Built in 1878, this Victorian Revival home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, offers 6,028 sq ft of flexible space on a 7,920 sq ft lot. Listed at $399,900, it features original stained-glass windows, a finished basement, and a converted garage office. Recent upgrades include a new roof, gutters, and windows with lifetime warranties. This property blends historic charm with opportunity for live/work or rental income configurations.

Side Gable Elevation

This side view highlights the home’s steep gables, dormer windows, and decorative trim, hallmarks of its Victorian style. The soft sage-green siding pairs beautifully with white detailing and a warm brown roof. Manicured shrubs and a towering pine add natural privacy. A wooden side stair leads to a separate entry, perfect for business access or private use. The well-maintained exterior blends function and timeless character seamlessly.

Where is Council Bluffs?

Located in southwestern Iowa, Council Bluffs borders Omaha, Nebraska, and is part of the Midwest’s Heartland. The city played a pivotal role in westward expansion and the railroad boom. Today, it offers cultural gems like the Union Pacific Museum, nearby Loess Hills, and rich local heritage. Its location offers easy access to Des Moines, Kansas City, and Omaha’s airport, making it ideal for business or residential life.

Reception Area

The spacious front entry serves as a warm reception or waiting room, ideal for residential or professional use. Features include wood-paneled wainscoting, neutral carpet, and a grand staircase with classic spindles. Floral decals and cozy furnishings add charm, while modern lighting keeps the space bright. This versatile area could welcome clients or guests, offering an inviting first impression that reflects both comfort and vintage appeal.

Open Hallway

A wide hallway connects multiple rooms, anchored by a classic half-wall staircase with turned wood balusters. Walls feature earth-toned wallpaper and wood trim, blending vintage appeal with professional function. Simple black chairs and a corner desk suggest current office use, though this space easily adapts to family living. Overhead lighting and soft carpeting create a calm, approachable feel, suitable for both residential traffic and client flow.

Upper-Level Hall

The upper level includes several multi-use rooms framed by oak doorways and trim. Walls in soft lavender and white offer a light, neutral palette that is perfect for offices, bedrooms, or therapy rooms. Fluorescent ceiling lights and carpeted floors provide practicality, while a centrally located hallway keeps the space functional and organized. This level is ideal for a blended work-life arrangement or potential income-generating rental spaces.

Office Workroom

This compact yet highly functional office workroom is designed for productivity. Rich oak cabinetry lines the walls, offering extensive storage for files and supplies. A built-in desk, computer setup, and organized filing system keep everything efficient. Fluorescent lighting and neutral carpeting create a clean, practical atmosphere. This space is perfect for administrative tasks, printing, or document management—ideal for home-based businesses or a multi-use commercial setup.

Cozy Therapy Room

A vibrant and contemporary space, this room is currently staged as a therapy or consultation office. The dark charcoal carpet and light gray walls contrast beautifully with lime green accents, giving it a lively yet calming energy. Three tall windows bring in generous daylight, while the leather furniture and ceiling fan add comfort and function. The thoughtful layout offers a relaxed setting for meetings, counseling, or casual conversation.

Meeting Room

This spacious room features a stunning bay window wall that floods the area with natural light. A traditional chandelier adds elegance above a central meeting table, which is surrounded by a mix of vintage and modern chairs. The wallpapered finish adds historic flair, perfectly complementing the home’s 19th-century roots. This space is ideal for formal gatherings, team meetings, or a private dining area, depending on your vision for the property.

Grand Library Room

Bold and elegant, this room stuns with deep magenta carpeting, a dramatic chandelier, and a coffered wood ceiling. Floor-to-ceiling custom bookshelves line two walls, creating a true library or study atmosphere. The centerpiece is the ornate curved staircase, an original architectural gem, framed by a rich red accent wall. Ideal for quiet reading, meetings, or entertaining, this room showcases the home’s vintage soul with modern adaptability.

