Located in Bettendorf, Iowa, and affectionately known as “The Lion House,” this century home boasts a rich historical legacy, originally built in 1924 as a charming bungalow before undergoing a transformative renovation and expansion in 2022/2023. Perched on a 1.6-acre wooded lot with breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and LeClaire Canal, the property blends timeless architectural character—highlighted by its inviting covered porch and lion statues—with modern luxury, including new roofing, windows, HVAC systems, and a showpiece kitchen with quartz countertops. Offering nearly all-new interiors, four bedrooms, a distinctive loft, two decks with water views, and a temperature-controlled garage, this exceptional home is listed for $1,125,000 within the desirable Pleasant Valley School District.
Front Exterior
A spacious and inviting front yard leads up to a large, single-story historic American home painted in crisp white with black window trims and dark shingles. The symmetrical layout is highlighted by a central covered porch with twin columns, double stairs, and metal railings, creating a sense of balance. Flanking the entry are manicured plant beds and decorative potted greenery. Mature trees frame the house, offering dappled shade and a sense of privacy. The front lawn is well-maintained, and a vintage-style black lamp post sits on a small square planter, adding a charming, classic touch to the scene.
Scenic Deck
A wooden deck extends from the hillside, enclosed by modern cable railings and surrounded by lush trees. The seating area features two crisp white cushioned sofas facing each other with a sleek, dark coffee table in between. Black accent pillows add a touch of contrast to the neutral furniture. This open-air space is nestled amidst vibrant seasonal foliage, with trees displaying shades of green and fiery red against a bright blue sky. The view overlooks a gently rolling river bordered by dense forest, creating a peaceful setting focused on serenity and immersive natural scenery.
Property Overview
A sweeping aerial view of a historic American property bordered by a winding river and surrounded by dense, mature woodland. The home sits near the edge of the trees, featuring a white exterior and dark roof, with a wide driveway and curved walkway leading along manicured lawns. Throughout the landscape, varied trees display a burst of autumn colors, with green, orange, and red foliage scattered across the property. Beyond the immediate grounds, the river snakes through the landscape, reflecting the sky and trees, and is crossed by a long bridge and lock structure. The scenery suggests a peaceful, private setting with lush natural beauty.
Front Porch Entry
A covered front porch welcomes visitors with classic white siding and sturdy square columns, giving a timeless appeal. The ceiling above the porch features warm, natural wood panels with recessed lighting, creating a cozy atmosphere. Brick steps and herringbone-patterned brick flooring add texture and charm. A wooden front door stands out, accented by black iron railings and a modern lantern-style sconce. Black-framed windows provide contrast to the light exterior. Potted greenery and neatly landscaped beds with ornamental grasses line the walkway, completing the clean, inviting entrance to the home.
Aerial Property View
Expansive aerial view features a historic white American home with contrasting dark roofs, nestled among mature green trees. The property sits adjacent to a gently curving road, leading to a gravel driveway and a shaded front yard. The setting is lush and serene, with abundant foliage in shades of green and touches of golden yellow, hinting at early fall. Beyond the dense tree line, a wide river flows calmly, while a second river and a lock-and-dam structure cross the background. The home’s location emphasizes privacy, natural surroundings, and scenic water views, creating a tranquil, picturesque landscape.
Foyer and Dining Area
A welcoming front entry with a rustic wooden door, complemented by a slender wooden console table topped with minimalist decor, sets a warm tone. The adjacent dining area features a light wood table surrounded by six modern upholstered chairs with wooden legs, reinforcing a contemporary farmhouse style. Pale gray walls and three black-trimmed windows allow abundant natural light to brighten the space, with wide-plank light wood flooring unifying both areas. Two geometric pendant light fixtures—one above the door and one above the dining table—add visual interest and modern elegance to the overall clean, airy aesthetic.
Dining and Kitchen
A spacious open-concept dining and kitchen area featuring light wood flooring throughout. The dining area includes a large, rectangular wooden table surrounded by eight upholstered chairs in a soft beige tone. Above the table hangs a modern rectangular chandelier with exposed bulbs inside a black metal frame. A large abstract wall art piece hangs to the left, and a potted plant sits in the corner. The adjacent kitchen showcases warm wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a white subway tile backsplash, and a prominent island with black base and three bar stools. Neutral walls and ample natural light give the space an inviting, airy feel.
