14 Most Expensive Homes in Iowa (with Pictures)

Iowa is a beautiful state with diverse natural surroundings, breathtaking landscapes, and lovely weather. The local housing prices are relatively low, too. This makes it a perfect place for a getaway or a retirement. That’s exactly why so many people are settling down in Hawkeye State. With that said, if you’ve got a thick wallet, Iowa has plenty to offer in terms of luxurious houses.

We’re talking about acres of land, dozens of bedrooms, and the most expensive decor you could think of. So, join us, and let’s check out 14 pricey mansions that go well beyond the $1 million mark! We made a list of the most expensive houses sold in Iowa in the last two years. Here they are!

The 14 Most Expensive Homes in Iowa

1. 1000 Tulip Tree Lane, West Des Moines

Built in 1993, this 5-bedroom/11-bathroom mansion is, essentially, perfect. With a livable area of 9,000 square feet and a lot size of 5.25 acres, there’s more than enough space for having guests over, throwing parties, and enjoying a hassle-free life. You would have to pay almost $5 million for it, though! For this kind of money, you’d get a premium interior design, a wine cellar, and award-winning views.

Four attached garage spaces, a finished basement, and four fireplaces would also be a part of the deal. More importantly, this mansion is located in a safe and incredibly beautiful area.

2. 6809 Lake Shore Drive, Okoboji

Not ready to pay $5 million for a house just yet? Then take a closer look at this lovely abode located in Okoboji. Sold recently, it’s relatively small (3,300 square feet of livable area and 0.57 acres of land), yet there will be plenty of room for a big family. Cooling is central air, while heating is handled by forced air and fireplaces. The balcony, patio, and quick access to a lake are this mansion’s biggest selling points.

If you’re a fan of open spaces, large windows, and picturesque sunsets, you’d find this $3.2 million house to be a beneficial investment.

3. 16870 S Inner Lane, Spirit Lake

Spirit Lake is one of the best places to be in Iowa. And this $3.1 million residence would be ideal for enjoying the warm weather and four-season lifestyle. A minute-long walk to an azure lake, tall trees to keep scorching sunlight away, and the cabin-like design turn it into a dream house. This is a private house, too, with a lakeside setting and exquisite interior décor.

It’s not that big, though: only 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2 garages, perfect for the average family.

4. 2111 Browns Bay Ave, Milford

Dining with a to-die-for view, getting your feet wet in a private lake, and enjoying a game of pool are just some of the things that you could do at this Milford house. Sold for $3.1 million, it has 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and 6,000 square feet of total interior livable area. The large deck sits right at the lake’s edge for having a private party with your loved ones.

The rest of the house can take in dozens of guests and keep them relaxed and entertained. Overhauled and polished, this is a place to truly call home.

5. 1863 Glen Oaks Drive, West Des Moines

Alright, let’s jump to Glen Oaks and check out yet another glorious single-family house. Built back in 1994, it has a private pool, 3 bedrooms and bathrooms, 1 garage space, and a basement. So, what’s so special about it that the owner managed to sell it for $2.8 million? First, this is a ranch. Second, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime view of the local gated golf community.

The maple floors, charcoal glazed cabinets in the kitchen, and all the techy features you could think of making it a no-brainer.

6. 5311 Lake Shore Drive, Okoboji

Coming in at #6, we have a getaway home. For “just” $2.7 million, you’d get access to 0.89 acres of land, 3 garage spaces, 6 bedrooms, and 6 bathrooms. Built in 2000, it looks brand-new and successfully combines retro elements with modern-day treats like wall-tall windows and a soaring ceiling. People that put privacy, serenity, and comfort first would find this estate to be a worthy purchase.

7. 911 N Shore Drive, Clear Lake

From the outside, this mansion might not look that great. However, once you step foot in it, you’ll see just how amazing everything is. The tall windows let the sun in early in the morning, while the tall ceilings make the rooms feel bigger yet cozier. Sold very recently (June 2022) for ~$2.7 million, this house faces the lake and is surrounded by similarly beautiful residences on both sides.

The concrete block and triple-pane windows keep the cold wind at bay. Add mahogany flooring, a flexible heating system, and an advanced kitchen, and you’ll instantly see the appeal of this Clear Lake house!

8. 3700 Fuller Road, West Des Moines

There’s very little not to like about this ranch. While it’s very expensive ($2.5 million), it does compensate for that with a long list of treats. First, it comes with 5 acres of land for having parties, playing with your kids, and just walking around to clear your head. Second, there’s a detached garage with plenty of room to park your cars, lawn mowers, and even play basketball.

