This historic century home, known as “The Prettiest Farm in Iowa,” sits on a 12-acre plot near Ossian, IA, embodying rural elegance and thoughtful stewardship. Featured in Our Iowa magazine in 2010, the estate blends modern comforts with timeless architecture, offering over 4,600 square feet of living space within a picturesque farmhouse style. Originally built with classic lines, it has been meticulously renovated over the past 30 years, including a remodeled kitchen with granite countertops, a private suite wing, and sustainable features like geothermal heating and a solar array. Listed at $1,800,000, the property also features a 3-acre pond, spacious outbuildings, and expansive workshop spaces, making it an unparalleled private sanctuary perfect for both living and entrepreneurship.
Pond and Gazebo
A large, tranquil pond sits center stage, bordered by neat stonework and lush, green grass. To the right, a charming white gazebo rests over the water, connected to shore by a gently arching white bridge. In the foreground, a water fountain creates elegant sprays and ripples on the pond’s surface. The main house, painted in soft white and gray tones with a welcoming porch, stands behind the pond, surrounded by manicured landscaping. Mature trees and an expansive field frame the background, highlighting the peaceful, rural setting and cohesive, serene outdoor aesthetic.
Front Yard and Exterior
A sprawling, well-kept front lawn leads to a stately historic home painted in bright white and light beige tones. The main house has two stories, accented with large windows, a wraparound porch, and classic gabled roofs. A three-car garage sits attached to the right, matching the house in color and style. Mature trees with budding leaves and a landscaped flower bed featuring a prominent boulder add character to the yard. The driveway curves smoothly toward the garage, while the porch offers shaded seating. The scene is set against a clear blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds, creating a welcoming country atmosphere.
Dining and Kitchen Space
A spacious, open-concept area with tile flooring combines the dining and kitchen spaces. The dining table is large, wooden, and surrounded by matching spindle-back chairs, set on a patterned area rug. The kitchen features an L-shaped layout with a high bar counter and five metal stools with decorative backs. Wooden cabinetry in a warm honey tone matches the trim around windows, doors, and the staircase leading upstairs. Pendant and chandelier lights provide illumination, while glass-paneled doors and a leaded glass entry door accentuate the entryways. The palette is natural and warm, with greens, tans, and wood tones dominating the scene.
Kitchen Island
Spacious kitchen with wood cabinetry in a honey oak finish and granite countertops throughout. A large center island with black granite surface serves as a focal point, surrounded by four black and chrome barstools. The floor is covered in tan ceramic tiles that complement the wood tones. The kitchen is equipped with white appliances, including a refrigerator adorned with family photos, a microwave, and an electric stove. Pendant lights with frosted glass shades hang above the island, providing ample illumination. Large corner windows by the sink offer views outside, while a vase of fresh flowers adds a welcoming touch.
Kitchen and Dining Area
A spacious kitchen with warm wooden cabinetry, black granite countertops, and a matching kitchen island anchors the foreground. To the left is a white electric stove and built-in microwave, with a wooden barstool tucked beneath the counter. Pendant lights hang overhead, creating a welcoming ambiance. The open layout extends into a dining area furnished with a classic wooden dining set on tiled flooring. Beyond the dining space, the area seamlessly connects to a living room and includes a wooden staircase with matching trim and a decorative vase at its base, accentuating the craftsman-inspired, inviting aesthetic.
Home Office Workspace
This home office features dark wood cabinetry and a large L-shaped granite desk surface covered with notepads, papers, and office supplies, giving a sense of active daily use. Two high-backed black leather executive chairs provide comfortable seating. The room is brightly lit with recessed ceiling lights and natural light that floods through a wide, triple-pane window, framed in honey-toned wood, offering a view of neatly trimmed pine trees outside. Above the window, family photos and a mounted fish lend a personal touch. The neutral-colored walls create a calm, professional atmosphere, accented by functional built-in wooden shelving and cabinetry.
Bathroom Vanity
Warm, neutral tones fill the space, with light beige walls contrasted by oak wood trim around a window and baseboards. A single-sink vanity with matching oak cabinetry provides under-sink storage and is topped with a white countertop. Above the sink, a mirrored medicine cabinet framed in wood is illuminated by a row of globe vanity lights. The countertop hosts a vase of artificial wildflowers, soap dispenser, and a candle. The toilet sits to the right, neatly accessorized with a tissue box and rust-colored cloth. The overall design feels simple, tidy, and inviting, accented by an autumnal color palette.
