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Inside a 5-Bedroom French Country Estate with Gourmet Kitchen and Secret Bookcase Doors in Elkhart, Iowa (Floor Plan Inside)

Lena Brooks

Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing
Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Elkhart, IA, this breathtaking European-style estate listed at $4,900,000 offers an extraordinary blend of elegance and scale. Set on an expansive 22.86-acre lot, the 10,666 sq ft residence boasts 5 bedrooms and 6.5+ bathrooms, delivering luxurious living with old-world charm.

1. Charming European-Inspired Estate

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

This stunning residence blends French Country charm with refined craftsmanship, featuring a rustic stone exterior and steeply pitched rooflines. The grand arched entryway and elegant dormer windows lend storybook appeal, while twin cupolas crown the roof for a regal finish. A winding stream through landscaped gardens enhances the tranquil setting, offering a peaceful retreat with timeless allure.

2. Where is Elkhart?

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Bing Maps

Elkhart is a quiet, rural town in central Iowa, offering a peaceful retreat just a short drive from Des Moines. Known for its wide-open spaces, friendly community, and agricultural roots, Elkhart provides a serene backdrop for spacious estate living. With its rolling landscapes, fresh air, and easy access to nearby amenities, it’s a hidden gem that combines Midwestern charm with country-style tranquility.

3. Main Level layout

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

The main level offers a well-balanced layout designed for both comfort and elegance. A grand foyer opens to formal and informal spaces, including a spacious living room, sunroom, and an inviting kitchen with adjoining breakfast nook. The luxurious primary suite features dual closets, a fireplace, and a spa-inspired bath. Thoughtful additions like an office, dining room, and expansive garage blend functionality with refined style for everyday living.

4. Upper Level layout

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

The upper level offers a versatile and expansive layout, ideal for both relaxation and activity. It features multiple bedrooms, each paired with nearby bathrooms for privacy and ease. A dedicated media room and bonus room with its own kitchen elevate entertainment potential, while the craft room and storage areas add everyday functionality. With open-to-below views and thoughtful separation of space, this level blends comfort, style, and livability.

5. Attic Level layout

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

Tucked away on the top floor, the attic has been transformed into a private gym—perfect for daily workouts without leaving home. Spacious and bright, the room offers over 370 square feet of flexible space, easily accommodating cardio machines, weights, or a yoga area. With convenient stair access and a clean, open layout, this secluded retreat is ideal for fitness enthusiasts seeking both privacy and inspiration.

6. Sub-Basement Level layout

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

A true luxury escape, the sub-basement features a stunning indoor pool stretching over 50 feet, ideal for year-round relaxation or entertaining. A private hot tub sits in an octagonal alcove, offering a serene retreat. Three bathrooms and a dedicated laundry area provide convenient amenities, perfect for poolside comfort. With its spacious layout and spa-like atmosphere, this level transforms everyday living into a resort-style experience.

7. Basement Level layout

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

Designed for entertainment and utility, the basement offers a perfect blend of leisure and practicality. Dual family rooms create expansive gathering spaces, one featuring a cozy fireplace. The adjacent game room is ideal for recreation, while a wine cellar adds a touch of luxury. A full bathroom is conveniently located near the stairs, with ample storage rooms stretching throughout the lower level, ensuring plenty of space for seasonal items and more. This floor is a multifunctional haven, suited for both lively hosting and peaceful downtime.

8. Stair Landing with Personalized Touches

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

This inviting stair landing balances contemporary flair with cozy charm. Matte black doors and a sleek iron railing add modern contrast against soft white walls. A built-in bench with houndstooth fabric and custom pillows offers a welcoming nook, while a gallery wall of family photos brings warmth and personality to the space. Subtle lighting and clean lines create a space that feels both stylish and lived-in.

9. Contemporary Home Office

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

This sleek home office blends productivity with comfort through thoughtful design. Blonde wood paneling offers a clean, modern backdrop while built-in shelving keeps the space organized and curated. A black fireplace anchors the room with bold contrast beneath a mounted TV. The granite-topped desk adds elegance, and a soft area rug underfoot ensures this workspace feels both efficient and inviting.

10. Modern Dining Room

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

This inviting dining room balances clean lines with playful sophistication. A trio of globe pendants floats above a sleek black table flanked by a long bench and high-back chairs. The delicate floral wallpaper behind a grid mirror adds subtle texture, while oversized windows framed in black usher in natural light. Neutral tones and thoughtful details give the space a modern yet welcoming appeal.

11. Vaulted Living Room

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

This breathtaking living space marries grandeur with comfort, anchored by soaring vaulted ceilings and a sweeping wall of arched windows that flood the room with light. A sculptural starburst chandelier adds modern drama, drawing the eye upward. Neutral tones and textured finishes—like the stone fireplace and plush rug—create a cozy yet elevated atmosphere, ideal for both quiet evenings and stylish entertaining.

12. Sunlit Dining and Kitchen Pavilion

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

Wrapped in soaring windows and crowned with cathedral-like arches, this open-concept space blurs the line between elegance and ease. Golden pendant lights drift above the dining table, casting a soft glow over the natural textures below. The sleek black island anchors the modern kitchen, while sightlines extend seamlessly into the cozy lounge, creating a space as functional as it is breathtaking.

