Iowa is known for its rolling hills, fertile farmland, and quaint small towns. But hidden among the cornfields and grain silos are some of the largest and most extravagant homes in the Midwest. In a state better known for its simple ranch houses and suburban developments, a handful of Iowa residences stand out for their sheer enormity and opulence. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest houses in Iowa and the stories behind them.
Page Contents
The Largest Homes in Iowa
According to records, the largest single-family home in Iowa can be found in West Des Moines. Known as Villa Bellezza, this mammoth mansion sits on 10 acres and contains a jaw-dropping 35,000 square feet of living space. With 8 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, a home theater, wine cellar, and indoor pool, Villa Bellezza has all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury estate. It was built in 2010 by local real estate developers and was recently valued at over $15 million.
Another massive mansion is Lake Panorama Lodge in Panora, Iowa. Sitting on the shores of Lake Panorama, this home has 27,000 square feet of space with 7 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a home theater, wine room, game room, and fitness center. The lodge was constructed in 2002 and modeled after a tudor-style English country estate. With a lakefront location and room to dock multiple boats, it’s ideal for water sports enthusiasts.
Other Notable Mansions
In addition to the two largest residences, Iowa has other sprawling mansions worth mentioning:
– The Manilla Manor in Manilla has 25,000 square feet, 9 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a home theater, wine cellar, pool, and tennis court. Valued at over $12 million.
– Stone Prairie Farm in West Des Moines has 20,000 square feet, 6 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, an indoor pool, and movie theater. Recently sold for $7.5 million.
– The Reserve in Glenwood has 19,500 square feet, 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a home theater, wine room, spa, and gym. Valued at $6.5 million.
– Barrington Estate in Clive has 18,800 square feet, 7 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, pool, gym, theater room, and 6-car garage. Recently sold for $4.2 million.
So while Iowa doesn’t have many mega-mansions on the scale of states like California and Florida, it does boast some pretty spectacular homes that are enormous by Midwest standards. These mansions offer amenities galore for owners seeking an over-the-top luxurious lifestyle.
History of Large Home Construction in Iowa
The history of large, extravagant home construction in Iowa can be traced back to the late 1800s when wealthy families first built grand Victorian-style mansions. Many of these homes were located in Des Moines which experienced an economic boom in the late 19th century. Prominent local businessmen like Frederick Hubbell and William Davis constructed palatial houses modeled after European estates.
Early 20th Century
In the early 20th century, wealthy Iowans continued building large homes, favoring stately Tudor and Colonial Revival designs. Prominent bankers, industrialists, and insurance company owners erected lavish residences in Des Moines and throughout the state. Many smaller Iowa towns also saw the construction of imposing homes for their most prosperous residents.
During the 1920s, a handful of opulent European-inspired mansions were constructed around Des Moines and in rural locations by Iowa’s business tycoons. Though not as abundant as in other parts of the country, these Iowa mansions reflected the wealth generated in the state during the booming early 20th century.
Mid to Late 20th Century
From the 1930s through the 1970s, large home construction in Iowa slowed with the Great Depression and war years but picked up again in the 1960s as the economy boomed. While not matching the ostentatiousness of early 1900s mansions, mid-century homes were still roomy with modern amenities.
In the late 1970s, a new wave of large home building commenced with expansive ranch houses and split-levels erected around Des Moines and in suburbs like West Des Moines. Home sizes grew bigger in the 1980s and 1990s with a thriving economy.
21st Century
The 21st century has seen the construction of Iowa’s largest and most luxurious mansions to date. Fueled by wealth in sectors like finance and technology, massive homes with over-the-top amenities have popped up, especially in affluent Des Moines suburbs. Home technologies, indoor pools, home theaters and wine cellars are now common in Iowa’s biggest houses.
While not yet attaining the square footage of mega-mansions in coastal areas, Iowa’s largest homes today reflect the peak of luxury living in the Midwest region.
