Nestled on a scenic 12-acre plot in Ossian, Iowa, this remarkable century home—dubbed “The Prettiest Farm in Iowa”—beautifully blends classic rural architecture with contemporary comforts and eco-friendly updates. Featured in Our Iowa magazine and meticulously maintained for over three decades, this sanctuary boasts 4,600 square feet of living space, including four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Thoughtful renovations highlight a modern granite kitchen, an indulgent private primary suite, geothermal heating and cooling, and a sizable solar array. The estate is enhanced by scenic features such as a spring-fed 3-acre pond with its own island gazebo, a finished workshop, a massive machine shed, and extensive storage with an RV wash bay. Listed at $1,800,000, this iconic home offers peace, seclusion, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Pond and Gazebo
Sprawling green lawns surround a large pond with a central water fountain sending sprays upward. The main white two-story house has a gray roof, wide porch, and subtle stonework at the base. A curved white bridge leads gracefully from a paved walk to an octagonal gazebo set over the pond, supported by stonework. Tall trees and neatly trimmed shrubs border the manicured property, while a detached garage is visible to one side. Blue sky and scattered clouds add to the peaceful rural setting, emphasizing the expanse and beauty of the landscape.
Front Exterior
A sprawling historic American farmhouse is set on an expansive green lawn under a bright blue sky, surrounded by well-tended garden beds and mature trees, one of which stands prominently at the front with bare branches. The house features white siding, traditional lines, and a welcoming porch with outdoor seating. To the right, a large attached garage with three white doors and a gray gabled roof blends seamlessly with the home’s main structure. The curved driveway is paved and clean, leading up to the garage and front entrance, giving the residence a stately and inviting curb appeal.
Dining and Kitchen
Spacious dining and kitchen area blending traditional warmth with modern functionality. The dining space features a large wooden table surrounded by eight matching chairs, placed atop a patterned area rug. The kitchen counter, designed for casual gatherings, offers five metal barstools with wooden bases. Oak cabinetry and paneling unify the room, complemented by neutral tile flooring and soft sage-green walls. Four pendant lights hang above the kitchen island, while a modern light fixture brightens the dining area. French doors, an open staircase with wooden railings, and decorative glass on the entry door add architectural interest and a welcoming feel.
Kitchen Island
Spacious kitchen features honey-toned wood cabinetry with black countertops extending throughout, highlighted by a central island with seating for four on chrome and leather barstools. The floor is tiled in a neutral beige, complementing the cabinetry and creating a cohesive look. A white refrigerator adorned with family photos stands near a frosted glass pantry door, while above, a small television sits in a wood nook. Recessed ceiling lights and three pendant lights above the island provide bright illumination. Bronze hardware accents and a bouquet of white flowers on a side table add charm, while large windows offer natural light and outdoor views.
Kitchen and Dining Area
Spacious open-concept kitchen featuring natural wood cabinetry and a central island with granite countertops. The warm golden-brown wood contrasts gently with earth-toned tile flooring. Overhead, brushed metal pendant lights hang above the island, while recessed lighting provides ample illumination throughout the space. Kitchen appliances are white, blending seamlessly into the cabinetry. Beyond the kitchen, a classic wooden dining set with matching chairs occupies a defined nook, adjacent to an open staircase with matching wooden banisters. A flower arrangement adds a welcoming touch, and clean white and sage-green walls create an inviting, traditional atmosphere.
Home Office Workspace
A spacious, sunlit home office features a large L-shaped wooden desk with a gray stone surface. Two black leather executive chairs add comfort and sophistication. The light wood cabinetry and shelving above the desk blend seamlessly with matching wood trim around the window and baseboards, lending a cohesive, warm look. Large windows frame a scenic outdoor view, filling the room with natural light. The workspace is functional with organized clutter: paperwork, books, a computer monitor, and office essentials scattered across the desk. Wall decor includes personal photographs, a fishing trophy, clock, and a calendar, giving the office a personal, lived-in atmosphere.
Bathroom Vanity
Warm beige walls and a light tan tile floor create a cozy atmosphere in this bathroom. A single wooden-framed window lets in natural light above a matching wood towel bar with an orange towel. The wooden vanity features a white countertop, simple chrome hardware, and a mirrored medicine cabinet with bright Hollywood-style lights above. A white toilet sits next to the vanity, topped with a tissue box on a folded orange towel that ties in the color scheme. A decorative floral arrangement and everyday items on the counter add a lived-in touch, while the earthy rug grounds the space.
