Historic Homes Des Moines

10/03/2025

✨ Historic Homes A to Z: A is for Arts & Crafts ✨

At the turn of the 20th century, America pushed back against the industrial age with a movement that celebrated craftsmanship, natural materials, and simple beauty. The Arts & Crafts Movement gave us iconic features still loved today:

🪵 Hand-crafted woodwork
🎨 Stained glass and built-ins
🏡 Bungalows and American Foursquares

This style wasn’t just about looks — it was a philosophy. “Truth to materials” meant wood looked like wood, stone looked like stone, and homes were designed to feel warm, human, and real.

Des Moines still holds many Arts & Crafts gems, from cozy bungalows to spacious Foursquares that wear the movement’s influence proudly.

04/17/2025

🏛 Architectural Spotlight: Proudfoot Legacy in Knoxville 🏛
📍 410 W Montgomery Street | Knoxville, IA
🗓 1931 | Designed by Proudfoot, Rawson, Souers & Thomas

This 1931 residence is a striking example of architectural sophistication, designed by the legendary Iowa firm Proudfoot, Rawson, Souers & Thomas—best known for shaping the look and feel of the state’s most iconic civic and academic buildings.

Here, their legacy takes residential form with the same hallmark balance of proportion, material, and enduring design. The home draws from Tudor Revival influences, seen in the steeply pitched slate roof, narrow multi-lite windows, and arched front entry, but the ex*****on is all Proudfoot—elegant, intentional, and built to last.

From the exterior, you’ll notice:
🧱 Double-wythe brickwork with crisp lines and a subtle play of color
🪟 Grouped casement-style windows that bring in natural light while reinforcing the home’s verticality
🏛️ A symmetrical front elevation, enhanced by a grand circular drive and stone entry detailing

Inside, the craftsmanship continues with:
🌳 Rich walnut millwork, original to the home
📐 Tall ceilings and defined room transitions, offering both flow and formality
📚 Dedicated spaces like a library and study, echoing early 20th century ideals of learning and leisure
🏋️‍♂️ A fully finished lower level, blending function with architectural continuity

While Proudfoot’s public buildings helped define Iowa’s architectural identity, this home offers a rare glimpse into how their mastery translated into private, residential design—thoughtful, enduring, and undeniably distinguished.

Want to own this piece of Iowa’s architectural story? Reach out to schedule your private tour and experience Proudfoot’s legacy firsthand.

View more photos and information:
https://austinbittner.soldbyrev.com/details.php?mls=188&mlsid=715670



Presented by:
Austin Bittner Real Estate Team
Powered by RE/MAX Revolution
Historic Homes Des Moines

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Courtesy and permissions:
Michelle Greene
Realty ONE Group Impact

03/24/2025

🏡 Timeless Folk Victorian in the Heart of Winterset 🏡

Step into history with this beautifully preserved Folk Victorian, built in 1905 and thoughtfully updated for today’s living. Situated on a charming corner lot in Winterset, this two-story home blends vintage charm with modern comfort—think original character, wide front porches, and tasteful updates throughout.

🪟 From the decorative gables to the inviting covered porch with turned posts, this home radiates the warmth and simplicity of early 20th-century craftsmanship. It’s a perfect example of everyday elegance from a bygone era.

✨ Historic Features You’ll Love:
⚫️Original hardwood floors and trim
⚫️Vintage gables with timeless curb appeal
⚫️Elegant staircase and spacious front parlor
⚫️Classic covered porch
⚫️Butler’s pantry just off the kitchen
⚫️Stone foundation

View all the photos and learn more:
🖇️ https://austinbittner.soldbyrev.com/details.php?mls=188&mlsid=713735

If historic homes make your heart skip a beat, this Folk Victorian is ready to write its next chapter—with you. 💛

Give our page a like to see more historic homes!



Presented by:
Austin Bittner Real Estate Team
Powered by RE/MAX Revolution
Historic Homes Des Moines

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Courtesy of and permission from:
Rachel Eller
Summerset Realty

03/12/2025

🏡✨ Colonial Revival Charm in the Heart of Des Moines! ✨🏡

Step back in time and experience the grace of a 1925 Colonial Revival, where historic elegance meets modern comfort. Nestled in a picturesque neighborhood, this brick beauty showcases the timeless symmetry and craftsmanship that define this beloved architectural style.

From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by original hardwood floors, rich woodwork, and a stately fireplace, evoking the warmth and character of a bygone era. The sun-drenched four-season room invites you to relax, while the thoughtfully remodeled kitchen seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary convenience. Upstairs, spacious bedrooms and a classic soaking tub offer a retreat reminiscent of the home's 1920s origins.

Outside, the wrap-around deck and lush double lot provide the perfect setting for enjoying the beauty of this historic home. With tasteful updates that honor its past, this Colonial Revival is a rare find for those who appreciate architectural heritage and timeless design.

🏠 Built: 1925
📍 Location: 689 42nd Street Des Moines, IA 50312
⌨️ https://austinbittner.soldbyrev.com/details.php?mls=188&mlsid=707975

📸 Drop a ❤️ if you love historic homes, and tell us what feature of this Colonial Revival captures your heart the most! 👇

Presented by:
Austin Bittner Real Estate Team
Powered by RE/MAX Revolution
Historic Homes Des Moines

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Courtesy of:
Shawna Sample
Keller Williams Greater Des Moines

02/20/2025

🏡✨ Calling all historic home lovers & restoration enthusiasts! ✨🏡

Step back in time with this 1885 Queen Anne Victorian that’s waiting for the right owner to bring it back to life! With some original woodwork and intricate architectural details, this grand beauty has all the potential to showcase the character and charm of a bygone era.

Yes, it needs some love (a lot) — but if you have the vision, passion, and dedication, this could be the restoration project of your dreams! Imagine the possibilities: soaring ceilings, elegant staircases, and a home filled with history and warmth.

🏠 Built: 1885
📍 Location: 1724 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50314
🔨 Fixer-upper with tons of potential
⌨️ https://austinbittner.soldbyrev.com/details.php?mls=188&mlsid=712192

Opportunities like this don’t come around often—let’s talk about how you can make this historic gem yours! Send me a message or comment below for more details.

Presented by:
Austin Bittner Real Estate Team
Powered by RE/MAX Revolution
Historic Homes Des Moines
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Courtesy of:
RE/MAX Revolution

04/25/2024

Step into history with this extraordinary residence, a true gem steeped in the rich heritage of Altoona. Built in 1875 for the town's esteemed doctor, this home stands as a testament to a bygone era, blending timeless elegance with modern comforts.

Presented by:
Austin Bittner Real Estate Team
Powered by RE/MAX Revolution
Historic Homes Des Moines

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Courtesy of:
RE/MAX Revolution

Step into history with this extraordinary residence, a tr...