Built in 1895, this beautifully restored single-family home in Des Moines showcases the enduring charm of late 19th-century Midwestern architecture. With a fully updated exterior and a thoughtfully remodeled interior, the home now offers 1,778 square feet of living space on a generous 7,492-square-foot lot. Priced at $219,900, it features four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a spacious wraparound covered deck. Recent renovations in 2023 include new siding, a roof, windows, HVAC, a kitchen, and bathrooms—blending historic character with modern functionality in a highly accessible neighborhood.

Backyard Space

This spacious backyard offers a wide, open area framed by mature trees and a classic chain-link fence, giving it a quiet, tucked-away feel. The simplicity of the new siding on the rear of the house reflects recent updates while keeping the character modest and true to the home’s 1895 roots. The yard’s size invites endless possibilities for gardening, recreation, or entertaining, all while enjoying the privacy of the surrounding landscape.

Where is Des Moines, IA?

Des Moines, Iowa, is the vibrant capital city located in the heart of the Midwest, known for its historic neighborhoods, lush parks, and strong sense of community. As a growing cultural and economic hub, Des Moines blends early 20th-century charm with modern convenience. The city features a variety of architectural styles, from Folk Victorian homes to mid-century bungalows. With a revitalized downtown, a thriving local food scene, and easy access to major highways, Des Moines offers a balanced lifestyle of heritage and progress. Its tree-lined streets and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal place to call home.

Side Driveway

A gravel driveway runs along the side of the home, offering practical off-street parking with access to the back alley. The updated vinyl siding and fresh exterior details reflect the home’s recent renovation while complementing its traditional gabled roofline. Surrounded by neighboring heritage homes, the space feels grounded in history yet refreshed for modern living. It’s a perfect blend of function and charm within this historic Des Moines neighborhood.

Covered Porch

The wraparound covered porch exudes classic American charm, offering a shaded, peaceful retreat that encourages relaxing afternoons or casual conversation. Clean-lined railings and fresh paint give the space a crisp, polished look while preserving its timeless role as a transitional space between indoors and outdoors. With views of the street and mature trees, this porch embodies the welcoming spirit of historic Midwestern homes.

Open Living

This expansive open-concept living area is filled with natural light, softened by neutral tones and plush carpet underfoot. The layout flows seamlessly into the kitchen, creating a spacious gathering space perfect for family living or entertaining. Though modernized, the room retains echoes of its original 19th-century proportions, with tall ceilings and simple architectural lines contributing to an atmosphere that’s both contemporary and historically grounded.

Main Floor Flow

Warm and open, the main living space showcases clean design and subtle architectural cues that nod to the home’s vintage structure. Two tall front windows bring in steady daylight, while the tucked-away staircase hints at the original two-story floor plan. The soft palette and open floor area allow flexibility in design while highlighting the thoughtful 2023 updates that brought this 1895 home into the modern age.

Powder Room

This compact half bath makes the most of its tucked-away space under the stairs. With a sleek pedestal sink and rounded mirror, the design is both efficient and elegant. Soft wall tones and updated chrome fixtures keep the space feeling fresh while respecting the home’s historic character. It’s a simple, refined space that reflects the attention to detail found throughout this carefully renovated property.

Guest Bedroom

The guest bedroom offers a cozy, light-filled space with two well-placed windows that frame views of the mature neighborhood trees. A generous open closet and soft carpeting contribute to the sense of comfort, while the clean, minimal trim and neutral tones highlight the recent renovation. Despite the modern updates, the room maintains the simple, functional layout typical of homes built at the turn of the 20th century

Shared Bath

Dual vanities and a large mirror offer functionality in this fully updated upstairs bath. Clean cabinetry and wood-look floors blend seamlessly with soft wall tones, while the combined tub and shower deliver practical comfort. The layout is ideal for a family home, echoing the house’s thoughtful 1895 blueprint.

Upper Bedroom

Angled ceilings and recessed closet space give this upstairs bedroom a cozy, character-rich feel. The architectural lines suggest the original attic’s conversion, now a quiet retreat for rest or work. New carpet, fresh paint, and open shelving make the space feel clean yet rooted in the home’s past.

Living Room Light

This wide view of the main living area showcases the home’s spaciousness and natural flow. Tall, narrow windows offer a hint of historical influence, while modern updates like flush lighting and smooth walls keep the aesthetic fresh. It’s a welcoming gathering space with subtle ties to its 19th-century origin.

Sloped Ceiling Bath

Tucked beneath an angled ceiling, this upstairs bathroom blends cozy architecture with fresh updates. A pristine tub-shower combo pairs with a sleek vanity, while soft lighting and wood-look floors bring warmth to the space. The modest slope of the ceiling reflects the original roofline, creating a quiet connection to the home’s 1895 character while offering modern convenience.

Vaulted Kitchen

This vaulted ceiling kitchen offers a sense of openness and light, ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Crisp white cabinetry contrasts with sleek black appliances for a timeless look, while durable flooring runs throughout. The clean, minimalist lines highlight the renovation, yet the simplicity and practicality echo the thoughtful craftsmanship of historic American homes.

Split-Level Entry

A unique multi-level transition space connects different parts of the home with charm and function. Short staircases lead to both upper and lower levels, while warm flooring and soft neutral tones create a cohesive look. The exposed structural angles give a glimpse of the home’s early 20th-century bones, blending old utility with modern design.

Second Bedroom

This tranquil bedroom showcases clean design and a quiet ambiance. Soft beige walls and plush carpeting make the space feel comfortable and inviting. A simple ceiling fixture and white trim reflect the home’s updated style, while the room’s size and layout honor the practical, livable proportions common in homes built during the late 1800s.

Laundry Area

Located in the lower level, the laundry space feels industrial yet clean, with exposed beams and pipes set against painted masonry walls. A single unit washer stands ready for use, highlighting the practical nature of the home’s basement. Though updated, the unfinished elements preserve the raw charm and historic utility of older Midwestern residences.

Utility Room

This freshly painted basement utility area houses updated mechanicals, including a modern water heater and HVAC system. Exposed structural supports and rugged cement flooring speak to the home’s original construction, while improved insulation and organized ductwork offer modern efficiency. It’s a perfect example of old-home resilience upgraded for today’s comfort.

Dormer Retreat

Angled walls and tucked-away windows define this upstairs retreat, perfect for a bedroom or reading nook. The dormer layout creates cozy architectural lines, reminiscent of the original attic structure. Plush carpet and soft natural light make the space feel both secluded and serene, ideal for quiet reflection or rest in a timeless setting.

Kitchen Entrance

The kitchen flows seamlessly into the main living area, framed by vaulted ceilings and bright windows. Sunlight pours in from the front of the home, warming the clean floors and fresh white trim. This transitional space blends functionality with openness, capturing the feel of a home that has grown with its history while staying grounded in simplicity.

Listing Agent: jHo Goh @ GoSynergy Realty via Zillow