Dining Room Table
A long, light-colored wooden dining table anchors this open and airy space, surrounded by soft upholstered chairs in muted tones. Large windows with black trim let in abundant natural light, offering clear views outdoors and creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Over the table, a modern rectangular chandelier with exposed bulbs and a black frame makes a bold statement. The pale hardwood flooring and soft beige walls continue into the adjacent living room, where neutral-toned furniture, a fireplace with a wooden mantel, and built-in shelving add warmth. Clean lines and minimal decor give the space a fresh, contemporary feel.
Entryway Design
The entryway features a natural wood front door with a prominent grain, framed in white trim, setting a warm tone. Light hardwood floors stretch throughout, complemented by soft beige walls. Against one wall stands a simple wooden console table holding modern black candleholders and a white vase, topped with a large round mirror that reflects the opposite side of the space. A minimalist off-white runner rug grounds the area. To the left, a large potted plant in a white geometric planter adds greenery near a tan leather chair, leading into a sunlit adjacent room with large windows and black-framed glass doors.
Dining Room Table
A long, natural wood dining table takes center stage in a bright, inviting room, surrounded by six light-gray upholstered chairs with sleek black legs. The space features warm-toned, wide-plank hardwood flooring and neutral light gray walls. Three tall, black-trimmed windows line one side of the room, letting in ample natural light and offering a view of greenery outside. A modern rectangular chandelier with exposed bulbs hangs above the table, adding a touch of contemporary elegance. Minimalist décor includes a large landscape artwork on the wall and a small green plant in the corner, contributing to a serene, uncluttered atmosphere.
Open Living Space
A spacious open-concept area combines kitchen and living room, unified by high vaulted ceilings and large black-trim windows that flood the space with natural light. The kitchen features wooden lower cabinets paired with a contrasting black island adorned with a sleek white countertop. Three matte black wall sconces hang above the kitchen sink, emphasizing a modern farmhouse style. In the adjoining living area, a simple white sectional faces a minimalist fireplace with a wooden mantel, flanked by built-in shelves and cabinets. Soft neutral tones and blonde wood flooring create a warm, airy, and inviting atmosphere.
Kitchen Island Area
Spacious kitchen with a large white island countertop at the center, paired with two black metal stools. Warm wooden cabinetry contrasts with stainless steel appliances, including a double-door fridge and modern oven. Light wood plank flooring runs throughout, complementing the white walls and tall ceilings. A striking black-framed window over the sink allows natural light and offers views of trees and water. Minimalistic black sconces line the top of the window, and an elegant circular chandelier hangs above. The open layout flows into a bright living area, partially visible with a light gray couch and a contemporary table lamp.
Living Room View
Spacious living room with a double-height ceiling and a wall of tall windows that flood the space with natural light. The neutral color scheme is anchored by light wood floors, pale taupe walls, and white trim. A large white sofa faces the fireplace, which is centered between built-in shelves with decorative objects and plants. Above the fireplace, a flat screen TV is mounted on the chimney breast. Minimalist modern accessories and a soft grey area rug add warmth. Black-framed glass doors and windows connect the room visually with the leafy outdoor landscape and wooden deck outside.
Kitchen Island
This kitchen features high ceilings and a bright, airy ambiance with light wood floors and soft gray walls. The centerpiece is a large, modern island with a sleek white countertop and black base, surrounded by four black metal stools. The cabinetry, finished in natural wood tones, provides warmth and contrast to the stainless steel refrigerator and gas range. Above the stove is a white vent hood, paired with white subway tile backsplash for a clean, classic touch. A wide window over the deep black countertop lets in natural light, while a glass-paned door opens to scenic outdoor views.
Living Room Open Concept
A spacious, open-concept living room merges seamlessly with a modern kitchen. The room features soaring vaulted ceilings with two contemporary black metal chandeliers. Large floor-to-ceiling windows along one wall provide ample natural light and beautiful views of lush green trees and distant hills. The color palette consists of soft gray walls, light natural wood floors, and neutral furnishings, with a pale sectional sofa accented by a plum pillow and two white armchairs on a textured gray area rug. The kitchen showcases warm wood cabinetry, a white tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a dark island with three black barstools.
