Every so often, a historic home hits the market offering a scale and architectural pedigree that completely outpaces its price point. Built in 1869, just four years after the close of the Civil War, 1301 E Monroe St is a striking piece of Iowa’s early history.
Priced at an incredibly competitive $148,000, this monumental 3,957-square-foot brick Victorian estate sits on a sprawling 0.85-acre lot in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. For the historic home enthusiast or an ambitious preservationist, it represents a rare opportunity to own a massive, character-rich manor on nearly an acre of land within city limits.
Grand Spatial Drama and Intact Millwork
Unlike later Victorian homes that leaned heavily into tight, whimsical nooks, this post-Civil War era residence boasts the soaring, broad proportions characteristic of the high Italianate and early Victorian styles. With 6 spacious bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, the home is a showcase of uncompromised 19th-century craftsmanship:
Original Extravagant Woodwork: The interior is enveloped in gorgeous, untouched original woodwork, deep baseboards, and intricate custom millwork that defines the home’s historic soul.
Two Grand Staircases: Reflecting its elite status at the time of construction, the home features two separate grand staircases. This layout offers exceptional architectural flow and an unmistakable air of old-world prestige.
Handcrafted Built-ins: Pristine, original built-in cabinetry remains intact across the sprawling formal living and dining spaces, providing irreplaceable character that modern reproductions simply cannot mirror.
The Brick Envelope: Constructed with a solid, classic brick exterior, the home showcases substantial historic presence and an enduring structural foundation.
A 0.85-Acre Compound with a Historic Carriage House
What truly elevates 1301 E Monroe St from a historic house to a true city estate is its exterior footprint. The home sits gracefully on an expansive 0.85-acre lot, wrapped in open green space that offers immense potential for sweeping perennial gardens, a private orchard, or custom outdoor entertaining zones.
Adding incredible utility and historical value to the grounds is a charming, standalone carriage house. This separate structure provides a versatile canvas that can easily adapt to a variety of modern needs, including:
An expansive detached workshop or creative studio for hobbies and trade.
Ample covered storage for vehicle enthusiasts or equipment.
A footprint with incredible potential for future conversion into a highly unique guest suite or home office.
An Unrivaled Preservation Opportunity
With nearly 4,000 square feet of living space, two original fireplaces, a solid brick exterior, and a generous lot, this estate is a dream come true for a buyer looking to infuse a historic property with their own personal style. While it offers all the space and structural drama of a monumental Gilded Age manor, its sub-$150,000 price tag leaves an exceptional financial runway for future updates and personalization.
Opportunities to secure an authentic 1860s brick manor of this scale, complete with its original carriage house and almost an acre of land, are an absolute anomaly in today’s historic market. The stage is perfectly set for this Mount Pleasant landmark to welcome its next great historical chapter.
Zillow link https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1301-E-Monroe-St-Mount-Pleasant-IA-52641/86965573_zpid/
