Step into a rare piece of Iowa history with this stately Union Park residence, originally built by a British sea captain and once serving as the former Governor’s home. Perfectly blending historic charm with thoughtful updates, this home offers over a century of character paired with modern-day comfort. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a spacious formal dining room and a grand living room anchored by a warm, inviting fireplace. The sunroom, drenched in natural light, provides serene views of the meticulously landscaped gardens — an ideal spot for morning coffee or afternoon reading. The updated kitchen offers both functionality and style, marrying contemporary finishes with the home’s timeless architecture. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms, including one with a private rooftop balcony overlooking the lush gardens. A convenient second-floor laundry room adds everyday practicality. Don’t miss the walk-up attic — a unique space with original dormer windows, perfect for a bonus room, studio, or potential fourth bedroom. The finished basement boasts abundant storage, a second laundry room, and a cozy family room, creating even more space to relax and entertain.
Outdoors, the tranquility continues with stone water features, thoughtfully designed landscaping, a three-car garage, and a large storage shed — all set within a peaceful, garden-inspired environment.
For sale
$324,900
738 E Washington Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
4beds
2,142sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1902
0.33 Acres Lot
$316,700 Zestimate®
$152/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Inviting fireplaceFinished basementPeaceful garden-inspired environmentStone water featuresOriginal dormer windowsUpdated kitchenDrenched in natural light
- 3 days
- on Zillow |
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Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: May 23, 2025 at 06:58am
Listed by:
Jason Russell (515)201-1490,
Realty ONE Group Impact,
Trisha Eslick Davis 515-778-9733,
Realty ONE Group Impact
Source: DMMLS,MLS#: 716494
Originating MLS: Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS

Travel times
Tour with a buyer’s agent
Tour with a buyer’s agent
Open house
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 1
- 3/4 bathrooms: 1
Heating
- Forced Air, Gas, Natural Gas
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Dryer, Dishwasher, Microwave, Refrigerator, Stove, Washer
Features
- Separate/Formal Dining Room
- Flooring: Carpet, Hardwood, Laminate
- Basement: Finished
- Number of fireplaces: 1
- Fireplace features: Wood Burning
Interior area
- Total structure area: 2,142
- Total interior livable area: 2,142 sqft
- Finished area below ground: 0
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 3
- Parking features: Detached, Garage, Three Car Garage
- Garage spaces: 3
Features
- Levels: Two
- Stories: 2
- Patio & porch: Covered, Open, Patio, Porch, Screened
- Exterior features: Enclosed Porch, Patio
- Fencing: Wood
Lot
- Size: 0.33 Acres
- Features: Irregular Lot
Details
- Parcel number: 11005894001000
- Zoning: N5
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Two Story
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Wood Siding
- Foundation: Block
- Roof: Asphalt,Shingle
Condition
- Year built: 1902
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
Community & HOA
HOA
- Has HOA: No
Location
- Region: Des Moines
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $152/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $241,200
- Annual tax amount: $4,540
- Date on market: 4/24/2025
- Listing terms: Cash,Conventional
- Road surface type: Concrete
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