Filled with unique design touches that help set it apart from its upscale neighbors, this six-bedroom, $1.1 million home for sale in Ankeny's Prairie Trail neighborhood elevates the conventional family home experience on one of the area's most desirable streets.
"You are five minutes from the elementary school. You're just a few minutes' walk to The District," explained Realtor Abby Hausmann-Virgil.
With Ankeny to the east and The District's retail, restaurants and entertainment options an even shorter distance to the west, Prairie Trail lives up to its purpose as a walkable community where residents can choose to leave the car behind.
Directly facing the city-maintained Midway Park pond and a children's play area, the 3,058-square-foot house was custom-built by Caliber Homes in consultation with the present residents. Further design upgrades by the homeowners have been seamlessly integrated into its carefully considered layout.
Inside, a stone fireplace in the large living space rises to the vaulted ceiling. Amish cabinetry was installed in the kitchen — hiding a walk-in pantry behind unassuming double doors — facing a quartz countertop island for casual dining.
A more formal dining space connects with a second covered porch, with views of the backyard.
Hausmann-Virgil suggested the rear of the house was "kind of a blank slate right now" and could be upgraded by landscaping or the input of a keen gardener. The home's mudroom already includes a dog wash station, equally useful for humans working outdoors. "You could come in and wash your boots off in that cleanup station and not track mud into your fancy bathroom," she added.
Also on the main level, an office, laundry room and a primary bedroom leading to a bathroom featuring a deep soaking tub and a walk-in shower decorated with green glass tiles.
Upstairs adds another office or potential children's study zone and three other bedrooms.
The finished basement adds two extra bedrooms, one featuring bunk beds reached by steps, not temporary ladders. The lower-level family room includes a wet bar for mature visitors and the special addition of a climbing wall, perfect for encouraging grandchildren or relatives to visit.
Although easy to remove, Hausmann-Virgil noted the value of the unusual attraction. "Nobody else has this inside," she said.
The home's exterior was completed with an eye-catching modern Tudor façade highlighted by a covered front porch and a gas fireplace. "With the click of a button, you can be snuggled out there," Hausmann-Virgil explained.
Pointing out the proximity to Midway Park meant there was less need for installing playground furniture in the backyard, she noted the year-round appeal of the setting.
"I would sit out there with my fireplace and my books and watch my kids play at the park across the street," she said.
The home is listed at $1,100,000 by Abby Hausmann-Virgil of Tom and Abby Premier Real Estate at Keller Williams. Contact her at 515-509-2726 for more information and a private showing.
Where: 1509 SW Des Moines Street, Ankeny
Square footage: 3,058 square feet
Richard Lane is a freelance writer based in Des Moines.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: This $1.1M Ankeny home for sale turns family living into play