Entryway Seating Area
A welcoming entryway with a warm, traditional vibe. The room features a blue door accented with natural wood trim that matches the door frames and ceiling molding. The floor is tiled in an earthy pattern of tan, beige, and gray. A wooden bench is placed against one wall, offering a practical spot to sit. Nearby, a coat rack holds several jackets and ball caps. Wall art depicting aerial photography and rural landscapes adds character. The space leads into an adjoining hallway and is illuminated by recessed ceiling lights, giving the area a functional yet cozy ambiance.
Garage Interior
A spacious, well-lit garage with a clean, speckled light beige floor and walls painted in soft white. Three vehicles, including a dark crossover, a vintage green coupe, and a blue pickup truck, are parked inside. The ceiling is high and fitted with multiple LED lights and garage door openers. Wooden trim runs along the upper edge of the walls, and an overhanging shelf holds small model vehicles. At the rear, there are two large garage doors and a small window, along with a few posters and neon signs adding a touch of personality to the otherwise functional space.
Bathroom Details
This bathroom features a clean and functional layout, with a focus on accessibility. The walls are painted a soft white, accented by warm wood trim and cabinetry, including a distinctive octagonal window and matching wall cabinets on either side of the room. The standard white toilet and pedestal sink have nearby metal grab bars for support, reflecting a practical, safety-conscious design. Flooring is speckled, coordinating with geometric patterned trim that runs along the base of the walls. The large framed mirror above the sink, a wall-mounted light fixture, and a metal stand for toilet paper complete the simple, inviting aesthetic.
Living Room Seating
This spacious living room features a cluster of brown leather recliners and a matching sofa arranged around a round wooden coffee table. The warm wood flooring is softened by area rugs in seating areas. Natural light pours in from two large windows framed in light wood, offering views of a tranquil pond and greenery. The ceiling is enhanced with recessed lighting and a decorative tray detail edged with wood trim, complemented by a central ceiling fan with light. Neutral beige walls are accented with artwork and personal photographs, giving the space a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.
Bedroom Layout
A spacious bedroom displays a refined, classic style with warm tan carpeting and honey-toned wood trim framing the ceiling, doors, and windows. A large, wooden bed with carved details and a beige and brown comforter serves as the focal point, flanked by matching wooden nightstands and a chest of drawers. Two large windows and a stained glass transom allow ample natural light, brightening the space. An exercise bike and a small bench sit against the wall beside framed artwork. Cozy seating is added with a blue upholstered armchair, and a ceiling fan with palm-shaped blades completes the restful atmosphere.
Walk-In Closet
A spacious walk-in closet features built-in wooden shelving and open drawers on the right, with garments neatly hung on rods both above and below. Opposite is another wood wardrobe unit with additional hanging space. Soft beige carpeting covers the floor, lending a cozy feel, while a wooden bench sits beneath a window framed in natural wood, allowing plentiful daylight to brighten the room. Decorative glass pieces and small collectibles rest atop the shelving. The overall aesthetic is warm and organized, blending practical storage solutions with elements of traditional charm and comfort.
Bathroom Retreat
A serene and spacious bathroom balances natural light with earthy textures. A tiled soaking tub sits beneath a large stained-glass window framed in warm wood, surrounded by lush green houseplants that add vibrancy. Above the tub, a delicate metal wall sculpture of overlapping daisies serves as a decorative focal point. On the right, a walk-in shower is lined with elegant gray stone tiles and features a built-in bench and shelving niches. The central wooden cabinet, finished in honey oak, adds storage and warmth to the space, complementing the soothing palette of grays and beiges throughout the room.
Laundry Room Details
A functional and tidy laundry room features a washer and dryer set beneath honey-toned wooden cabinets for storage. The light beige tile flooring complements the cabinetry, while the countertops, finished in a marbled brown, provide workspace and house a stainless steel sink. Along one wall, a series of laundry baskets sit neatly under a long countertop, offering convenient sorting space. A window framed in wood brings natural light into the room, enhancing the light blue painted walls. Decorative touches include a modern metallic sunburst wall art, adding a touch of personality and visual interest to the organized space.
