Iowa’s real estate scene is a harmonious mix of pastoral elegance and upscale comfort, where luxury often means sprawling acreage and custom craftsmanship. High-end homes here range from stately brick estates overlooking rolling farmland to lakefront retreats with every modern amenity.
While the pace is slower and the prices more grounded than coastal markets, Iowa’s top-tier properties still deliver grandeur in their own Midwest way. Let’s dive into the five most expensive homes currently on the market in Iowa.
5. Iowa City, IA – $1,600,000
Covering 6,408 square feet, this fully remodeled 2-story home includes 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms on a 1.2-acre lot overlooking the Iowa River, priced at $1,600,000. Renovated in 2024 by Klostermann Construction, the home features a 2-story sunroom, refinished hardwood floors, a chef’s kitchen with a walnut island, and high-end appliances.
The lower level includes a new theater room, and updates span HVAC, lighting, carpet, tile, fixtures, and security systems. Surrounded by mature trees, the property offers river views and modern features throughout.
Where is Iowa City?
Iowa City anchors eastern Iowa with its role as a university town and cultural center. It is home to the University of Iowa and the renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop. The city supports education, healthcare, and research industries. Downtown blends historic buildings with a busy arts and music scene.
Living Room
Tall windows wrap the living room, forming a rounded bay that brings in forest views. A black piano rests in the corner while a mauve couch, white chairs, and ornate wooden coffee table fill the seating area. A stone wall with mounted television and linear fireplace anchors the opposite side. Pale wood floors extend across the space.
Kitchen
Dark hardwood flooring contrasts with white cabinetry in the kitchen, where two islands divide prep and entertaining zones. A navy island with glass-front cabinets anchors the center, lit by hanging lantern-style lights. Wall ovens, built-in wine storage, and a farmhouse sink are also visible. Recessed lighting lines the ceiling.
Dining Room
Bold red walls and a bright blue ceiling frame a long dining room with a wooden table that seats ten. One end of the space features built-in bench seating with pillows, while open shelving displays colorful dishes. A chandelier hangs above the table, and windows span both longer walls. A patterned rug covers most of the floor.
Bedroom
A tall arched window sits behind a deep blue daybed at the end of the bedroom. The bed has a golden headboard and white bedding, and the ceiling angles upward in a vaulted style. A multicolored rug and large red artwork add contrast to otherwise soft finishes. Wood flooring runs underneath.
Covered Patio
Brick columns support a covered patio that opens onto a multi-level outdoor space with dining and lounge zones. A pair of blue sofas surround a fire pit table near the entrance, while a second seating arrangement sits farther back. Trees without leaves suggest the photo was taken in late fall or early spring. A curved retaining wall borders the elevated yard.
Source: Tricia Van Roekel, Jenna Poch @ Urban Acres Real Estate via Coldwell Banker Realty
4. North Liberty, IA – $1,625,000
Rising from a 3.02-acre lot just six miles north of Iowa City, this 5,776 square feet home features 3 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms and is offered at $1,625,000. Designed by architect Bill Nowysz, it includes geothermal systems, an elevator to all three levels, a 3-car garage, and a heated parking area.
Interior highlights include 25-foot Great Room windows with cobalt glass, maple floors, a limestone fireplace, and a stainless-steel detailed primary suite. Outdoor elements include pocket gardens, a limestone fountain, a fenced vegetable garden, and access to a stocked neighborhood pond.
Where is North Liberty?
Tucked between expanding highways and open fields, North Liberty is a rising city in Johnson County. It functions as a suburban community with strong ties to Iowa City and the University of Iowa. The city offers a mix of new housing, schools, and recreation areas. Growth has been driven by its location and regional job access.
Living Room
Tall grid-style windows stretch across the double-height wall in the living room, letting in natural light and backyard views. A linear fireplace sits between two red sofas and a pair of gray chairs. The room connects to a dining space beneath a partial mezzanine. Light flooring and white walls keep the space bright.
Sunroom
A fireplace sits at the center of a window-lined sunroom, with stacked stone landscaping seen outside. The seating area includes cushioned wooden chairs and a circular dining table. A wreath and small sculptures decorate the mantel. Tall ceilings and green walls add to the visual contrast.
Kitchen
Natural wood cabinetry and black countertops anchor the kitchen. A square island includes a sink and seating, while pendant lights hang from the high ceiling. A small breakfast nook with red chairs sits beside the window. Shelving with pantry items is visible through an open doorway.
Theater Room
Projector screen spans one wall in the theater room, with red and wood chairs set up in rows. A low black table separates two viewing zones. Colorful framed prints and a horse sculpture fill out the decor. Gray carpet and a tiled ceiling complete the room.
Bedroom
A quilted bedspread adds color to the bedroom, which is framed by windows on two sides. A glass door opens to an exterior balcony. Natural wood furniture and a neutral armchair sit along the perimeter. Light track lighting is installed in the ceiling.
Source: Alan Swanson @ Blank & Mccune Real Estate via Coldwell Banker Realty
3. West Des Moines, IA – $1,999,000
Set on 3.940 gated and fenced acres in West Des Moines, the estate offers 6,952 square feet of total living space with 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms for $1,999,000. Originally built in 1954 and fully renovated in 2020, the main residence spans 5,758 square feet with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, two laundry areas, and a 4+ car garage.
A separate 1,194 square feet guest house adds 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and its own laundry. Features include a heated 20×40 pool, rooftop deck, multiple fire pits, smart home systems, and over 4,100 square feet of total garage and outbuilding space.
Where is West Des Moines?
West Des Moines is a suburban city west of Des Moines in central Iowa. It is a regional center for retail, finance, and insurance industries. The area includes both established neighborhoods and newer developments. Jordan Creek Town Center is a major commercial anchor in the city.
