$99K for an 1890 Iowa Home Packed With Original Character

Historic homes have a way of standing out, especially when much of their original craftsmanship is still visible. This property at 1003 Edgington Avenue in Eldora, Iowa, offers exactly that kind of old-house appeal, with a current asking price of $99,000.
Built in 1890, the residence features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and approximately 1,855 square feet of living space. Sitting on a 0.31-acre corner lot, the home combines late-19th-century character with several practical features for everyday living.
Original Details Steal the Show
One of the biggest attractions inside is the extensive original woodwork. Tall ceilings and hardwood flooring add to the historic atmosphere, while the traditional layout gives the home a sense of scale and personality that can be difficult to find in newer construction.
A fireplace adds another classic element to the interior. The living and dining areas provide plenty of space for gathering, entertaining, or simply enjoying the character that has survived through more than a century of use.
With four bedrooms, the home offers flexibility for a larger household, guest rooms, a home office, hobby space, or other uses depending on the next owner’s needs.
Outdoor Spaces Add More Character
The property isn’t limited to its interior details. A second-level balcony provides an interesting outdoor feature, while a newer exterior deck creates additional space for sitting outside, entertaining, or enjoying warmer Iowa days.
The house occupies a prominent corner lot measuring approximately 0.31 acres. While this isn’t a large rural acreage, it provides manageable outdoor space without the maintenance demands associated with a much larger property.
Landscaped areas around the home add to the established setting.
Garage, Basement and Practical Features
A detached garage provides covered parking and additional utility space. The home also includes an unfinished stone and rock basement, a feature commonly found in houses from this era.
Heating is provided by a forced-air natural gas system, while cooling includes ceiling fans and window units. The property is connected to public water and public sewer.
These practical features sit alongside the home’s older architectural details, creating a property that may appeal to buyers who appreciate historic houses but still want access to familiar utilities.
A Major Price Reduction
The home has seen several price adjustments during 2026. After being offered earlier in the year at $129,900, the asking price eventually dropped to $99,000.
At that price, the property works out to roughly $53 per square foot based on the listed 1,855 square feet of interior living area.
For someone attracted to original woodwork, hardwood floors, tall ceilings, fireplaces, porches, and the distinctive personality of late-1800s architecture, this Eldora property offers plenty to look at.
Rather than presenting the blank canvas of a newly constructed house, this 1890 residence arrives with more than a century of history already built into its walls.
At $99,000, it could be an intriguing opportunity for an old-house enthusiast looking for space, architectural character, and a recognizable piece of Iowa history.
Listed on Zillow






































