Iowa is full of storied homesteads, pioneer cabins, and abandoned historic structures. One former family estate in Des Moines stands out from the rest, and any history buff, art collector, or architecture fiend will enjoy a visit to the Salisbury House. This eerily gorgeous 20th century mansion has become one of the most famous homes in Iowa, and it’s open for public tours.
When Carl and Edith Weeks (of the cosmetic company Armand) built their home in the 1920s, they had no idea that it would go on to become one of the most famous houses in Iowa.
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The Weeks were inspired by a trip to Salisbury, England, where they toured an estate known as the Kings House. When they returned, they got to work on their own version of this dreamy mansion.
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Weeks sourced material from all over the world. To this day, the house features rafters and English oak woodwork that dates back to the time of Shakespeare.
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The Weeks family stayed in the home from 1926 to 1954. When they decided to downsize, the mansion was purchased by the Iowa State Education Association, and it was their headquarters until 1998.
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Today, the Salisbury House is open to the public! It was turned into a museum and is one of the best tours in the state for anyone interested in history and architecture.
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You can step back in time to see how this affluent family lived. Their collection of artwork is well preserved.
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The Weeks collected art, antique furniture, tapestries, and more. Their whole collection is on display.
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Guests often get a kick out of the ornate and extravagant bathrooms. Though they were built in the 1920s, they look straight out of Tudor times!
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Set aside a day to explore the Salisbury House in Des Moines, Iowa.
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The Salisbury Mansion and Gardens is a beautiful museum to visit, but hours vary seasonally, so be sure to check their website here before planning your trip to tour one of the most famous homes in Iowa.
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Address: Salisbury House & Gardens, 4025 Tonawanda Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