Spacious Garage
A three-car garage with polished, speckled concrete flooring and bright white walls, accented by wooden trim along the ceiling edges. Vehicles, including a classic car and two modern vehicles, are parked inside, showcasing the garage’s ample space. The ceiling features multiple automatic garage door openers, ceiling fans, and rows of bright recessed lighting. High shelves above the perimeter house decorative model tractors and memorabilia, enhancing the space’s character. Wall decor includes car-themed posters, clocks, and neon lights, while multiple windows and a side door offer natural light and convenient access. The clean, organized layout gives a practical yet inviting atmosphere.
Bathroom Details
A spacious, accessible bathroom featuring white walls and a speckled beige floor. The fixtures include a white pedestal sink and matching toilet, set against simple lines for a clean look. Light-stained wood trim and cabinets add warmth, echoing the geometric border at the base of the wall. Metal grab bars above and beside the toilet enhance safety and accessibility. A unique octagonal window framed in wood brings in natural light and architectural interest. The single-bulb sconce above the mirror offers practical task lighting, while a black wire toilet paper holder and wastebasket provide functional touches without cluttering the space.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room features light wood flooring, beige walls, and a recessed ceiling with crown molding. A modern ceiling fan with lights is mounted centrally above. Large windows with wood trim offer scenic views of trees and a pond, allowing natural light to flood the space. The seating is arranged with two matching brown leather sofas and two reclining armchairs, creating a comfortable conversation area around a round wooden coffee table on a neutral area rug. Wall art and framed photos add personal touches, while side tables with lamps and small decorative items enhance the homely atmosphere.
Bedroom Details
A spacious master bedroom features a warm and inviting color palette with beige walls and plush carpeted flooring. Rich wooden trim outlines the tray ceiling, which is accented by recessed lighting and a dark leaf-shaped ceiling fan. The bed, matching nightstand, chest of drawers, and window frames are all crafted in a similar medium-toned wood, adding cohesiveness to the room. Two large windows and a decorative transom let in natural light and provide expansive outdoor views. The room includes a television on a dresser, an upholstered armchair, exercise equipment, and tasteful wall art, creating a comfortable, multi-functional space.
Walk-In Closet
Spacious walk-in closet featuring light beige carpeting and custom wood cabinetry with a natural finish. Hanging rods on both sides display neatly arranged clothing, while ample open shelving and multiple drawers provide organized storage. A wooden bench sits beneath a window framed in stained wood, allowing natural light to fill the space and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Decorative glass pieces and small baskets adorn the top shelves, adding personality. Neutral wall colors help maintain a bright and airy feel, and the layout allows for easy movement while maximizing storage and display of garments and accessories.
Bathroom Suite
A spacious bathroom featuring a large soaking tub set into angular tan tile with greenery arranged along the surrounding ledge, adding touches of nature. A decorative window with an intricate frosted glass design brings in natural light, bordered by wood trim that matches the tall oak storage cabinet nearby. The walk-in shower is tiled in coordinating gray tones with a modern rain showerhead and built-in shelf. Light-colored walls allow the metal wall art with a floral motif to stand out above the tub. The overall aesthetic is a blend of warmth, comfort, and modern elegance.
Laundry Room Details
A functional laundry room featuring a washer and dryer placed side by side against a pale blue wall. Natural oak cabinets hang above, providing ample storage. A laminate countertop with a brown marbled finish extends along one wall, accommodating cleaning supplies and a small framed artwork. Below the counter, multiple laundry baskets add organization. The space includes a stainless steel sink with matching wood cabinetry. A large window framed in wood allows natural light to brighten the room. Decorative touches include a metallic sunburst wall clock, lending a retro yet inviting touch to the clean, streamlined environment.
Home Office Corner
This room serves as a functional home office with a cozy, understated feel. Warm neutral carpeting covers the floor, coordinated with cream-colored walls and wood trim along the windows, doors, and built-in closet. The desk hosts a sewing machine and is paired with a black upholstered chair and a classic wooden swivel chair. A tall, dark wood bookcase sits adjacent to the window, partially filled with books, boxes, and decor. Natural light pours from a double window, brightening the space. Framed artwork and organized work surfaces reinforce a practical, inviting atmosphere geared toward productivity.