13. Kitchen with Architectural Flair

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

This kitchen is a masterclass in style and function, featuring crisp black cabinetry, geometric backsplash tiles, and open shelving that blends decor with utility. A sweeping island anchors the room, topped with a sleek waterfall-edge counter and framed by sculptural bar stools. Overhead, looping wire fixtures add whimsical movement, while soft lighting and built-in nooks create a warm, curated feel.

14. scenic lounge

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

Bathed in natural light, this inviting lounge is defined by a soaring arched window that frames serene woodland views. A neutral palette and plush textures—seen in the soft area rug and overstuffed seating—foster relaxation, while the sleek black fireplace and mounted TV offer a modern edge. Thoughtful touches like layered lighting and curated greenery complete the room’s warm, livable elegance.

15. Sunroom with Modern Touches

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

This stylish sunroom blends rustic charm with contemporary comfort. The stone exterior peeking through large black-trimmed windows brings a natural texture indoors, while the sleek fireplace wall and mounted TV add a modern edge. Leather wingback chairs and a plush navy velvet sofa invite relaxation, anchored by a whimsical cloud-shaped rug. Pops of red and greenery energize the space, making it a perfect spot for quiet mornings or cozy conversations.

16. Modern Spa-Inspired Bathroom

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

This luxurious bathroom exudes warmth and sophistication with its copper and espresso tones. The standout feature is the gleaming copper soaking tub, perfectly framed by a bay of windows offering serene views. The double vanity, adorned with copper vessel sinks and matte black fixtures, is set against a playful geometric backsplash that echoes the ceiling’s burnt orange hue. Thoughtful lighting and ample cabinetry complete this spa-worthy retreat, blending functionality with high-end style.

17. serene bedroom

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

Tucked beneath a sloped ceiling, this inviting bedroom strikes a perfect balance between comfort and charm. A crisp white bed anchors the room, accented with playful zebra-print textiles and a cheeky pillow. Natural light streams in through the arched window, illuminating a built-in window seat and bistro table—ideal for morning coffee or quiet reading. A soft patterned rug and warm wood tones complete the relaxed, youthful feel.

18. minimal Bedroom

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

This spacious bedroom blends function with personality, featuring a dark wood bed framed by sporty yellow stripes and a panoramic stadium photo above. A built-in nook with natural wood cabinetry offers storage, seating, and a desk overlooking serene treetops. A ceiling fan and soft lighting enhance the comfort, while playful touches—like a mini football—give the room a relaxed, fan-focused vibe perfect for any sports enthusiast.

19. Home Theater Lounge

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

Designed for immersive viewing, this sleek home theater delivers the full cinematic experience. A wall-mounted projector screen anchors the room, flanked by dual flat-screens and robust surround sound speakers. Leather recliners and a curved granite bar offer comfort and style, while subtle film reel decor and recessed lighting complete the space. Ideal for game days or movie nights, it’s entertainment at its finest.

20. Open-Concept Kitchen and Lounge

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

This contemporary kitchen boasts sleek natural wood cabinetry, dramatic marble countertops, and high-end stainless steel appliances. The oversized island with integrated seating creates a perfect space for entertaining or casual meals. Pendant lighting adds a modern touch, while the open layout flows seamlessly into a cozy lounge area featuring a large flat-screen TV and a freestanding fireplace. Warm tones and clean lines give this space a balanced blend of sophistication and comfort.

21. Entertainment Lounge

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

This expansive entertainment space features a beautifully crafted pool table under pendant lighting, with large picture windows offering serene wooded views. The open layout flows into a cozy seating area complete with a foosball table, fireplace, and a large wall-mounted TV—perfect for relaxing or hosting game nights. Rich tile flooring and natural wood trim bring warmth and rustic charm to the modern, airy design. The dartboard arcade machine adds a nostalgic, playful touch to this versatile and inviting space.

22. Indoor Tropical Pool Oasis

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

This stunning indoor pool area brings a resort-style escape right into the home. With its vibrant yellow walls and sky-blue ceiling dotted with recessed lighting, the space radiates warmth and leisure. A built-in waterslide and mosaic-tiled hot tub area invite fun and relaxation. Elevated lounge platforms and multiple dining nooks offer perfect spots for poolside snacks or drinks. Large windows let in natural light and provide serene outdoor views, while tropical-themed décor and thatched accents complete the vacation vibe—rain or shine, this is the ultimate year-round retreat.

23. Private Hot Tub Lounge

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Rick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing

This cozy hot tub lounge offers a perfect retreat with wooded views through large surrounding windows. Elevated by rustic wooden steps, the sleek black hot tub sits beneath a ceiling of recessed lights, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. A mounted TV adds modern comfort, while the tropical thatched trim around the windows ties into the relaxed, resort-style vibe of the nearby pool area.

Listing agentRick and Marcia Wanamaker @ Iowa Realty Mills Crossing via realtor.com

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