Living Room
Large windows frame the living room, bringing in views of surrounding trees and greenery. A grand piano sits in the corner, while two beige sofas and two leather chairs form a central seating area. The fireplace is finished with a sleek, brown tile surround that extends to the ceiling. A coffee table and decorative vases complete the space.
Kitchen
A waterfall-edge island with a white marble pattern anchors the kitchen. Black tile backsplash contrasts with glossy white cabinetry and stainless appliances. A wine fridge, open wood shelves, and globe pendant lights add detail. Bar stools line one side of the island under recessed lighting.
Media Room
There is a stone fireplace with a mounted TV is the central feature of the media room. Built-in shelves and floating wood accents display books and framed photos. Large windows line the far wall with views into the surrounding trees. A fur rug, wood coffee table, and soft seating complete the corner.
Bedroom
An orange bedspread contrasts with the polished tile flooring and crisp white walls in the bedroom. A patterned chair sits near the black-trimmed door leading to an outdoor space. The en suite bathroom is visible through a frameless glass doorway. Windows continue along the exterior wall, maintaining a strong connection with the outdoors.
Pool Area
Lounge chairs and red-cushioned patio seating surround the swimming pool in the backyard. The pool is bordered by light concrete and includes a shallow step-in area. Sliding doors connect to the indoor living space, and a bar area sits under a covered section of the patio. Modern siding and stonework make up the rear exterior of the home.
Source: Stephanie Thomas @ RE/MAX Concepts via Coldwell Banker Realty
2. North Liberty, IA – $2,350,000
With 6,208 square feet of living space, this Lake Ridge Estates property includes 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms on a private 3-acre wooded lot, priced at $2,350,000. Built by Klosterman Construction, the home features a gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, a great room with maple floors, and a sunroom leading to a large deck.
The primary suite includes a steam shower, jetted tub, heated marble floors, and direct access to the laundry room. A heated saltwater pool, built-in firepit, and a fully finished lower level with a custom bar complete the estate.
Where is North Liberty?
North Liberty is a city in eastern Iowa, part of the Iowa City metropolitan area. It has grown rapidly due to its proximity to the University of Iowa and major employers. The community features residential developments, parks, and small businesses. It serves as a suburban hub between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.
Kitchen
Three chandeliers hang over a long island with seating in the kitchen. Beige tile backsplash stretches beneath white upper cabinets and a built-in range hood. A separate dining nook sits beside the window, framed by striped Roman shades. Dark wood floors contrast with light wall tones and countertops.
Dining Room
Dark teal walls wrap the dining room, paired with patterned curtains and a large area rug. A dark wood table is surrounded by a mix of high-back and studded chairs. A chandelier with hanging beads centers the space. Artwork and matching lamps sit on a mirrored console along the back wall.
Bar Area
Sports memorabilia covers the wall in the bar area, with glass-front cabinets and shelving behind the counter. Granite countertops surround a wraparound bar with leather stools. Displays include jerseys, helmets, and baseballs. Recessed lighting and a mounted TV finish the room.
Bedroom
Blue and cream accents furnish the bedroom with a large upholstered bed, armchairs, and a round ottoman. Built-in shelves and windows run along one wall. A ceiling fan hangs from the tray ceiling. Light carpet and wood nightstands complete the setup.
Pool Area
Lounge chairs and a conversation set line the concrete patio around the rectangular pool. Trees form a green barrier behind the seating area. The rear of the house shows multiple levels with stone and siding details. Glass doors and windows face the pool area.
Source: Catherine Pugh @ Urban Acres Real Estate via Coldwell Banker Realty
1. Indianola, IA – $2,950,000
Covering 7,743 square feet, this Warren County estate features 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms on 35 acres and is priced at $2,950,000. Built with an all-brick exterior and slate roof, the home includes a main floor owner’s suite, a gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances, and a 4-season room with 17-foot ceilings.
The 3,500 square feet walk-out level offers a theater room, sauna, wine cellar, bar, second kitchen, and more. A barn with a 1-bedroom guest house and horse stalls complements the landscaped grounds, along with a 4-car garage and Certified Pre-Owned Home status with warranty.
Where is Indianola?
Indianola is a city in central Iowa, south of Des Moines. It is home to Simpson College and the National Balloon Classic. The city serves as a local center for education, events, and small business. Indianola blends residential neighborhoods with rural surroundings.
Kitchen
Granite countertops wrap around the kitchen, paired with light wood cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. A central island includes a cooktop and detailed woodwork on the side panel. Pendant lights hang over the island, while recessed lights run along the ceiling. A large window over the sink looks out toward trees and lawn.
Dining Room
Wood wainscoting and crown molding frame the dining room, where large windows span two walls. A rectangular table sits beneath a chandelier, surrounded by a mix of cushioned and wooden chairs. An area rug anchors the space over polished wood floors. A wall mirror reflects light from the adjacent windows.
Home Theater
Rows of leather recliners face a projection screen in the home theater. Purple walls and patterned carpet set the tone, along with wood trim and small wall sconces. Steps between rows are lined with built-in lighting. Ceiling-mounted equipment completes the setup.
Bedroom
A four-poster bed stands near the center of the bedroom, flanked by seating and a wood-framed fireplace. Windows on three sides offer views of the landscape. The ceiling features recessed lighting and carved trim. Wood floors stretch across the room beneath a large rug.
Bathroom
Mirrored walls and wraparound vanities line the bathroom, with a built-in tub set between two columns. Frosted glass block windows allow light while maintaining privacy. A chandelier and rows of vanity lights provide illumination. Tile floors extend into an adjoining closet area.
Source: Misty Darling @ Bh&G Real Estate Innovations via Coldwell Banker Realty
