Some homes offer more than just a place to live. They tell a story through their architecture, craftsmanship, and original details that have stood the test of time.
Located at 407 3rd St SE in Waverly, Iowa, this charming Victorian home combines historic character with important modern improvements, making it an appealing opportunity for anyone looking for a home with personality and comfort.
Priced at $139,500, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom property offers a distinctive blend of traditional design, functional living spaces, and move-in-ready potential.
A Victorian Exterior Full of Character
From the moment you approach the property, the home’s historic charm is easy to appreciate. Its traditional wood siding, welcoming front porch, and distinctive architectural features give it a timeless appearance that stands apart from many modern houses.
One of the most eye-catching details is the curved roofline at the front of the home, which adds visual interest and highlights the craftsmanship associated with older Victorian properties.
A front window decorated with crown molding further enhances the exterior, creating an elegant detail that complements the home’s overall design.
The front porch offers a comfortable place to sit, relax, and enjoy the neighborhood. Whether you imagine drinking your morning coffee, reading a book on a pleasant afternoon, or spending time outdoors with friends, this traditional feature adds both charm and everyday functionality.
The property also includes a detached one-car garage with a sliding door and a carport, providing useful options for parking and additional storage. Outside, a fenced-in backyard offers a private space for outdoor activities, gardening, pets, or simply enjoying time in the fresh air.
For buyers who appreciate older architecture, the exterior alone makes this property worth a closer look.
Original Wood Floors and Beautiful Craftsmanship
Step inside, and the home’s historic character continues throughout the interior. Rather than replacing every original feature with contemporary finishes, the property retains many of the details that give older homes their unique appeal.
The main floor features oak hardwood flooring throughout most of the living areas, with the bathroom and kitchen being exceptions. These original floors provide warmth and character while creating a classic foundation for a variety of decorating styles.
Upstairs, pine wood flooring introduces another layer of traditional charm. The natural appearance of the wood complements the home’s original architectural details and creates a welcoming atmosphere throughout the upper level.
One of the most impressive features of this Victorian home is its stained glass. These decorative elements add color, texture, and character, enhancing the appearance of the house both inside and outside.
Stained glass is a particularly appealing feature for buyers who appreciate historic homes, as it can be difficult to replicate the character and craftsmanship of older decorative windows.
The original woodwork is another highlight. Carefully maintained trim and other traditional details reflect the quality of craftsmanship that helped define homes from earlier generations. Some of the original light fixtures also remain, providing additional character and a connection to the property’s history.
Together, these features create an interior that feels distinctive and full of personality. Instead of starting with a completely blank canvas, the next owner can enjoy the home’s existing charm while adding personal touches to make the space their own.
Three Bedrooms and Two Bathrooms
With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, this home offers a practical layout for a variety of living arrangements. It could appeal to first-time buyers, small families, couples looking for additional space, or anyone interested in owning a character-filled property.
The bedrooms provide flexibility for different needs. One room could serve as a primary bedroom, while the remaining spaces could be used for children, visiting guests, a home office, or a hobby room.
An especially interesting feature is the enclosed porch area located off one of the upstairs bedrooms. This space has its own separate outside entrance, creating possibilities for a quiet sitting area, a reading nook, a creative workspace, or a private place to enjoy some fresh air.
The separate entrance adds another practical element to the home’s layout, although buyers should evaluate the space’s intended use and any applicable requirements before considering a more independent living arrangement.
The property includes one full bathroom and one half bathroom. The addition of a bathroom on the main floor is among the improvements made by the current owner, providing additional convenience for everyday living and visitors.
For a historic home, having two bathrooms is a useful advantage that can make the property more functional for modern lifestyles.
A Clean Basement With Additional Potential
The basement provides another area worth exploring. Described as clean, it offers potential for storage, organization, hobbies, or future improvements, depending on the buyer’s needs and the space’s existing condition.
A basement can be particularly valuable in a home of this age because it provides room for belongings that might otherwise occupy the main living areas. It could also serve as a workshop or a dedicated space for seasonal equipment.
Buyers interested in finishing or renovating the basement should assess its ceiling height, moisture conditions, utilities, and any applicable building requirements before planning additional living space. Even without major changes, however, a clean basement offers useful flexibility.
Important Updates Already Completed
Although the home preserves many of its original details, it has also benefited from several important improvements. These updates may make the property especially attractive to buyers who want historic charm without taking on a complete renovation project immediately.
According to the property description, the owner has installed a new roof, helping address one of the major maintenance considerations associated with homeownership.
Three mini-split air-conditioning systems have also been added. These systems can provide targeted cooling in different areas of the house, offering an alternative to traditional central air conditioning. Buyers should confirm the systems’ condition, capacity, and heating or cooling functions during a showing.
The home also features a new boiler, providing another significant mechanical improvement. As with any property, prospective buyers should ask about installation dates, maintenance records, and the condition of the heating system.
Additional improvements include some new windows and the installation of a new bathroom on the main floor. Together, these updates demonstrate that the property has received attention while retaining the historic details that make it special.
The listing describes the home as move-in ready, meaning buyers may be able to settle in and enjoy its character without undertaking an extensive renovation before moving. A professional inspection remains a sensible step, particularly with an older property.
A Convenient Location in Waverly, Iowa
The home is located near the river and the Waverly Ball Diamond field, offering convenient access to nearby outdoor surroundings and recreational opportunities.
Waverly provides a small-city setting in northeastern Iowa, appealing to people who appreciate a community atmosphere and a more relaxed pace of life. The property’s location may be especially attractive to buyers who enjoy spending time outdoors or want recreational destinations nearby.
The combination of a traditional residential setting, a fenced backyard, and nearby outdoor amenities gives the property appeal beyond its architectural features.
Prospective buyers can explore the surrounding neighborhood to determine how well the location fits their daily routines, including commuting, shopping, recreation, and other local needs.
Is This Victorian Home Worth Considering?
At an asking price of $139,500, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom Victorian home presents an opportunity to own a property with distinctive architectural details and several meaningful updates.
Its stained-glass windows, original woodwork, oak and pine flooring, curved front roofline, and welcoming porch give it a personality that newer construction often lacks. Meanwhile, the new roof, boiler, mini-split air-conditioning systems, updated windows, and additional main-floor bathroom offer practical benefits.
The detached garage, carport, fenced backyard, enclosed upstairs porch, and clean basement add even more flexibility.
For buyers who love historic houses, the appeal lies in the combination of preserved craftsmanship and everyday usability. The home offers the opportunity to enjoy original details while gradually personalizing the spaces to suit individual tastes.
Whether you are searching for your first home, looking to downsize, or hoping to find an older property with character, this Waverly Victorian deserves consideration.
At $139,500, it offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, classic Victorian charm, and a range of improvements already completed. Buyers interested in this distinctive property should schedule a showing to explore its layout, inspect its original features, and discover everything it has to offer.
FROM ZILLOW