Ellen Ruby Blog's: Pristine Italianate Victorian Mansion in Iowa Is the Week’s Most Popular Home

Friday 11 June 2021

Pristine Italianate Victorian Mansion in Iowa Is the Week’s Most Popular Home

A grand Italianate Victorian mansion in Iowa dating to 1866 is the most popular home this week on Realtor.com®.

The brick beauty in the center of the Hawkeye State appears to have been preserved in amber for over a century. The charming exterior featuring decorative flourishes make this exactly the type of place that daydreamers share with their friends on social media.

Modern updates have also turned this into a comfortable home for modern living. Yes, there’s a ton of floral wallpaper that might need an overhaul, but you’ll also be impressed by the handcarved wood nearly everywhere you look. Plus, the place boasts a newly finished third floor with extra bedrooms and a sitting area.

Besides the Iowa Victorian, you also clicked on a private island with two Frank Lloyd Wright homes, the Georgetown mansion Jacqueline Kennedy moved into after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and a relatively affordable California home overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Scroll on down for a full look at this week’s 10 most popular properties.

10. 9019 Ute Dr, Golden, CO

Price: $1,250,000
Why it’s here: Gloriously remodeled, this four-bedroom mountain retreat with lovely views was built in 1967.

Today, it’s a modern-rustic dream with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and every modern convenience. The 3-acre property is filled with mature trees and comes with a two-car garage, utility shed, and turf lawn.

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9. 3038 N St NW, Washington, DC

Price: $10,000,000
Why it’s here: This historic Georgetown mansion dates to 1805 and is considered one of the finest examples of Federal style in the country. But that’s not the only reason this home is noteworthy.

In 1963, this mansion is where Jacqueline Kennedy lived for a while after the assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy. The eight-bedroom, 9,339-square-foot home has been renovated and boasts rooms for huge parties as well as intimate spaces. A rarity in DC with its large lot size, the home offers multiple terraces, gardens, a pool, and parking for five cars.

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8. 9124 Becker Rd, Wayland, NY

Price: $500,000
Why it’s here: Built in 1973, this six-bedroom home has many of its original features and looks to be in remarkable condition.

Upgrades include an indoor spa, in-law suite, plus wet and dry saunas. Sitting on a lush 11-acre lot, the property could be reimagined as a bed-and-breakfast, an office, or a vacation rental.

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7. 36292 Weston Ridge Rd, Carmel, CA

Price: $825,000
Why it’s here: Views, views, views. This spectacular piece of Big Sur known as Camp Charlie spans 35 acres and overlooks the Pacific.

The log cabin is move-in ready and boasts vaulted ceilings, tons of natural light, and awe-inspiring views of the exquisite coastline and Bixby Bridge.

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6. 405 Old Blue Rock Rd, Lancaster, PA

Price: $269,900
Why it’s here: When it was built in 1838, this structure served as a one-room schoolhouse. In 1936, it was converted into the four-bedroom, 1,848-square-foot home you see today.

It sits on a half-acre and includes a gas fireplace, hardwood floors, and handcrafted window panes. Out back, there’s a deck with hot tub.

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5. 1309 N Nursery Rd, Anderson, IN

Price: $199,900
Why it’s here: Midcentury modern style is affordable in Indiana. This four-bedroom gem is a whimsical trip through a bygone era.

The 1,663-square-foot home features a teal front door, ’60s-era light fixtures, orange Formica in the kitchen, and other pops of riotous color. Balancing the aesthetic are natural elements like wood and an abundance of sunlight.

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4. 74380 Palo Verde Dr, Indian Wells, CA

Price: $5,999,000
Why it’s here: It’s baaaaaaaack. This party palace in the desert has placed among our most popular properties over the years. And each time someone with a large following on social media passes the distinctive dwelling around, it gets new life.

We know it’s popular—but will there ever be a buyer brave enough to take on this seven-bedroom, 12,369-square-foot home done up in a variety of pastel colors? Until then, we’ll keep gawking at the listing photos.

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3. 1 Petre Is, Carmel, NY

Price: $9,950,000
Why it’s here: This is another familiar face—we first covered this property in 2017. It’s surprising that a private island with two Frank Lloyd Wright–designed homes has languished on the market for four years, but here we are.

This 10-acre island in the middle of Lake Mahopac features a home cantilevered over the water. Perhaps a resurgence in popularity is a positive omen for the property, just an hour north of New York City.

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2. 5665 Indian Way, Riegelsville, PA

Price: $475,000
Why it’s here: Set on 10 private acres in Bucks County, this two-bedroom log cabin dates to 1727 and comes with barns and outbuildings.

An additional building just off the cabin comes with a heated second floor, which the listing says would make for a great studio, workout room, or office. It could be a wonderful weekend retreat or even a rustic year-round residence.

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1. 1261 185th St, Pella, IA

Price: $1,250,000
Why it’s here: It’s easy to see why this place would be popular—one look at the exterior and you’re hooked. Perfectly preserved, this five-bedroom mansion is simply picture-perfect.

Meticulously maintained since its construction in 1866, this Italianate Victorian mansion has 5,046 square feet of living space filled with custom woodwork and original details. While the wallpaper is a bit much, the vintage appeal makes up for any shortcomings.

Recent updates include new windows, geothermal heating and cooling, modernized bathrooms, and a newly finished third floor. For a buyer who likes to tinker, there’s also a detached three-car garage with shop.