26 Acres Lot. 3 beds, 2 baths. Price cut:... See more
Only 15 minutes from Ames and easy commute from the Metro area you find this wooded acreage for the nature enthusiasts.
26.63 total acres and 23.78 acres are designated Forest Reserve (exempt from property taxes). Enjoy Iowa wildlife at its finest year round.
The property is flanked by Story County Conservation land on the east and south sides for added wildlife and privacy.
Walking the private trails you are surrounded by a hardwood forest and the river offers additional outdoor enjoyment.
Private hunting opportunities in your backyard.
The house welcomes you with a large, covered deck, substantial back deck and screened in porch on the south side.
New shingles in 2024 on the house and barn.
The house exterior was painted in 2021 and the barn was painted summer of 2024.
The house has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a basement ready to be finished.
The basement has a large egress window and is pre-plumbed for a bathroom.
There is a stairway from the basement to the garage. The floor plan takes advantage of the fantastic view to the woods and the living room has a vaulted ceiling and large windows, flooding the space with light and bringing the outdoors inside.
A free standing wood burning stove adds to the coziness on cold winter days. Main level primary bedroom and main level laundry make this a one level living but the upstairs has a loft/family room that overlooks the living room.
Two additional bedrooms and a full bath complete the upstairs setup.
The kitchen has a large pantry and the informal dining leads out to the screened in porch where you can enjoy lazy days. The outbuilding built in 2006 houses a large heated workshop with a professional dust removal system.
The walk up attic is a hayloft and 18x24 canopy gives shelter to the horses. There is a Nelson watering system for the horses and a separate water spigot for outside water.
There is an apple orchard, extensive garden beds and plenty of space for gardening. To the west is a savannah prairie restoration in front of the house. Stratford Telephone provides internet service and Xenia rural water. New septic prior to closing.

Nestled on approximately 26 acres of beautiful countryside in Story City, this charming single-family residence offers a rare combination of comfort, privacy, natural beauty, and rural living.
Built in 2000 by Ipsen, the home provides an inviting atmosphere with thoughtful design elements, modern conveniences, and ample space both inside and out.
Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat, a hobby farm, or simply a property with room to roam, this residence delivers an exceptional opportunity.
The home features 2,098 square feet of interior living space with a well-designed floor plan that balances functionality and comfort.
Upon entering the home, visitors are welcomed into a spacious great room located on the main level. This central gathering area serves as the heart of the home, offering an open and comfortable environment for family gatherings, entertaining guests, or simply relaxing after a long day. Large windows allow natural light to fill the space, while the presence of a fireplace creates a warm and inviting atmosphere during cooler months.
The kitchen is conveniently situated on the main level and offers easy access to the surrounding living areas.
Designed with practicality in mind, the kitchen allows for efficient meal preparation while remaining connected to the rest of the home.
Included appliances such as a range, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, and dryer add convenience and value for future homeowners.

The layout encourages both everyday functionality and entertaining, making it a welcoming space for preparing meals and enjoying time with family and friends.
The residence includes three comfortable bedrooms and two bathrooms. The primary bedroom is located on the main floor, offering convenience and privacy. Nearby, the primary bathroom serves the main living area and provides easy access for homeowners and guests alike. Two additional bedrooms are located on the upper level, creating a private retreat for family members or overnight visitors.
A particularly attractive feature of the upper level is the loft-style family room. This versatile space can be adapted to suit a variety of needs, including a home office, reading area, media room, hobby space, or additional guest accommodations. The loft overlooks portions of the main living area, contributing to the home's open and airy feeling while providing additional functional square footage.
Throughout the home, beautiful hardwood flooring adds warmth and character. Hardwood surfaces are valued not only for their visual appeal but also for their durability and ease of maintenance. Ceiling fans help promote comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year, while skylights allow additional natural light to enter the home, creating bright and welcoming interior spaces.

The property benefits from propane heating and central air conditioning, ensuring year-round comfort regardless of the season. During winter months, the heating system provides reliable warmth, while the central air conditioning keeps the home cool and comfortable throughout the summer. These systems help create a pleasant living environment for occupants in every season.
Below the home, a full basement provides significant storage and utility space. The basement includes a utility room and is equipped with a sump pump system for added protection and peace of mind. While the finished living area is concentrated above ground, the basement offers excellent potential for storage, workshop space, recreational use, or future improvements according to the needs of the next owner.
The home's construction reflects quality craftsmanship and durability. Exterior materials include attractive fiber cement board siding, which is known for its longevity, resistance to weather, and relatively low maintenance requirements. The home rests on a solid concrete perimeter foundation enhanced with tile drainage systems designed to promote stability and proper water management.
Outside, the property truly shines. The expansive 26-acre parcel provides an extraordinary amount of space and flexibility. The mostly level terrain creates numerous possibilities for agricultural pursuits, recreational activities, livestock, gardening, or simply enjoying the peaceful rural landscape. Large open areas allow for easy navigation and maintenance while preserving the natural beauty of the countryside.

One of the most captivating features of the property is its creek or river frontage. The presence of moving water adds both scenic appeal and recreational opportunities. The gentle sounds of flowing water contribute to the tranquil atmosphere of the property and enhance the overall sense of privacy and relaxation. Waterfront features often attract wildlife, creating opportunities to observe birds, deer, and other native species in their natural habitat.
Additional improvements on the property include one or more barns. These structures offer valuable functionality and flexibility for a wide range of uses. Whether utilized for agricultural storage, equipment housing, livestock shelter, workshop space, or hobby farming activities, the barns add significant utility and enhance the property's rural appeal.
The home also includes a garage, providing protected parking and additional storage space. For homeowners with vehicles, outdoor equipment, recreational gear, or tools, the garage serves as an important extension of the home's functional space.
Outdoor living opportunities are further enhanced by the presence of a patio area. This inviting outdoor space creates an ideal setting for enjoying morning coffee, hosting outdoor gatherings, grilling meals, or simply relaxing while taking in the surrounding views. The combination of open acreage, waterfront scenery, and outdoor amenities creates an exceptional environment for enjoying nature and country living.

Essential utility services support comfortable daily living. Water service is provided through a rural water system, while a septic tank serves the property's wastewater needs. These systems are commonly found in rural settings and contribute to the property's self-sufficient character.
Located in the Story City area, the property enjoys the benefits of rural living while remaining accessible to nearby communities, services, and conveniences. Residents can appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside while still maintaining reasonable access to shopping, dining, schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational opportunities.
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The gravel road frontage complements the property's rural setting and contributes to its charm. Approaching the home, visitors are greeted by scenic views, open spaces, and a welcoming sense of privacy that is increasingly difficult to find in today's market.
This remarkable property represents an outstanding opportunity to own a spacious country home situated on 26 beautiful acres. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a loft family room, hardwood floors, skylights, a fireplace, a full basement, creek frontage, barns, garage space, and expansive acreage, the property offers a unique combination of comfort, functionality, and natural beauty. Whether envisioned as a primary residence, country retreat, hobby farm, or multi-purpose rural property, this Story City home provides the space, character, and setting necessary to create a truly exceptional lifestyle.