-pane window with dark trim allows natural light, softening the layered textures of wood, wallpaper, and floor covering.

Living Room View

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

The room has a spacious open floor plan with worn hardwood floors that add a sense of historic charm. Walls are painted a soft, muted beige with contrasting dark stained wood trim around doorways, baseboards, and ceiling edges, creating a striking vintage aesthetic. A large rectangular opening with decorative wood detailing connects to the adjacent room, enhancing flow and openness. Two windows are framed simply with light curtains, allowing natural light to brighten the space faintly. The ceiling has a slightly textured finish, and a basic, single ceiling light fixture hangs in the center. The overall look is classic, understated, with a slightly aged, lived-in feel.

Living Room with Entryway

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

This spacious living room has hardwood floors with a well-worn, warm patina indicative of its vintage character. Walls are painted a muted cream color with dark wood trim and baseboards that frame the room, creating a classic contrast. Two windows with simple light-gray curtains allow natural light to softly illuminate the space. A plain ceiling light fixture hangs centrally overhead. Opposite the windows, a wide doorway with similar dark wood trim opens into a smaller adjacent room painted a bright blue, adding a splash of color to the otherwise neutral palette. A small wall clock and basic heating vent complete the understated design, while the overall layout suggests a focus on open, functional living spaces typical of older American homes.

Sunroom with Windows

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

Bright blue walls and ceiling envelop this small sunroom, creating a cheerful and airy atmosphere. Multiple large, white-trimmed windows wrap around two walls, allowing abundant natural light to flood the space and offer clear views of the surrounding neighborhood. The hardwood floor exhibits signs of age with subtle wear, adding character and historic charm. White baseboards frame the floor and walls, with simple molding details. A modest, vintage-style ceiling light fixture hangs centrally. The room’s casual simplicity and natural light make it a cozy spot for relaxation or reading.

Living Room Entryway

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

Wood floors show age with visible wear and a few marks, contributing to an authentic vintage feel. Soft yellow vertically striped wallpaper covers the walls, bordered by dark stained wood trim close to the ceiling and baseboards, reinforcing a classic early 20th-century aesthetic. A dual window invites natural light, framed by slightly worn wood. An open doorway trimmed with substantial dark wood moldings and featuring square columns leads to an adjoining room, enhancing a sense of spaciousness. A white ceiling fan with lights provides functionality. The room is bare, emphasizing the historic architectural details and patina of time.

Kitchen Area

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

Wooden floors with visible wear and a faded spot suggest frequent use. Dark stained cabinetry lines the walls, contrasting with muted teal countertops and splashback beneath a deep blue upper wall. A white porcelain sink sits on the left, set in red lower paneling. The ceiling sports textured white tiles with a central ceiling fan and light fixture. A wooden door with a lace curtain window leads outside or to another room, matched by thick dark wood trim around doorways and windows. A vintage white gas stove and open floor space complete the modest, dated kitchen layout.

Kitchen Interior

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

The kitchen has a spacious layout with wooden flooring showing wear that adds a rustic charm. Dark wood cabinetry lines two walls, with numerous drawers and cupboards providing ample storage. Countertops are a muted green laminate, complementing the darker wood tones. The far wall is painted a warm reddish-brown, contrasting with the deep blue upper walls and white ceiling. A window above the double sink features a floral valance and light-filtering curtain, letting in natural light. A vintage white gas stove is positioned near the door, which is wooden with a lace curtain inset. A ceiling fan with a light fixture hangs centrally on the textured ceiling, enhancing the utilitarian yet classic ambiance.

Small Bathroom Corner

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

A compact bathroom area painted completely in soft white, creating a clean and bright atmosphere. The white toilet sits snugly in the corner, below a white wall-mounted cabinet with two paneled doors and an open shelf above. The cabinetry has simple round knobs that add a subtle touch of functionality. The floor contrasts gently with warm-toned wood planks, adding an element of natural texture. The adjacent door is painted white with traditional recessed panels and an antique-style lock and handle, hinting at the historic character of the home. The overall design is minimal and practical.