Plus, the house has a septic tank and a geothermal heating/cooling system. From the outside, it looks like every American citizen’s dream residence; it looks even better on the inside!

9. 3609 Fairfield Street, Okoboji

If you’re looking for luxury, comfort, and privacy but don’t necessarily like mansions or estates, this Okoboji single-family house could be a perfect choice. Specifically designed and custom-built to easily withstand harsh winters and hot summers, it offers 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 5,000 square feet of space. The elegant, premium interior makes every single square foot count.

The standout points include a porch with a striking lake view (mandatory for a house that costs almost $2.5 million), a gourmet kitchen, two fireplaces, and so much more!

10. 5003 Lake Shore Drive, Okoboji

Do you like living in a house that makes you feel connected with Mother Nature? If the answer is yes, then 5003 Lake Shore Drive might be your ideal destination! Just like all the other houses on today’s list, this property is so much more than just a bunch of rooms and a nice view. Constructed in 1978, it was renovated in 2012 and looks better than ever.

The house faces the West Okoboji Lake. You can enjoy its calming waves or navigate it on a boat. Luxury lakeside living doesn’t get better than this residence!

11. 19266 252nd Avenue, Bettendorf

This right here is a mansion that was built in 2004 but looks like it’s hailing from the 80s. It’s the largest residence on the list (over 10,000 square feet of livable area). If you have a big, beautiful family, there will be plenty of room here for everyone to get settled in (6 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms). That makes it worth the $2.1 million investment.

Located in a secluded area and surrounded by a small forest and the sounds of nature, it’s as private as they come. On the inside, you’ll witness luxury every step of the way. As for the neighborhood, it offers swimming, golfing, tennis, and so much more!

12. 1907 Lakeshore Drive, Milford

Next up, we’ve got a house that takes the concept of floor-to-ceiling windows to the next level. The view from the living room makes it feel like you’re outside, enjoying the decades-old trees, lush lawn, and, of course, the lakefront. The fireplace, cozy furniture, and bold design only add to the value of this all-natural house. Speaking of the interior, it’s a marvelous mix of rustic, minimalistic, and even industrial designs.

13. 1227 Coolidge Street, Cumming

Speaking of perfect mansions for retirement, the one on 1227 Coolidge Street is well worth your attention. Sold for exactly $2 million, it has as many as 6 garage spaces, 3 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms. But that’s not its biggest appeal. First, it’s the most private residence on the list. It’s not surrounded by any houses or busy streets—just an incredible landscape that you can never get tired of.

That’s because it’s located on 73-acre land (fenced)! As a bonus, you’ll get two utility buildings, a barn, and more. And if you want to reach “civilization”, it will only take a 10-minute drive.

14. 2348 Qf Lane, Madrid

Last but not least, let’s check out what Madrid (a city in Iowa) has in store for us. Just like the previous house, this one is very private and comes with plenty of land (36 acres) and several outbuildings. The list includes a horse barn (heated), a hay barn, a riding area, and detached garages. It’s also the cheapest option on the list (sold for “just” $1.8 million).

How Much Does a House in Iowa Cost?

Iowa is a reasonably affordable state. The median listing price of a house here is $176,000. Even though the prices grew up ~12% in the first six months of 2022, Iowa is still one of the most affordable places to live in the US. Last year, the average sales price of a house in the States was $453,000 (versus $391,000 in 2020). The price per square foot in Iowa is $115, which, again, is lower than the national average: $123.

To put things in perspective: in Detroit, you’ll pay 24 dollars for a square foot of housing; in San Francisco, the price is 33 times higher (~$800)! So, while Iowa isn’t the least expensive American state, it’s still significantly cheaper than many parts of the country. The living cost is lower than the national average by 10%; the housing prices, in turn, are 25% lower.

Conclusion

Expensive doesn’t always mean great. However, the mansions that we reviewed today are worth every single penny. Can the average American afford them? The answer is a hard no. But, if you’re so lucky as to get your hands on a beautiful home like the ones from the list, it will be an excellent investment.

Despite the fluctuations in the market, real estate is always in high demand. That means you can give yourself that royal treatment, sell the house when the time comes, and still make a profit. So, check back with us more often for the finest (and most expensive) houses sold in the US!

• See also: Chop Saw vs. Band Saw For Metal: Pros, Cons & FAQ

Featured Image Credit: 12019, Pixabay