Open Living Area
Spacious open-concept living area featuring vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light. A modern, airy aesthetic is achieved through neutral wall tones and light wood flooring. The sitting area centers around a low-profile wooden coffee table atop a textured beige rug, surrounded by a white couch, accent chairs, and a sculptural potted plant. Overhead, contemporary iron chandeliers provide a striking focal point. The kitchen in back showcases wooden cabinetry, white subway tile backsplash, stainless appliances, and a black island with barstools. An open railing loft overlooks the space, while multiple windows lend views of greenery outside.
Living Room Details
Spacious living area with high ceilings and large black-trimmed windows offering views of lush, green trees outside. The room features a modern chandelier and is grounded by a neutral area rug. A white sectional sofa with textured and colored accent pillows sits across from a wooden coffee table. Against the far wall, a sleek fireplace with a rustic wood mantel is topped by a wall-mounted television. Flanking the fireplace are built-in shelves filled with potted plants, decorative objects, and candles. Soft beige walls and light wood flooring create a warm, airy, and inviting ambiance.
Kitchen Overview
Bright and modern kitchen featuring natural wood cabinetry with simple rectangular panels. The countertop along the wall is dark, contrasting with a large white marble island in the center, which includes two black metal bar stools. Stainless steel appliances, including a French door refrigerator and a gas stove with oven, add a contemporary touch. The backsplash is made of white rectangular subway tiles, providing a clean look. Three black sconce lamps above the wide window illuminate the double sink area. Light wooden floors and high, light gray walls complement the overall airy and inviting design.
Open Living Area
A spacious open-plan living area featuring light wood flooring and bright white walls, illuminated by natural sunlight streaming through large windows. The space is arranged with a modern white sectional sofa accented with a burgundy throw pillow, near a cozy reading nook consisting of a tan leather chair with a black and cream cushion and a live green plant. The entryway showcases a rustic wooden front door with a lantern-style light fixture above, flanked by a simple console table and circular mirror. To the right, a dining area with a rectangular table and six upholstered chairs sits under a sleek geometric chandelier, and the kitchen island includes four black metal bar stools, creating a seamless flow between spaces. Strong horizontal lines from the black stair railing add a contemporary touch above the open floor plan.
Open Living Space
A spacious living area features vaulted ceilings and a modern open-plan layout. The color scheme uses soft beige walls contrasted by white trim and black accents, seen in the metal stair railing and chandelier. Light wood floors flow throughout, complementing the neutral-toned furnishings, including a white sofa, sleek armchairs with wooden frames, and a round, wood-topped side table. Built-in shelving around the fireplace holds decorative objects and plants, while a large island with a polished marble countertop anchors the open kitchen in the foreground. Abundant natural light streams through large windows and the entry’s wooden door adds warmth to the modern aesthetic.
Home Office View
A bright corner room with large black-trim windows wraps around two sides, framing lush green outdoor scenery and flooding the space with natural light. The room features pale gray walls and light wood flooring. At the center sits a simple wooden desk with a black modern chair and a single monitor. To the right, a minimalist light wood bench rests below the windows, adorned with striped and soft gray throw pillows for comfort. The ceiling fan above is black, maintaining sleek, contemporary lines. A faded, patterned area rug underlines the cozy yet functional, serene workspace atmosphere.
Upstairs Landing
A spacious upstairs landing area with soft neutral carpeting and pale gray-green walls creates a fresh, airy feel. Black horizontal metal railings line both sides of the stairwell, contributing a modern touch that matches the black-framed windows. Ample natural light floods the space from two large windows, offering views of green trees outside. The ceiling angles with architectural interest, sloping along the edges. In a cozy nook by the far wall sit two small armchairs, one pink and one dark blue, adding a hint of playfulness and function to the otherwise minimalist, contemporary landing.
