Imagine owning a historic mansion filled with original woodwork, stained glass, hardwood floors, and architectural details from another era for just $35,000.
Located at 628 Franklin St in Keokuk, Iowa, this remarkable property known as Wishing Well Place Mansion offers a rare opportunity for buyers who appreciate historic homes and have the vision to restore an older property to its former beauty.
Built in 1880, this stately residence showcases the craftsmanship and character that make historic houses so appealing. From its grand entrance and ornate woodwork to its spacious living room and covered front porch, the home retains distinctive features that are increasingly difficult to find in modern construction.
The property offers four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and the possibility of creating a second kitchen. Situated on a spacious corner lot with gravel parking accessible from the alley, it provides an interesting starting point for someone ready to take on a restoration project.
Priced at $35,000, the mansion is being sold as-is, where-is, and is priced accordingly. Buyers should be prepared to evaluate its current condition and determine the work needed to bring it back to life.
A Historic Mansion With Remarkable Character
The first thing that makes this property stand out is its historic identity. Built in 1880, Wishing Well Place Mansion represents a period when residential architecture often emphasized detailed craftsmanship, decorative finishes, and distinctive interior spaces.
Older homes like this can offer a sense of history that is difficult to reproduce. Original architectural elements can give each room its own personality, while traditional construction details create opportunities for restoration enthusiasts to preserve features that might otherwise be lost.
The home’s description highlights unique details throughout the property, suggesting that its appeal extends beyond its size and bedroom count. For buyers who enjoy researching architectural history and bringing older buildings back to life, the house could become a particularly rewarding project.
Of course, the full extent of the original features and their current condition should be confirmed during an inspection. Nevertheless, the property’s age and surviving craftsmanship provide a compelling reason for historic-home enthusiasts to take a closer look.
At an asking price of $35,000, it may attract buyers who have been searching for an affordable entry point into the world of historic property restoration.
A Grand Foyer With Ornate Woodwork
The home’s foyer offers an impressive introduction to the interior. According to the listing, this welcoming entrance features ornate woodwork and craftsmanship that immediately establish the house’s historic character.
In older residences, the foyer often served as more than a simple passageway. It created the first impression for visitors and connected the principal rooms of the house, making it an important architectural feature.
The detailed woodwork in this entrance could become a centerpiece of a future restoration. With careful cleaning, appropriate repairs, and a thoughtful approach to preserving original materials, buyers may be able to highlight the craftsmanship while making the space feel fresh and welcoming.
Restoration work on original wood features requires particular care. Removing historic finishes or replacing damaged pieces without considering their original design can diminish the character of an older home.
Buyers interested in preserving the property’s historic appeal may want to consult experienced restoration professionals before undertaking major changes.
The foyer provides a glimpse of the distinctive details that make this mansion different from many contemporary houses.
A Grand Living Room Filled With Natural Light
Beyond the foyer, the home features a grand living room with several attractive original elements. The listing describes a stained-glass window, lofty ceilings, original woodwork, and hardwood flooring.
Together, these details create the potential for a striking central living space.
The stained-glass window is particularly noteworthy. Decorative glass can introduce color and texture into a room while adding a distinctive historic feature that attracts attention. Depending on its condition, careful restoration could help preserve its appearance for future generations.
The lofty ceilings may also contribute to a feeling of openness. High ceilings were a defining feature of many historic residences, creating an impressive sense of scale and allowing decorative details to stand out.
Original hardwood flooring adds another layer of character. While the condition of the floors is not specified, restoring existing hardwood can sometimes preserve more of a home’s original appearance than replacing it with modern materials.
The original woodwork throughout the living room may include details that complement the home’s overall historic design. Buyers should inspect these elements closely to determine which can be preserved, repaired, or refinished.
With the right restoration plan, the living room could become one of the property’s most appealing spaces.
Original Windows and Natural Light
Another feature mentioned in the listing is the home’s original windows, which allow abundant natural light into the interior.
Natural light can make rooms feel more inviting and can help highlight architectural details such as hardwood floors, decorative trim, and stained glass.