Bedroom Corner
A sunlit bedroom with neutral beige walls and cream carpeting centers around a large bed dressed in geometric-patterned bedding of blue, gray, and white. The wooden headboard matches the two side tables, one holding a classic ceramic lamp with a pleated shade. Above the bed hangs framed artwork and an elegant wrought iron swirl. Two generous windows with light wood trim allow ample daylight, and next to them stands a tall glass display cabinet showcasing blue collectibles. In the foreground, a wooden dresser displays a colorful paper hot air balloon decoration, adding a touch of whimsy to the serene, inviting space.
Bedroom Decor
A cozy bedroom with neutral beige walls and a soft cream carpet. The centerpiece is a wooden bed with a patchwork quilt in purples, blacks, and creams, paired with black pillows. Beside the bed is a tall bookshelf filled with books, décor, and collectibles. Two windows with navy blue valances let in natural light, making the room feel bright and inviting. A wooden chest sits at the foot of the bed, and a glass-fronted cabinet with various items is placed near the corner. A simple wooden rocking chair with a white draped cloth adds a traditional touch.
Recreation Room
A spacious, multi-functional recreation room features a mix of tile and carpet flooring, creating distinct zones for various activities. At the forefront is a central island with storage and bar stools, next to a compact sewing area with vintage sewing machines. The center of the space holds a wooden dining table surrounded by slatted chairs, positioned on plush carpeting. Large windows and sliding glass doors frame the far wall, offering abundant natural light and outdoor views. Neutral white walls, recessed lighting, and a ceiling fan provide a clean, bright backdrop. A foosball table, treadmill, and a relaxation corner with a recliner emphasize comfort and versatility.
Game Room Details
Spacious and bright game room featuring a central pool table covered in brown, set atop a light beige carpet. Large glass doors and wide windows along one wall let in abundant natural light and provide views of a patio and lawn outside. The walls are painted white, trimmed with honey-colored wood for a warm accent. A prominent neon sign adds a playful touch to the room. Exercise equipment is neatly arranged in the far corner. Recessed ceiling lights and a suspended glass fixture over the pool table illuminate the area. Multiple wooden doors lead to other parts of the home.
Pondside Gazebo
A picturesque gazebo stands at the center of a tranquil pond, accessible by a white wooden bridge with railings that gently slopes downward from the shore. The gazebo features a hexagonal design with large windows wrapping around its perimeter, letting in abundant natural light. Its light-colored exterior, shingled roof, and small upper windows offer a charming, almost pavilion-like aesthetic. The water below is bordered by neatly arranged stones along the bank, with a manicured grassy area nearby. The scene is bright and open, with wide farmland and scattered trees in the background under a sky dotted with fluffy clouds.
Sunroom Seating
A bright, octagonal sunroom features natural pine walls and a high, peaked ceiling adding a sense of warmth and coziness. Large, sliding windows wrap around the space, filling it with sunlight and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscaped yard and open land. Six cushioned swivel chairs with a blue and white botanical print are arranged evenly around a sturdy oval glass-top table, creating a welcoming atmosphere for gatherings or relaxation. Neutral speckled carpeting covers the floor, while minimal decorative accents—like a carved wooden fish and a dreamcatcher—add subtle, rustic charm. Overhead, white track lighting provides additional illumination.
Private Dock Area
A long, white aluminum dock stretches over clear blue water, leading out from a rocky shoreline. The dock features a covered boat lift on the right side with a sturdy green canopy, and a bench seating area for relaxing on the left. A single lamppost stands mid-dock, providing illumination at night. The backdrop includes a gently sloping lawn with two mature trees and open farmland, giving a spacious, secluded atmosphere. The sky above is bright and partly cloudy, casting soft reflections on the tranquil water, enhancing the peaceful lakeside retreat aesthetic.
Garden Pergola
A rustic wooden pergola frames a classic wooden swing set along a meandering gravel path bordered with flat stones. Fresh mulch and low, emerging greenery add texture at the base of the pergola, while large, mature shade trees with early spring foliage line the background. A well-kept expanse of bright green lawn stretches toward a covered pavilion structure, featuring picnic tables beneath a simple, metal roof. The entire scene has a tranquil, pastoral charm, with dappled sunlight and open sky giving the garden an inviting and leisurely feel. The landscaping balances natural and manicured elements seamlessly.
