1924 “Lion House” Bungalow in Bettendorf, Iowa With a Stunning Modern Expansion, and 1.6 Acres Overlooking the LeClaire Canal

“The Lion House,” originally built in 1924 as a charming bungalow, stands as a beautifully renovated and expanded residence on 1.6 wooded acres in Bettendorf, Iowa, offering an exceptional blend of historical significance and modern luxury. Overlooking the Mississippi River and LeClaire Canal, this home harmonizes its classic bungalow roots with 2022/2023 updates, including a new roof, septic system, electrical, HVAC, windows, and more, all while maintaining its timeless appeal. The substantial addition brought the total to four bedrooms, a primary suite with stunning canal views, a showpiece kitchen, and expansive indoor/outdoor living spaces. Listed for $1,125,000 and set within the Pleasant Valley School District, this property promises privacy, scenic beauty, and an impressive living experience.

Front Exterior

A wide, single-story home features classic white siding and a welcoming front porch with two columns and black railings. The house has a symmetrical façade punctuated by evenly spaced windows with black trim, and a dormer window centered above the porch adds architectural interest. A paved walkway leads up to the stairs, flanked by planters and subtle landscaping that frames the foundation. Large shade trees and neatly mowed green grass lend a peaceful, established air to the property. The look combines early American farmhouse heritage with fresh, modernized touches, creating a timeless and inviting curb appeal.

Scenic Patio

A wooden deck is nestled among lush trees on a hillside, offering panoramic views of a river and rolling hills in the distance. The patio features modern, minimalistic outdoor furniture with two white cushioned sofas arranged around a rectangular coffee table. Black and tan accent pillows add contrast to the seating. Sleek metal railings frame the deck, providing safety without obstructing the view. The surrounding trees display early autumn colors, with mostly green leaves and hints of vibrant red. Ample sunlight filters through the branches, creating an inviting, serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature.

Property Aerial View

A sweeping aerial perspective highlights a historic American home nestled at the edge of a thickly wooded area, bordering a calm, winding river. The house features a classic white exterior with a dark roof and is set along a tree-lined road. Surrounding the property, mature trees in varying shades of green, gold, and orange signal early autumn. The river stretches across the landscape, its reflective surface bordered by untouched forest, with a dam and infrastructure in the background. The expansive view showcases the property’s secluded, serene atmosphere and its scenic proximity to the water.

Front Porch Entry

A welcoming front porch showcases a classic and clean aesthetic, highlighted by crisp white siding and a warm wooden ceiling with recessed lights. Three square columns support the roof and frame a natural wood door adorned with a seasonal wreath and flanked by black modern lantern-style sconces. A black metal railing lines both sides of the wide steps made of brick, matching the herringbone-patterned brick porch floor. Rectangular windows with black trim add contrast to the exterior. The porch is neatly landscaped with ornamental grasses and a tall black planter, enhancing the inviting and timeless curb appeal.

Property Aerial View

A large historic American home sits nestled among lush green trees, set back from a quiet two-lane road. The white house features dark, gabled roofing and multiple wings, surrounded by a generously sized lawn. In the background, a wide river curves gently behind dense foliage, with another waterway and a lock-and-dam system visible further out. The landscape captures late summer or early autumn, with a few trees showing hints of orange and yellow. The elevated perspective highlights the home’s private, picturesque location and its proximity to expansive natural scenery and water views.

Entryway and Dining

Upon entering through a rustic wooden front door with glass panes, the area opens to a spacious dining room filled with natural light from three large windows featuring black trim. The walls are painted a soft gray, creating a calming, neutral backdrop. Light-toned wood floors contribute warmth and continuity throughout the space. A minimalist wooden console table sits against the wall near the entrance, topped with understated decor including candles and a vase. The dining area includes a large, pale wood table paired with six modern, upholstered chairs. Geometric pendant lights, one above the entry and another above the dining table, add contemporary flair.

Dining and Kitchen

Spacious open-concept area with a smooth transition between the dining and kitchen spaces. The dining area features a large light wood table surrounded by cushioned light grey chairs, topped with a modern black metal chandelier. The kitchen boasts warm wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a black island with sleek stools, and a bold ring-shaped chandelier above. Pale oak flooring runs throughout, enhancing the airy feel created by high ceilings, white walls, and large windows. Subtle artwork, a potted plant, and clean architectural lines contribute to the minimal, contemporary aesthetic with cozy, natural undertones.