For a property of this age, the windows deserve careful attention. Original windows can contribute significantly to a historic home’s appearance, but their condition, energy efficiency, and ability to operate safely should be evaluated.
Some windows may benefit from repairs, weatherstripping, or other improvements. Others could require more substantial work. Buyers should consider both preservation goals and practical needs when deciding how to address them.
Maintaining original features where feasible can help preserve the home’s character, but safety, comfort, and long-term maintenance should remain priorities.
Four Bedrooms and Two Full Bathrooms
The mansion includes four bedrooms and two full bathrooms, offering a layout with several possibilities for future use.
A four-bedroom property may accommodate a family, provide space for visiting guests, or allow rooms to serve different purposes. Depending on their dimensions and layout, the bedrooms could potentially be used for home offices, hobby rooms, or creative workspaces.
The two full bathrooms provide useful functionality for a household, although their current condition and the state of the plumbing should be assessed before purchase.
One particularly interesting detail is the possibility of creating a second kitchen. This feature could offer additional flexibility depending on the home’s layout and any applicable building requirements.
For example, an additional kitchen might be useful for extended-family living, food preparation, or another permitted use. However, buyers should not assume that the space is already equipped for a second kitchen or that a separate dwelling arrangement would be allowed.
Plumbing, electrical capacity, ventilation, permits, and local regulations would all need to be evaluated.
The combination of four bedrooms and the possibility of a second kitchen gives buyers several ideas to explore while planning a restoration.
A Spacious Corner Lot With a Covered Front Porch
The property sits on a spacious corner lot, adding outdoor potential to its historic interior.
A corner location can give a house a distinctive presence within its surroundings and may offer different approaches to landscaping, depending on the lot’s dimensions and configuration.
The covered front porch is another traditional feature that complements the mansion’s appearance. It provides a place to sit outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, or welcome visitors while appreciating the home’s historic exterior.
With thoughtful landscaping and appropriate exterior maintenance, the front of the property could become an inviting setting that highlights its architectural character.
The listing also mentions off-street parking accessed from the alley, with gravel parking available. This provides a practical parking option, although buyers should verify the access arrangement, parking capacity, drainage, and condition of the area.
The outdoor space offers opportunities for improvement, but its full potential will depend on the property’s actual dimensions and condition.
A $35,000 Restoration Opportunity
The asking price of $35,000 is likely to attract attention from buyers who are interested in properties with significant potential.
However, the low price should be considered alongside the home’s age and as-is sale terms. The listing does not specify the extent of repairs needed, so buyers should not assume that the property can be restored inexpensively.
Before making an offer, prospective buyers should arrange a thorough inspection and assess the foundation, roof, electrical system, plumbing, heating, windows, and other major components. Older properties can have hidden issues that significantly affect renovation costs.
It is also wise to research comparable properties in Keokuk, estimate contractor expenses, investigate insurance availability, and establish a realistic budget with a contingency for unexpected repairs.
Because the home contains distinctive historic features, buyers who want to preserve its character may need specialists familiar with older buildings. Depending on the property’s condition, the restoration could be a substantial undertaking.
The home is being sold as-is, where-is, meaning buyers should carefully review the sale terms and understand that they should not expect the seller to complete repairs.
Could You Bring Wishing Well Place Mansion Back to Life?
Wishing Well Place Mansion offers a distinctive opportunity to explore historic-home restoration at an asking price of $35,000.
Its 1880 origins, ornate foyer, stained-glass window, original woodwork, hardwood flooring, lofty ceilings, and covered front porch provide plenty of character. The four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, spacious corner lot, and possibility of a second kitchen add further flexibility.
For the right buyer, this could be an opportunity to preserve an older home while creating a living space tailored to modern needs. It could appeal to restoration enthusiasts, experienced investors, or anyone who appreciates historic architecture and understands the work involved in an as-is property.
The key will be evaluating the home’s current condition and determining whether the restoration costs align with the buyer’s budget and goals.
FROM ZILLOW