Upper-Level Office Nook

Set beneath an angled ceiling, this upstairs room is warm and welcoming. The earth-toned wallpaper and neutral carpet create a cozy environment, while large windows offer bright daylight and treetop views. Built-in cabinetry and a spacious wooden desk provide ample storage and workspace. With its relaxed feel and intimate corners, it’s well-suited for a private office, reading lounge, or creative retreat away from the main living areas.

Windowed Walkway

This charming hallway connects different wings of the house with elevated character. Lined with textured wallpaper, wood-framed windows, and decorative art, it feels more like a gallery than a corridor. The arched ceiling detail and soft lighting add to its charm. Carpeted stairs rise gently, leading toward private spaces. Whether used as a connector or a display space, this hallway adds dimension and a touch of elegance to the home’s layout.

Vintage-Inspired Bathroom

This charming bathroom blends modern functionality with vintage charm. A trio of original stained-glass windows bathes the space in colorful light, reflecting against the pink ceiling and warm tan wall tiles. Dual sinks with rich wood cabinetry provide ample storage, while a full shower-tub combo with a white curtain adds everyday comfort. Floral wallpaper completes the look, celebrating the home’s historic roots in a cozy, timeless way.

Small Flex Room

This compact, freshly painted room features clean white walls, wood-look vinyl flooring, and bright overhead lighting—a blank canvas for your imagination. Ideal as a private phone booth, therapy pod, or storage niche, this flex space is functional and efficient. Its modest size makes it perfect for quiet tasks or one-on-one sessions, offering a simple yet highly adaptable addition to the home’s multi-use layout.

Private Office Suite

With a minimalist layout and neutral tones, this private office suite provides a calm and professional atmosphere. Soft white walls and natural wood-toned flooring pair seamlessly under fluorescent lighting. Furnished with a desk and two chairs, this room is ready for client consultations, telehealth calls, or writing retreats. The uncluttered design allows for personalization, making it a highly functional and serene workspace.

Play or Therapy Room

Perfectly designed for play therapy, creative workshops, or tutoring, this room features durable wood-look floors, open shelving, and plenty of table space. Soft white walls and fluorescent lighting ensure clarity and focus, while the shelving is stocked with educational tools and playful decor. Whether used for children’s activities or adult sessions, this room supports therapeutic interaction and creative engagement in a cozy, welcoming environment.

Basement Utility Room

The basement utility room provides ample storage and workspace for practical household needs. Visible exposed ductwork, pink insulation, and concrete flooring give it an industrial feel. Custom wood shelving holds labeled boxes and tools, while a washer and dryer stand ready for laundry tasks. This space is ideal for both maintenance and organization, making it a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in the home’s overall functionality.

Top-Floor Bedroom Retreat

This upper-level bedroom feels both spacious and intimate, with angled ceilings, soft purple carpet, and a cozy ambiance. The king-sized bed, plush daybed, and natural light from sliding doors create a restful environment. A ceiling fan adds comfort, and curtains offer privacy. Ideal for guests or a primary suite, the room’s generous layout and warm tones make it a quiet escape at the end of the day.

Parlor 

This richly colored parlor highlights the home’s historic elegance with a deep burgundy carpet, a vintage chandelier, and the show-stopping curved staircase with an ornate railing. A stained-glass window and built-in bookcases frame the room with charm and sophistication. Black leather seating and colorful pillows add comfort while complementing the moody palette. This gathering space balances luxury and warmth, perfect for entertaining or enjoying a quiet evening in a timeless setting.

Tiled Alcove Shower

Tucked beneath an angled ceiling, this unique tiled shower alcove makes clever use of space while delivering a bold design statement. Clad in warm ochre tiles from floor to ceiling, it exudes a cozy, spa-like feel. Two built-in showerheads, recessed lighting, and full-length white curtains enhance the experience. This distinctive feature blends vintage charm with utility, making it both a conversation piece and a functional addition to the home.

Listing Agent: Haifa M Drummey