Bathroom Vanity Area

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

The bathroom features a clean, minimalist design with a white vanity cabinet that includes three paneled doors and a single drawer below. The countertop is smooth and white, with an integrated sink and a chrome faucet. Above the vanity, a large three-panel mirrored cabinet provides storage and reflects light to enhance the space’s brightness. The walls are painted in a soft, neutral white, complementing the white cabinetry. The floor is a warm-toned wood or wood-look material, adding subtle warmth. Functional elements include a chrome light fixture with frosted glass shades and a chrome towel ring and toilet paper holder.

Empty Bedroom Corner

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

Two large, sash windows framed in rich, dark wood trim allow natural light to spill into the modest bedroom, highlighting the worn hardwood floors marked with scratches and patches of discoloration. Walls, painted a muted off-white, show signs of age with faint stains and small holes where decor may have once hung. Dark wood baseboards run along the floor’s perimeter, complementing the window trim and enhancing the room’s historic charm. A simple ceiling fan with four blades and a central light fixture hangs from the smooth white ceiling, suggesting mid-century updates within this otherwise traditional room.

Bathroom Details

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

Long, narrow bathroom with a practical layout. The flooring is dark wood-patterned vinyl or laminate that adds warmth and contrast to the otherwise white space. The walls and cabinetry are painted in crisp white, giving a clean and bright ambiance. The vanity includes a white sink with multiple drawers and cupboards beneath for storage. A mirror with a light fixture is mounted above, while a metallic towel ring hangs nearby. The bathtub/shower combo features a white surround with built-in shelves, topped by a gold-tone curtain rod holding a light turquoise shower curtain. Simple and functional.

Empty Room Interior

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

Worn hardwood floors with visible scuffs and discolorations cover the entire room, suggesting significant age and use. Walls are painted a plain off-white and show signs of wear, including some marks and small holes. Dark wood trim frames two doorways: one featuring a white painted door partially ajar, and the other leading into a dimly lit closet or pantry space. The door frames and baseboards have a rich brown stain that contrasts with the pale walls. A black metal floor vent near the door adds a historic touch to the minimalistic, utilitarian space.

Bedroom Interior

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

Light blue walls contrast with dark-stained wood trim around the wide windows, doorway, and closet, evoking a vintage charm. A textured ceiling adds subtle depth above a tan carpeted floor. The closet door is open, revealing shelving, and an old white door leads into a hallway with wallpaper visible. A white ceiling fan with built-in light hangs centrally, highlighting the room’s modest, utilitarian design. The combination of natural light through the triple windows and the historic wooden accents reflect an early 20th-century aesthetic, blending simplicity with period details.

Sunlit Corner Room

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

Two adjacent walls of large, dark wood-trimmed windows allow abundant natural light to flood this room, offering views of neighboring houses and leafy trees. The walls are painted a soft sky blue, contrasted by rich, dark wood baseboards and window frames that add warmth and a touch of historic character. The ceiling is textured with a rough, patterned finish, painted white to brighten the space. A white ceiling fan with pull chains hangs centrally, hinting at ventilation and comfort. The flooring is covered in a neutral beige carpet, adding softness and coziness to the otherwise simple, unornamented room.

Bedroom Corner with Closet

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

The corner of a modest bedroom includes a window dressed with dark gray curtains and white horizontal blinds partially visible behind. Below the window, an electric baseboard heater runs along the wall, with an electrical outlet nearby and a black cord loosely lying on the carpet. The floor is covered with patterned gray carpeting featuring a diamond motif, complementing the neutral cream-colored walls. To the right, an open closet framed with a natural wood trim reveals interior shelves and a hanging rod, highlighting simple yet functional storage options in this small room.

Entry Mudroom

Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC

Raw, unfinished wood framing and oriented strand board walls create a rustic, utilitarian space. A single white door with a square window provides an exterior exit, letting natural light flood in. Next to the door, a rectangular window offers additional daylight and views of the outdoors, where leafy trees and neighboring houses can be seen. A small black doormat lies on the wooden floor, which consists of similarly unfinished boards. Simple shelf brackets are attached to the left wall with a hanging rod, suggesting a place to store coats or gear. The overall aesthetic is practical and bare, awaiting further finishing touches.

Listing Agent: Sarah Cowman of Homefront Real Estate, LLC via Zillow 

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