Iowa Schoolhouse Reimagined as a Luxe Estate Is the Week’s Most Popular Home

This transformation really makes the grade: The former Milford School in Nevada, IA, reimagined as an enormous luxury estate scores top marks this week as our most popular home.

According to the Ames Tribune, the school sat vacant for nearly 20 years before Dean and Dianne Jensen purchased it in 2007. After a painstaking renovation of the 13,872-square-foot property, they moved in in 2012. Now, they are ready to downsize.

Also grabbing attention this week are an affordable island cottage in Connecticut, an antique Indiana house said to be part of the Underground Railroad, and a midcentury modern time capsule in Illinois.

For a full look at all 10 of this week’s most popular homes, just scroll down.

10. 5101 Delores Ave Unit 2, Austin, TX

Price: $565,000
Why it’s here: It’s fun and funky. This brand-new build features a modern look with big bursts of color.

The two-bedroom home features an unexpectedly eclectic interior. The peninsula kitchen has a mosaic tile backsplash and a neon sign for an “industrial contemporary aesthetic.” Other design highlights include an orange-hued range, vividly colored doors and accent walls, and floor-to-ceiling glass tile in the primary bathroom.

There’s even a green wall out back to offer a Zen-inspired retreat.

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9. 50 Hammonassett Ave, Clinton, CT

Price: $379,000
Why it’s here: This adorable, two-bedroom cottage on Cedar Island was recently renovated.

The cozy 796-square-foot abode features an open floor plan, a cathedral ceiling, and hardwood floors. There’s an extra sleeping loft for guests and an enclosed porch out back. The kitchen has updated appliances and a breakfast nook with built-in seating. French doors open to a back deck and outdoor shower.

The beautifully decorated property comes fully furnished and includes a 13-foot Boston whaler vessel and Sunfish sailboat.

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8. 7414 Greenwich Rd, Seville, OH

Price: $385,000
Why it’s here: This 4-acre Easton Farm comes with a Victorian home, a bank barn with a silo, and a horse barn.

The three-bedroom Victorian was built in 1888 and features a wraparound porch, custom millwork, built-in cabinetry, preserved hardwood floors, and leaded and stained glass. The upper section of the bank barn could be used for storage or hosting events, while the lower section offers a spacious work area. The horse barn is near a fenced pasture.

The property is pending sale.

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7. 4689 S Strawtown Pike, Marion, IN

Price: $269,900
Why it’s here: The Shugart House, which was built in 1844, was part of the Underground Railroad, according to the listing.

The affordably priced antique has been beautifully preserved and retains its original built-in bookshelves, brick walls and floors, hardwood floors, exposed-beam ceilings, and three fireplaces with ornate mantels.

The kitchen has been updated with stainless-steel appliances and custom cherry cabinets.

The 1-acre property comes with a two-car garage. It is pending sale.

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6. 10820 Brint Rd, Sylvania, OH 

Price: $899,000
Why it’s here: Once owned by Franklin Dairy Farms, this 1889 brick farmhouse has been fully restored and modernized.

The five-bedroom, 3,992-square-foot residence features a fantastic interior, with custom woodworking throughout. Period highlights include stained-glass windows, exposed beams, arched ceilings, and hardwood floors.

The 4-acre lot includes a three-car detached garage, a pole barn, a pool, and a basketball court.

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5. 99 Little Melody Ln, Lake Forest, IL

Price: $500,000
Why it’s here: This Japanese-inspired midcentury modern home was designed by architect Edward R. Humrich.

The three-bedroom time capsule was built in 1955 and features walls of windows, arched wood ceilings, exposed brick, and lots of natural wood. The 2,049-square-foot open floor plan includes a great room with a brick hearth and a stylish kitchen with a built-in table, original custom cabinetry, and butcher-block countertops.

The 2-acre property includes a two-vehicle carport with a drop-down tarp. It is pending sale.

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4. 561 Shades Crest Rd, Hoover, AL

Price: $299,900
Why it’s here: This three-bedroom cabin was built in 1938 with logs sourced from the property.

The 4,209-square-foot cabin sits on a double lot overlooking Shades Mountain. The great room features a stone hearth, and the family room has a wood-burning stove and a skylight. The primary bedroom has wood-lined walls, cedar-lined closets, and access to a private deck.

On the lower level is a guest suite with a kitchenette and a wood-burning stove. The property is pending sale.

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3. 2551 Crow Valley Rd NW, Dalton, GA

Price: $13,000,000
Why it’s here: This French chateau-style estate features a whopping 16,044 square feet of luxurious living space. It sits on 58 verdant acres.

The six-bedroom mansion features many lavish amenities, including an elevator, home theater, fitness center, and a sport court. The guesthouse, dubbed “cloud on the cabin,” is tucked away in the mountains.

Interior photos weren’t available, but the listing notes that the chef’s kitchen comes with high-end appliances, custom cabinets, and a breakfast room.

Multiple terraces overlook the lush grounds, which include a pool.

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2. 24296 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA

Price: $875,000
Why it’s here: Here’s a multitasker’s dream: Throw in some laundry and let dinner simmer while you soap up in the shower!

This three-bedroom home has been “fully remodeled,” according to the listing. The 1,390-square-foot interior features new laminate flooring throughout and updated dual-pane windows. The roof is new, and the kitchen has new cabinets and quartz countertops.

The attached garage was transformed into a quirky, two-bedroom accessory dwelling unit in which you can multitask all in one spot.

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1. 59035 190th St, Nevada, IA

Price: $1,750,000
Why it’s here: The ingenious transformation of this former schoolhouse into a sprawling luxury residence earns top marks in our book.

Built in 1923, the three-story brick structure known as “Prairie Castle” features an eye-popping interior that still pays homage to the school’s legacy. The interior features ceiling heights that soar up to 23 feet, “exposed structural and brick elements,” original maple flooring, and a gymnasium-turned-ballroom. There are four bedrooms, five bathrooms, two full kitchens, and three “morning” kitchens. An elevator offers access to all three floors.

The property receives extra credit for the garage and shop area, which could be used to house equipment or be turned into an art studio.

Just bring your imagination!

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