Bedroom Details
A bright and cozy bedroom with cream-colored walls and a soft beige carpet. The wooden headboard bed is covered in a blue and gray bedspread with a modern geometric circle pattern, paired with matching pillows. Two large windows allow ample daylight, creating an airy atmosphere. On each side of the bed are wooden nightstands, one with a ceramic lamp adding a warm glow. Art and decorative wall accents hang above the headboard, while a glass display cabinet stands in the corner. A small older-style TV sits in an upper corner. Festive, colorful decor accents a wooden dresser in the foreground.
Bedroom Details
Warm, neutral tones create a cozy bedroom atmosphere, accentuated by soft beige walls and carpet. A wooden bed with a headboard is covered with a quilt featuring a purple, black, and cream geometric pattern. At the foot of the bed sits a large wooden chest, complementing the matching wood bookshelf filled with books, personal items, and decor. Two windows, framed with blue valances, allow ample daylight to brighten the space. A glass-front curio cabinet and a wooden dresser add to the traditional charm, while a simple rocking chair with a white draped cloth offers a touch of vintage style near the windows.
Private Waterfront Dock
A metal dock with geometric grating panels extends over calm water, surrounded by a rocky shoreline. The dock leads to a covered boat slip with a green canopy, sheltering a pontoon boat. A metal bench with armrests sits at one side for relaxing or enjoying the view. A tall pole with a mounted lamp stands nearby, offering illumination for evening use. Across the water, a manicured grassy bank rises, dotted with mature trees and edged with stone. The overall setting is serene, with open blue skies, gentle water reflections, and expansive rural landscapes in the distance.
Sunroom Gathering Space
A bright, octagonal sunroom features natural pine wood walls and ceiling, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Large windows on every side flood the space with sunlight and provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including lush trees and open fields. The floor is carpeted in a soft, neutral tone, complementing the woodwork. Arranged in a circle, six armchairs with a delicate blue botanical print surround a large, oval glass table in the center. Overhead, two sets of track lights add functional lighting, while simple decorative accents on the wall add rustic charm and a touch of personal style.
Garden Pond Pavilion
A white wooden pavilion sits gracefully on a round stone foundation in the middle of a tranquil pond, accessible by a gently sloping footbridge with white railings. The pavilion features multiple large windows and a cupola with additional windows, inviting natural light inside. The pond’s water is calm, edged with a border of scattered rocks and surrounded by manicured green grass. The open sky above is bright, dotted with fluffy clouds, infusing the scene with serenity. The architectural style hints at classic Americana, blending seamlessly with the wide, rural landscape in the background.
Game Room Details
This spacious game room features a central pool table with a brown protective cover, set atop cream carpet. Natural light floods the room through large sliding glass doors on the left, overlooking a landscaped yard with a stone retaining wall. A neon pool room sign decorates the wall near large windows. Towards the back, exercise equipment, including an elliptical, stands next to a wooden entertainment unit and wall-mounted TV. The walls are painted soft white, complemented by natural pine trim, doors, and cabinetry. Recessed ceiling lights and a vintage style pendant above the table create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Family Recreation Room
A spacious and open recreation room with a cozy yet functional design, featuring a mix of tile flooring near a wood island with bar stools and carpet throughout the remainder. Large windows with wooden trim allow abundant natural light. The space includes a central round wooden dining or game table with matching chairs, a foosball table, and a comfortable relaxation area with a recliner and wall-mounted TV. Decorative touches include framed art, vintage sewing machines, and small collectibles. Recessed ceiling lights and a ceiling fan provide ample illumination, creating a welcoming, multipurpose gathering area.
Covered Patio Area
Spacious open-sided patio with a sturdy metal roof supported by white columns, offering a blend of rustic and functional aesthetics. The ceiling is strung with glowing bulb lights, creating a warm evening ambiance. Beneath the patio are two large wooden picnic tables set on a smooth concrete floor, inviting gatherings or outdoor meals. The back wall features rustic wood siding and a white roll-up garage style door for storage or utility use. Surrounded by green grass, mature trees, and set beside a tranquil pond, the space feels peaceful and connected to the open rural landscape.