Why Iowa’s Biggest Homes Are Where They Are
When examining the locations of Iowa’s biggest and most extravagant homes, some clear geographic patterns emerge:
Des Moines Metro
The vast majority of the largest mansions are located in Greater Des Moines or its upscale suburbs like West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, and Ankeny. As Iowa’s dominant economic and financial hub, the Des Moines area has long attracted wealthy professionals in sectors like finance, insurance, real estate, manufacturing, and technology. Mansions naturally sprouted up in the affluent neighborhoods and suburbs west of the city.
Western Iowa
Areas like Panora, Lake Panorama, and Council Bluffs in western Iowa also boast some mega-mansions, often situated on lakes or riverfront properties. Western Iowa is convenient for wealthy Omaha residents who want spacious lake homes within driving distance. The scenic hills and open spaces allow for sprawling compounds.
University Cities
College towns like Iowa City and Ames have seen some large luxury home development, catering to doctors, researchers, and tech company executives affiliated with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. These prosperous university communities attract their share of high-income professionals.
Lack in Rural Areas
Iowa’s small rural farming towns clearly lack mega-mansions. Sparse populations and lack of high-paying industries in these areas means few luxury home buyers. Wealthy Iowa natives usually migrate to Des Moines or out of state rather than building mansions in their rural hometowns. So mansion construction sticks close to metro Des Moines or university cities for the most part.
Home Prices and Taxes on Iowa’s Largest Homes
For even a standard large 5,000 square foot home, most Iowans would consider $1 million a staggering price. But Iowa’s true mansions often sell for well above that:
| Mansion | Square Footage | Value/Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Villa Bellezza | 35,000 | $15 million |
| Lake Panorama Lodge | 27,000 | $9 million |
| Manilla Manor | 25,000 | $12 million |
| Stone Prairie Farm | 20,000 | $7.5 million |
While exorbitant for typical Iowans, these prices are still far below what similar-sized mansions would cost in places like Beverly Hills or Manhattan. The ultra-luxury market is less overheated in Iowa.
Property taxes also remain comparatively low – around 1% of assessed value per year. So the owners of a $10 million mansion would pay around $100,000 annually in property tax, a manageable bill compared to coastal areas. Iowa’s more reasonable taxes and home prices help attract mansion builders from out of state.
Are More Iowa Mega-Mansions Coming?
The outlook for mega-mansion construction in Iowa remains robust. Here are some factors that point to more massive homes on the horizon:
– Thriving job sectors like finance and technology continue attracting high-income professionals to Iowa’s Des Moines suburbs.
– Iowa’s low property taxes and relative affordability remain a draw for wealthy out-of-state transplants.
– Land is readily available for sprawling compounds in western Iowa and around Des Moines. No geographic constraints exist like in coastal regions.
– Corn and soybean wealth increasingly flows into upscale housing as seen in booming cities like West Des Moines.
– Luxury home technologies make amenities like home theaters, gyms, and indoor pools more affordable and attractive.
– Iowa’s reputation for modest Midwestern living belies an appetite for luxury among some of its richest residents.
On the other hand, some trends may inhibit mega-mansion construction:
– Iowa lacks a critical mass of ultra-high net worth people on par with places like Silicon Valley and Manhattan. The buyer pool for $10 million+ homes is shallow.
– Many wealthy Iowans maintain a modest, community-focused outlook incompatible with ostentatious mansions.
– Environmental movements lead more consumers to eschew conspicuous consumption and favor sustainable, eco-friendly housing.
So while the number of Iowa homes eclipsing 10,000+ square feet should continue rising steadily, the state will likely never reach the extremes of coastal mansion building. The coveted sweet spot remains in the 5,000 – 8,000 square foot range.
Conclusion
Iowa may be better known for cornfields than mansions, but behind the state’s humble image lie some surprisingly massive homes. Places like Des Moines and Panora boast residences with square footage to rival any luxury estate. With prosperous industry professionals and reasonable home prices, Iowa offers an appealing environment for mansion building that compels even out-of-state transplants. Yet even as the largest houses push upward past 10,000 square feet, most wealthy Iowans still adhere to a traditional Midwest modesty. So mansion construction should proceed steadily but not quite match the extent seen in America’s coastal hubs of wealth. The open countryside will accommodate more mega-homes, but Iowa’s culture will keep them grounded.