
Recreational Land with Home for Sale in West Des Moines, Iowa
1245 SE Browns Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an extraordinary piece of West Des Moines history. Never before offered on the market, this remarkable property encompasses over 27 acres of protected natural beauty, backing to the Raccoon River and preserved by a conservation easement. A true private sanctuary, the property offers abundant wildlife, scenic river views, and peaceful walking trails in an incredibly special setting. Built in 1967 and recognized as Architectural Home of the Year, the existing residence presents a rare opportunity to restore and reimagine a significant piece of architectural history-or create something entirely your own. A designated one-acre building envelope provides the opportunity to build your dream home surrounded by nature, privacy, and breathtaking views. The land cannot be subdivided or developed beyond the rights permitted by the conservation easement, making this a truly unique offering for those who value preservation, architecture, and an extraordinary connection to the outdoors. Opportunities like this simply do not come along twice. A remarkable legacy property in the heart of West Des Moines.
Location
- Street address
- 1245 SE Browns Woods Dr
- County
- Polk County
- Zip code
- 50265
- Community
- West Des Moines
- School district
- West Des Moines
- Elevation
- 881 feet
Directions
From I-35 / Highway 5 (the bypass): Take Veterans Parkway north toward West Des Moines. Turn left (west) onto SE Browns Woods Drive. Follow SE Browns Woods Drive to the property at 1245 SE Browns Woods Drive. Follow the road to the property.
Property details
- Acreage
- 27.457 acres
- Zoning
- RES
- MLS #
- DMAAR 751938
- Posted
Property taxes
- Recent
- $13,608 - PLEASE SEE AGENT REMARKS
Parcels
- 32000370101108
Details and features
Listing
- Type
- Residential
Exterior
- Parking
- Garage
- Features
- Irrigation Sprinklers
Structure
- Stories
- 2
- Sewer
- Septic Tank
- Heating
- Forced Air, Natural Gas
- Cooling
- Central Air
- Materials
- Frame, Stucco
- Roof
- Metal
Interior
- Rooms
- Bathroom x 4, Bedroom x 5
- Fireplaces
- Yes
Property utilities
| Category | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | Natural Gas | Connected |
Listing history
| Date | Event | Price | Change | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 26, 2026 | New listing | $999,000 | — | DMAAR |

