Garage Exterior
A large four-bay garage stands prominently with clean white siding and a blue metal roof. Each garage door is uniform, painted white, with the far left door featuring horizontal windows for natural light. The building sits on a smooth concrete slab that transitions into a paved driveway, providing ample space for vehicles to enter or exit. Modern rectangular outdoor light fixtures are mounted between the doors, contributing to the contemporary, functional design. The backdrop consists of a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds, and a few green tree tops are visible, adding a touch of nature to the setting.
Garage Work Bay
A spacious, utilitarian garage area with high ceilings, bright white walls, and a polished concrete floor. Industrial-style fluorescent lights run overhead, providing ample illumination. A drainage grate is embedded in the center of the floor. One wall features mounted hoses, power cords, and various hooks for equipment, hinting at dedicated work or wash bay functionality. A small window on the end wall allows natural light, while industrial fixtures and access doors contribute to the functional, almost clinical vibe. The room overall feels clean, organized, and highly practical, designed for automotive or maintenance tasks.
Garage Workshop
A spacious and functional garage with a polished concrete floor and high corrugated metal ceiling, brightly lit by overhead industrial light fixtures. Along the left wall, shelving units and racks are stacked with lumber, tools, and hardware. A beige SUV is parked beside a boat on a trailer and bales of hay, giving the space a utilitarian feel. Workbenches, tool storage, orange ladder, and stacked equipment drive home the workshop vibe. Exposed insulation and wooden framework add a raw, unfinished aesthetic, while organized clutter and thoughtful storage hint at regular and active use for both projects and storage.
Front Exterior
A wide driveway leads up to the front of a house featuring a mix of white siding and light-colored stonework along the lower exterior walls. The entrance is centered beneath a small gable overhang, supported by two white columns. Large windows flank the door on both sides. To the right, a tall, modern garage door with rectangular panes lets in natural light. A mature tree with spreading branches stands in front of the entrance, surrounded by simple landscaping with trimmed bushes and mulch. The overall color palette is soft and clean, dominated by whites and earth tones under a clear sky.
Workshop Interior
A spacious, well-lit workshop filled with woodworking equipment takes up the entire room. Long fluorescent lights are evenly spaced across a textured white ceiling, casting bright, clear illumination. The walls and cabinets are finished in a warm, honey-toned wood, creating a cozy, inviting workspace. Numerous machines and tools, including a table saw, planer, and drill press, stand ready for use. Worktables and counters are lined with woodworking projects, hand tools, and measuring devices. Black and chrome bar stools are positioned at the central workstation. An organized wall-mounted tool rack and an array of labeled drawers make storage efficient and accessible.
Workshop Interior
A spacious workshop area with high ceilings and fluorescent lighting creates a bright, utilitarian setting. The concrete floor is largely clear except for a utility vehicle, pallet-loaded bags of material, and a forklift. The left wall is lined with tool storage, pegboards full of hand tools, and a row of metal filing cabinets. Orange ladders, large blue storage barrels, and various power tools are visible, conveying an industrial, organized yet heavily-used workspace. A loft runs along the far wall, containing lumber, more tools, and equipment. Yellow cranes and exposed beams add a rugged, functional touch.
Aerial Overview
Expansive property featuring a large white two-story farmhouse with a gray roof and welcoming covered porch overlooking a manicured lawn. The house sits beside a picturesque pond, accented by a stone-edged shore, and a wooden walkway leading to a charming gazebo over the water. Nearby, there are two sizable outbuildings: a barn-like structure and a three-bay garage with a blue metal roof. The grounds are immaculately landscaped with a variety of trees and mulched flower beds. Surrounding the property are vast, open fields under a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds, highlighting a tranquil rural setting.
Aerial Property Overview
The photo presents a bird’s-eye view of a large rural estate surrounded by expanses of farmland. The layout features a large, kidney-shaped pond with a central fountain, manicured green lawns, and lush trees. Several buildings with light-colored roofs are clustered near the pond, including a main house, smaller outbuildings, and a barn or garage. A winding driveway leads through the property, curving past gardens and landscaping with a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. Solar panels are neatly arrayed near one structure, while the fields surrounding the estate create a strong visual contrast with the carefully maintained grounds.
Listing Agent: Benjamin T Harman of Harman Realty via Zillow