Dining Room Table

A modern open-concept dining space featuring a long light-wood table with minimalist gray upholstered chairs positioned along each side. Natural light streams in through two large black-trimmed windows, highlighting the clean-lined architecture. The color palette is primarily soft neutrals with white walls, pale wood floors, and accents of black metal seen in the oversized linear chandelier above the table. Adjacent, the room flows seamlessly to a living area with a fireplace, built-in shelves, and a mounted TV. A round mirror, a console table, and a few simple decorative pieces add subtle sophistication near the entryway.

Entryway Design

A welcoming entryway with a rustic wooden front door framed by white trim. The walls are painted a soft neutral beige, enhancing the natural light that fills the space. Light wood flooring extends throughout, paired with a simple runner rug. A contemporary wooden console table sits against the wall, topped with minimalist candle holders and a white vase. Above the console, a large circular mirror adds depth and reflects light. A tall potted plant in a textured white planter brings in greenery. To the left, a cozy reading nook with a leather accent chair and black-framed glass doors leads to another room.

Dining Area

A spacious dining room with a modern minimalist style, featuring a long light wood table with six upholstered chairs in a pale neutral color arranged around it. Three black-framed windows let in natural light and frame views of green trees outside, contrasting the soft taupe walls. The room has wide plank hardwood floors in a warm honey tone. A striking rectangular black metal chandelier with exposed bulbs hangs above the table, adding a contemporary touch. Artwork in soothing blue and green hues and a simple potted plant on the back wall complete the calm and inviting atmosphere.

Open Kitchen and Living Area

A spacious open-concept kitchen flows seamlessly into a light-filled living room. The kitchen features a large island with a white countertop, dark cabinetry, and bar seating. Wood cabinets line the back wall under a row of three matte-black light fixtures and windows offering a treetop view. The living area includes a modern white couch, soft rug, and built-in shelving flanking a sleek fireplace with a wood mantel. Tall ceilings, expansive windows, and light wood flooring create an airy, welcoming atmosphere, combining contemporary and classic elements for a clean yet warm aesthetic.

Living Room Details

A spacious living room with vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light. The walls are painted a soft neutral color, complementing the light wooden flooring. Large, black-framed windows and a glass door offer views of lush greenery outside. A white, modern couch sits on a textured light gray rug, facing a fireplace with a simple wooden mantel. Built-in shelving units flank the fireplace, featuring neatly arranged decor in whites, greens, and wood tones. A round chandelier with candle-style bulbs hangs from above, adding an elegant focal point to the airy, contemporary space.

Kitchen Island Area

A modern kitchen with high ceilings and an open layout, featuring natural wood cabinetry and a large black island with a white stone countertop at the center. Four black metal stools are tucked under the island, creating a casual seating area. Stainless steel appliances, including a French door refrigerator and a gas range, line the back wall, which is accented with white subway tile. Above the sink, a wide window frames a scenic landscape view, flanked by two matte black sconces. Warm, light wood floors and neutral gray walls keep the space bright and inviting. A black-framed glass door leads to an outdoor deck.

Open Living Area

A spacious, airy living area with living room and kitchen sharing an open floor plan under a vaulted ceiling. The walls are painted in a soft, neutral gray, complemented by light wood floors throughout. Central to the space is a light gray sofa with a bold, burgundy accent pillow, flanked by a contemporary coffee table and a modern side table with metallic lamp. The kitchen features wood cabinetry, a white tile backsplash, stainless appliances, and a large island with black barstools. Oversized black-trimmed windows incorporate ample natural light, while sleek iron railings accentuate the loft above, enhancing the modern, inviting vibe.

Living Room Fireplace

A spacious living room featuring a high vaulted ceiling and a large black-trimmed window that offers views of lush greenery outside. The room has a soft, neutral color palette with light beige walls, white built-in shelves, and a light wood floor. A contemporary chandelier with exposed bulbs hangs overhead. The fireplace is central to the arrangement, topped by a slim wooden mantel and a mounted TV. The furnishings include a cream-colored sofa accented with textured pillows, a modern armchair, a minimalist wooden coffee table, and a textured area rug, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere with natural light and subtle decorative touches.

Kitchen Island View

A spacious, modern kitchen features a large central island with a bright white countertop and black base, surrounded by four black metal barstools. The cabinetry is a warm, natural wood, contrasting with the sleek stainless steel refrigerator and oven. Above the stove, a broad white vent hood adds a crisp, contemporary accent. The backsplash consists of glossy white subway tiles, contributing to a clean and refined look. A trio of matte black sconces sits above the large picture window at the sink area, allowing for natural light and scenic views. Light wood flooring and a high ceiling create an airy, open atmosphere.

