Grand Victorian $389,000

A Grand Victorian home that tells it’s own story.
There is no guessing about the character of this Plymouth county Mansion, an icon on the edge of LeMars, IA built in 1905. When you pull up to the site with its Majestic gates and statues, you know you’ve entered a world that real estate developer George Richardson intended as a showpiece of the Midwest. And, to enter his home, you are convinced he succeeded.
From the elephant hide wall coverings to the oak colonnades that greet you, the mood is set for wealth and spaciousness. With an obvious touch for showmanship, Richardson formed a home for both business meetings and warm Victorian hominess so as to entertain, and, to live a warm family life of a by-gone era. From sitting rooms and dining rooms to pastor’s parlor and living room, this home is designed for warmth with its 3 ornate fireplaces, yet the spaciousness to entertain 60+ guests for dinner. You’re
eyes take in the intricate woodwork and carvings commissioned for this home, to the majestic assent up the stairs to the second floor living area, you wonder where it ends, and you realize as you pass the Victorians era bedrooms and master with its sunroom and yet another living room, that it’s not over yet. Complete with hardwood floors, quarter sawn woodwork and baths with claw foot tubs, there isn’t much that has changed in over 100 yrs.
Berdene bought this lovely home in 2006 and without disturbing the originality has made some major improvements. Although the original kitchen is intact, a state of the art commercial kitchen has been added to the rear of the home to facilitate her business as a “reservation only” restaurant, second to none. Her plate is full with wedding receptions, anniversaries, prom like events, reunions, and many gala affairs, and has earned a reputation for exquisite cuisine whether a ladies brunch or a romance filled Valentine dinner, an Easter gala event or a Victorian Christmas celebration. Guests from far and wide know Berdene’s has earned its reputation.
Still, more can be done. Never quite completed to a bed and breakfast, the transformation would be simple. Two bedrooms remain unused and two Jacuzzi suites have been added above the commercial kitchen addition, but are not finished. Additional suites could be completed in the spacious attic area as well, turning Berdene’s into a full service bed and breakfast.