Covered Patio Area
A spacious covered patio rests on a concrete slab, supported by white pillars and featuring a sloped gabled roof with light wood planks on the exterior side and a clean white underside. String lights are evenly spaced across the ceiling, providing warm illumination. Two wooden picnic tables sit beneath the roof, creating space for outdoor gatherings. The patio opens onto lush green grass, with mature trees providing natural shade on one side. Beyond the patio, a peaceful pond with a rocky edge curves away into open farmland, offering serene rural views and a tranquil setting for relaxation or entertaining.
Studio Cabin Interior
A cozy, multipurpose room blending living, dining, and sleeping spaces, accented by rich honey-toned wood paneling on walls and vaulted ceilings with exposed beams. A small dining table with four matching wooden chairs sits to the left, positioned near a window draped with blue curtains. On the right, a bed with a blue plaid comforter fills the corner, beneath a wall-mounted air conditioning unit. At the far end, a compact kitchenette features upper and lower cabinets, a microwave, and a small countertop, adjacent to a modest bathroom area. Simple greenery and soft lighting add homey, rustic charm throughout.
Garage Exterior
Four large white garage doors dominate the side of a rectangular outbuilding, each evenly spaced across the clean, light-colored vinyl siding. The doors are sectional roll-up style, with the first door on the left featuring a row of glass panes, possibly for natural light. A wide, tan concrete driveway stretches the entire width of the building, merging with darker asphalt at the front. A pale blue metal roof tops the structure and discreet outdoor lights are mounted between each bay. The overall look is crisp and functional, blending modern utility with simple, orderly lines in a rural setting.
Garage Workshop
A spacious garage with a clean, industrial feel, featuring high white walls and a gray polished concrete floor. Overhead fluorescent lighting and a paneled ceiling create a bright, functional environment. Along the right wall, various utility hooks, hoses, and a retractable reel are mounted, suggesting a focus on automotive maintenance or cleaning. The central drainage trench runs the length of the floor, indicating easy water management. There is a window at the back for natural light, along with additional storage items such as barrels, a step ladder, and wall-mounted utility supports. The space feels well-organized, utilitarian, and ready for heavy-duty use.
Garage Workshop
Spacious garage with a high ceiling, finished with corrugated metal panels for a modern industrial look. The concrete floor is marked with a few water stains, and there’s ample open space for vehicles and equipment. A beige SUV is parked to the left, while the middle area features a small boat, utility trailer, and scattered bales of hay. Shelves along the rear and left wall are stacked with wooden planks, tools, and supplies, adding a practical and functional element. There is a workbench area beneath the shelves, with organizational shelving, plastic sheeting, and ladders completing the utilitarian and industrious atmosphere.
Front Exterior
A large, modern farmhouse facade stretches across the image, featuring light cream-colored siding paired with a stone base, giving it a clean and inviting appearance. The front entrance is centered beneath a dark framed glass door, flanked by symmetrical windows and supported by two white columns. A neat walkway leads up to the house, bordered by green grass and low landscaping with mulch and rocks. To the right, a wide, white roll-up garage door with horizontal glass panes indicates a spacious attached garage. Above, a metal roof and mature tree branches frame the house under a clear blue sky.
Workshop Area
A spacious and meticulously organized workshop with a high ceiling and bright, even lighting from numerous rectangular overhead fixtures. The walls are lined with warm-toned wood paneling and cabinets, providing ample storage for tools and materials. Along the left and far walls, there are built-in wooden cabinets and drawers, matching the paneling for a cohesive, craftsman feel. Large woodworking machines and neatly arranged hand tools are visible throughout, alongside a central worktable with metal stools. The workspace feels inviting and practical, ideal for woodworking projects, with plenty of natural and artificial light and a focus on utility and order.
Property Overview
Aerial view of a spacious rural estate featuring a large pond with a central fountain and dock, surrounded by meticulously maintained green lawns. Several buildings, including a main house and outbuildings with light-colored roofing, are positioned near the pond. A winding paved driveway and circular entrance lead to the main residence and various structures. Lush landscaping with mature leafy trees and garden spaces accent the grounds, while a field of solar panels sits near one of the barns. The estate is bordered on all sides by expansive brown agricultural fields, highlighting its tranquil, self-contained setting.
Listing Agent: Benjamin T Harman of Harman Realty via Zillow