Entryway and Living

An open-concept space combines the entryway, living area, and dining zone, unified by light wood flooring and crisp white walls. The rustic wooden front door, framed by white trim, stands opposite a contemporary chandelier and a slim, wood entry table decorated minimally. To the left, a cozy sitting nook features a tan wingback chair and live plant, while a white sectional sofa with soft pillows defines the living area. The dining table, surrounded by modern upholstered chairs, sits under a linear light fixture before three black-trim windows. Black metal accents—railing upstairs, bar stools, and sliding door trim—add a modern industrial elegance.

Open Living Area

A spacious, airy room combines a modern living area with sightlines to the entryway. High vaulted ceilings and a dramatic black metal staircase railing accentuate the open concept. A stone-colored fireplace with a wooden mantel serves as a focal point, flanked by built-in shelving filled with simple decor, books, and greenery. Light hardwood floors add warmth, complemented by soft gray walls. A sleek kitchen island with white quartz surface is in the foreground, facing a cozy seating area with a white sofa, light wood chairs, and a neutral area rug. Large windows and glass doors invite in abundant natural light.

Home Office Nook

A cozy home office corner filled with natural light from two walls of large, black-trim windows, showcasing leafy outdoor views. The room features a minimalist wooden desk paired with a black, velvet-cushioned chair, along with a long bench below the windows, topped with striped and plush solid pillows for a comfortable, inviting touch. Soft, neutral tones dominate the walls, while light wood flooring and a pale, patterned area rug enhance the serene atmosphere. A modern, matte-black ceiling fan provides a stylish focal point, and decorative lanterns by the bench add subtle rustic charm to the space.

Home Office

A bright, airy workspace featuring a light wood desk at the center, paired with a simple black office chair on a pastel-patterned area rug. Along one wall stands a series of three white built-in bookshelves, each neatly arranged with baskets, framed photos, books, and decorative items. Opposite the bookshelves, large black-framed windows let in abundant natural light and provide a view of leafy trees outside. Beneath the window, a light wooden bench topped with striped cushions and a lantern adds a touch of comfort. The room has pale green walls and is topped by a modern black ceiling fan.

Loft Landing

A bright, spacious loft area with contemporary design, featuring neutral grey carpeting and pale sage-green walls accented by white trim. The layout is open, bordered by two modern black metal railings flanking either side of a staircase that descends below. The ceiling features clean lines and a striking angular slope, producing interesting architectural geometry. Natural light streams through two large windows, their black frames providing sharp contrast against the light walls. In one corner, a small pink upholstered armchair sits beside a darker children’s armchair, adding softness and a touch of playfulness to the otherwise minimalist setting.

Living Room Overview

Spacious living room with a vaulted ceiling seen from above, featuring a large black-framed window and sliding door allowing generous natural light. Walls are painted soft gray and the floors are light wood, creating an airy feel. A plush cream-colored sectional sofa sits atop a textured neutral rug, centered around a wooden coffee table with a decorative vase. A cozy armchair and small round table with a lamp add additional seating near the window. Built-in shelving with wood accents surrounds a modern fireplace, topped by a mounted flat-screen TV. Black chandelier with exposed bulbs highlights the room’s modern farmhouse style.

Bedroom Details

A serene bedroom with a modern, minimalist style features a charcoal accent wall behind a white upholstered headboard bed, dressed in crisp white and dark gray bedding with coordinating throw pillows. Gold wall-mounted reading lights frame either side of the bed, complemented by a geometric gold pendant overhead. To the left is a wooden nightstand with a wicker basket and digital display, while to the right, a contemporary armchair with a soft black seat, wooden arms, and a rust-toned throw sits near an expansive window that overlooks treetops and a distant valley, flooding the room with natural light.

Bathroom Soaking Tub

A serene bathroom features a deep white freestanding soaking tub positioned directly beneath a large, black-framed picture window. The window provides an expansive view of leafy green trees and distant water, bringing a sense of tranquility to the space. Pale gray walls and a warm, light-toned wood floor create a clean, airy atmosphere. Modern touches include a sleek, angular chrome tub faucet and minimalist white cabinetry along one wall. A muted area rug adds softness near the sink. Greenery placed on the counter enhances the natural feel, and the space is uncluttered, emphasizing simplicity and relaxation.