Living Room Layout
Looking down into a bright, modern living room with a double-height ceiling, the space is defined by large black-trimmed windows that let in natural light and frame views of trees and a deck outside. A light gray sectional sofa sits atop a textured area rug, paired with a wooden coffee table featuring a small vase and greenery. Nearby, a padded accent chair with wooden arms and a small round lamp table provide a cozy reading nook. The fireplace is framed in white with rustic wooden mantels and shelving, above which a flat-screen TV is mounted. Pale wood floors run throughout creating an airy and inviting atmosphere.
Bedroom View
A serene bedroom featuring a large picture window with black trim that frames a sweeping view of trees and distant hills. The room has a minimalist, modern design with a striking matte black accent wall behind a queen-sized bed. The bed is dressed in crisp white linens with layered gray pillows and a charcoal quilt. Two gold wall sconces flank the headboard, adding a touch of sophistication. Beside the bed sits a dark wood nightstand with a woven basket below. A cozy armchair with a burnt orange knit throw and a small pillow is nestled to the side, creating a welcoming reading nook.
Bathroom Vanity
A sleek double-sink bathroom vanity with a contemporary style features a long gray countertop paired with minimalist white cabinetry below. Two brass faucets coordinate with matching brass-framed arched mirrors and elegant wall-mounted sconces. The floor is a light-toned wood, softened by a vintage-inspired area rug in muted tones. An oversized ceramic vase with greenery adds a touch of nature to the clean space. To the right, a large window framed in black lets in ample natural light, while to the left, a glimpse of a tiled shower is visible. The overall aesthetic is modern, airy, and understated yet inviting.
Bathroom Tub View
A bright bathroom with a freestanding white soaking tub positioned beneath a large rectangular window that frames a scenic view of green trees and a river or lake in the distance. Light gray walls create an airy atmosphere, complemented by pale wood floors that add warmth. A modern chrome faucet stands beside the tub. The right side features sleek, white cabinetry with minimalist paneling and a taupe countertop. A small, patterned rug lies on the floor in front of the sink area. Touches of greenery from small plants enhance the fresh, calming aesthetic of this serene space.
Bathroom Vanity
A long, dual-sink vanity features flat-panel white cabinetry and sleek gray countertops, topped with simple under-mount rectangular sinks. Polished brass faucets and hardware add a touch of warmth and glamour. Two large, arched mirrors are mounted on the wall, framed in brass to match the fixtures. Above each mirror, a wall sconce with a cylindrical white shade provides soft, ambient lighting. Natural wood flooring contrasts gently with the otherwise crisp, white walls. A tall storage cabinet stands at one end of the vanity, while a large ceramic vase with greenery adds a decorative, organic touch to the clean, modern aesthetic.
Bedroom Details
A spacious bedroom features a modern black metal bed frame topped with a soft gray comforter and decorative accent pillows in white and tan. The wall behind the bed has a two-tone design: sage green paneling with a rustic wood trim, and pale beige paint above. To the left of the bed, two blush pink velvet chairs with gold legs flank a set of small white nesting tables, creating a cozy sitting area. A gold lamp with a large shade sits on a wooden nightstand. The room is carpeted in soft beige and is illuminated by recessed ceiling lights and a large black ceiling fan.
Garage Exterior
A detached garage with a classic American design sits on a large, grassy lot surrounded by mature trees. The building features white horizontal siding and a steeply pitched roof covered with dark shingles. Three wide, black carriage-style garage doors dominate the front, each accented by black metal lantern lights mounted on either side. The arrival area is composed of a broad gravel driveway that gently curves from the foreground toward the garage. The landscape is lush, with tall leafy trees providing a natural canopy, and additional manicured shrubs line the base of the structure.
Back Porch Deck
Spacious wooden deck extends from the back of a white house, bordered by black handrails and framed by lush green trees. The area features ivory cushioned outdoor sofas with wooden frames, centered around a sleek fire table, creating an inviting space for socializing. The porch above the deck has two seating zones—one with wicker chairs and another with metal ones—under a roof supported by simple columns. Black-trimmed windows and glass doors contrast with the clean, white siding of the house, while the gray shingled roof adds a classic touch. Soft sunlight filters through overhead leaves, casting dappled shadows across the seating area.
Listing Agent: Lindsay Thiel of Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS DeWitt via Zillow
