215 SW 3rd Ave, Independence, IA 50644

One of Independence’s grand old Victorian homes. “The Purdy House” was built by the Purdy family in 1881 and many of the original details still remain. Entering the front double doors, you pass through the shallow vestibule with a second set of double doors. The windows and transom over these doors and the transoms in the hall are all of the same frosted and wheeled glass. You will be awed by the oak floor with parquet border, winding staircase and the massive carved and burled newel post. The lantern at the bottom of the stairs is the original gas lantern that has been converted to electric. This is one of several throughout the home. All of the hardware in the hallway was imported from England and made of rose-colored brass. Many of the rooms on the main floor have 12-foot ceilings. Passing through the door on the left, you’ll find the Ladies Parlor. This room features a bay window and the first of 5 fireplaces in the home. Only two of the fireplaces still remain in working order. Through a set of 10-foot pocket doors with fretwork in the transom area, you’ll enter the Gentlemen's Parlor. There you will find another bay window and a second fireplace. As well as a set of French doors with fretwork in the transom area once again. Through there will be the Morning Room. This room features a half bathroom, a third bay window and one of two windows that extend to the floor. This window would have originally been intended to provide access to the porch outside. The Morning Room will connect you to the second, much smaller, “Butler’s staircase” to the upper level of the home as well as a doorway to the kitchen. All kitchen appliances stay with the home. To the left of the kitchen, you’ll find the “Summer Kitchen” which is now being used as a laundry/mudroom. The second fridge in the “Summer Kitchen” stays with the home as well. Here you’ll find a full bathroom, as well as what used to be a “two-hole toilet” room. This is now being used as a storage closet. In the kitchen, there is a door to the exterior, as well as a pantry, and the door to the basement. The hallway to the Dining room offers a small sink, originally known as a “Butler’s Sink”. The Dining Room is where you’ll find the second window that extends to the floor, a third fireplace, and a built-in china cupboard filling the West wall. Heading up the winding staircase, you’ll find four bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a half bathroom in one of the bedrooms. The final two fireplaces are in two of these bedrooms. One of the bedrooms has lower, 8-foot ceilings, this was known as the "Butler's Quarters". There is also a door to the walk-up attic between the bathroom and one of the bedrooms. Some furniture in this home is available to purchase at an additional cost. Recent updates include a new boiler in 2021, new air conditioner in 2020, and Leaf Guard installed on the gutters. Outside there is a one stall garage as well as a 10 x 14 storage shed. “The Purdy House” is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is your chance to own a piece of History! The property is being offered “As-Is”.