Bathroom Vanity

Long double-sink vanity with flat-front white cabinetry and sleek gray countertop. Two gold-framed arched mirrors are paired with contemporary wall sconces featuring white shades. Brushed brass faucets add a touch of elegance above each rectangular undermount sink. A large window on the right fills the space with natural light, illuminating the airy white walls. The flooring is natural toned wood, providing warmth and contrast to the monochromatic palette. An understated ceramic vase with greenery sits between the sinks, while a muted patterned runner rug adds subtle texture to the entryway. The overall look is minimalist, bright, and elegant.

Nursery Room

Soft gray walls and neutral carpeting create a calming backdrop in this spacious nursery. A dark wood crib sits to the left near a wall with a playful world map mural, adding a subtle educational touch. In front of a large black-trimmed window, pale gray curtains frame views of the garden outside, while natural light fills the space. An upholstered swivel chair with a cozy black throw rests by double closet doors, offering a comfortable spot for reading or feeding. The overall look is clean, minimal, and inviting, with gentle pops of warmth from the wooden furniture and woven light fixture overhead.

Children’s Bedroom Corner

A child’s bedroom with light gray carpet and slanted ceiling, accented by a playful wall mural featuring oversized rainbow arches in muted earth tones of ochre, tan, gold, brown, and gray. A black metal daybed sits against the mural wall with bright purple bedding and an array of pastel pillows. Across from the bed, cubby shelves hold books, toys, and dollhouses, while a tall white bookshelf is filled with more books and crafts. The room is airy and cheerful, with recessed ceiling lights, a modern black ceiling fan, and white trim and doors, creating a fresh, youthful ambiance.

Bathroom Vanity

A bathroom vanity featuring two round black-rimmed mirrors positioned above a wide double sink with a white countertop. The cabinetry is painted in a muted olive green shade with brass hardware, adding a stylish contrast against the crisp white counter and walls. Matte black faucets complement the mirrors and lighting fixtures above, which provide soft illumination. To the left is a toilet, partly visible, and small decorative touches like a potted plant and a candle offer a touch of warmth and personality. The space feels modern, clean, and well-organized while retaining a subtle vintage charm through its color choices and fixtures.

Bedroom Accent Wall

Soft natural light fills this bedroom, highlighting a harmonious blend of modern and cozy design elements. The focus is a neatly made bed with a black metal frame, grey bedding, and accent pillows in white and tan leather for subtle contrast. Behind the bed, a sage green wainscoted accent wall is topped with reclaimed wood trim, adding texture and warmth. The walls are painted in off-white above the wainscot and pale green below. To the left, two blush pink velvet accent chairs and nested gold side tables provide a chic sitting nook. A black ceiling fan and open closet enhance the modern, functional aesthetic.

Backyard Deck

A spacious wooden deck sits at the rear of a historic American home, surrounded by large leafy trees that provide shade and a tranquil ambiance. Comfortable outdoor seating with white cushions and accent pillows is arranged around a sleek, rectangular fire pit table, creating an inviting space for gatherings. The home’s exterior features clean white siding with black trim, large windows, and several doors opening onto the deck. Architectural details include a wide overhanging roof and subtle modern touches alongside traditional farmhouse elements. The setting blends natural greenery and sophisticated outdoor living for a warm, welcoming effect.

Scenic Back Deck

A spacious wooden deck extends from the house, partially covered with a dark-stained slatted ceiling supported by simple wooden posts. The open portion of the deck leads to a seating area bordered by a slender metal railing, creating a seamless view over a lush, tree-filled landscape and a distant river. The deck is furnished with white-cushioned outdoor sofas and planters, blending rustic charm with comfortable modern aesthetics. Dappled sunlight filters through foliage overhead, creating varied light and shadow patterns on the pale wooden floor. The setting invites relaxation and highlights the natural beauty surrounding the home.

Back Patio Lounge

A spacious and inviting outdoor patio area at the rear of a house, featuring a raised wood deck attached to a white, single-story home. The patio is framed by black metal railings and is shaded by the broad canopy of a tree on the left. Two white-cushioned sofas with dark wooden frames face each other across a modern rectangular fire pit table, creating a comfortable conversation area. The house façade displays large windows and glass doors with black trimming, while minimalist porch lighting and a covered sitting area add subtle, contemporary accents to the serene and leafy setting.

Listing Agent: Lindsay Thiel of Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS DeWitt via Zillow