Of all the potential conversation starters to be found in a new home, discovering a functional climbing wall in the living room is an unexpected surprise.
“The previous homeowner actually had this, and they chose to keep it. It’s got the hook up there, so you certainly could use it,” explained Realtor Shonna Murrey. “There really is a ton of uniqueness to this house.”
Originally built in 1974, the 2,792-square-foot, $825,000, four-bedroom West Des Moines property has been completely remodeled to create a brand-new living experience for the next owner. Resting on a raised ridge a short walk from the Brown’s Woods wildlife reserve and local walking trails, the house is a few steps from a community pond that neighbors confirmed is stocked with fish.
Surrounded by mature trees to enable year-round engagement with nature and the changing seasons, the exterior of the building has been resurfaced to present a sleek modern finish.
Inside, the two-story foyer opens to a large family room featuring a gas starting, wood-burning fireplace, and scenic views through abundant picture windows that Murrey described as “absolutely stunning.”
The open-plan kitchen was upgraded from scratch, including the installation of custom cabinets and a kitchen island “big enough to feed ‘The Brady Bunch,’” Murrey joked. “It definitely has captured a lot of comments and interest.”
The kitchen opens to a second living space facing a fireplace, plus easy access to the attached two-car garage, a wet bar, and a sliding door connection to the large outdoor deck. “The deck on the main level is huge. It spans almost the whole length of the house,” Murrey said.
A loft space on the second floor was designed with wall-to-ceiling shelving, a hallway to two bedrooms, and a hidden bookcase doorway that opens to the primary bedroom, upgraded with two separate shower areas and doors to its own private outdoor deck.
The finished walk-out basement now features another family room, a wet bar, and a full bathroom for the home’s fourth bedroom.
Continuing the theme of modern living combined with a nature retreat, an outdoor tree-house has been wired for electricity, and Murrey explained, “you can even put like a little heater out there if you want. It’s very functional.”
Located less than three miles from West Des Moines Community Schools, but comfortably hidden from vehicles and foot traffic, Murrey believes the top-to-bottom overhaul will appeal to two sets of buyers.
One group already familiar with the appeal and charm of the settled neighborhood, “and then you’ve got another buyer who has seen the pictures of the home online and is just captivated by the house and the uniqueness of it,” she added.
The home is listed at $825,000 by Shonna Murrey of Epique Realty. Contact her at 515-612-8939 for more information and a private showing.
- Where: 2090 SE Browns Woods Ridge, West Des Moines
- Asking price: $825,000
- Year built: 1974
- Square footage: 2,792 square feet
- Lot size: 0.40 acres
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