Own a Historic 1928 Italian Residence in Missoula, Montana, with Stained Glass, a Library for 20,000 Volumes, and Expansive Gardens
Built in 1928, the University of Montana President’s residence at 1325 Gerald Avenue is an Italian Renaissance masterpiece situated in the University Area Historic District of Missoula, MT. Spanning over 7,300 square feet across three levels, this distinguished home boasts a hipped and gabled roof, elegant stucco and stone exterior, and multiple open porches. The property encompasses a generous 0.795-acre lot, featuring mature landscaping and a detached three-car garage. Once the official residence of the university president, it has substantial historical significance, hosting numerous events. Recent renovations have preserved its charm while updating amenities. Priced at $2,895,000, it represents an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of local history.
Front Entrance
The front entrance features a grand porch with a deep overhang supported by sturdy wooden beams. A combination of stone and stucco forms the exterior walls, showcasing a mix of textures. The pathway, composed of light-colored stones, leads to a glass-paneled door framed by decorative lanterns. Large, multi-paned windows are visible, enhancing natural light and providing views into the interior. Lush greenery surrounds the house, with manicured lawns and decorative shrubs lining the approach. The roof is steeply pitched, adorned with gables, contributing to a historic architectural charm that blends sophistication and warmth.
Front Entrance
This front entrance features a charming, brick-paved pathway leading to a sturdy wooden door framed by intricate stonework. The roof is supported by bold, exposed beams adding to the rustic appeal. A large window with a grid pattern complements the door, enhancing natural light. Adjacent greenery, including well-trimmed bushes and a slender pine, adds life and warmth to the space. The steps are adorned with a mix of earthy-colored tiles—cream, brown, and gray—creating a vibrant, welcoming façade. Decorative lanterns hang on either side of the door, illuminating the entryway and providing a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Entrance Hall
The entrance hall features rich wood paneling and a grand staircase ascending to the upper level. Warm, earthy tones dominate the space, highlighted by polished wood details and a parquet flooring pattern that combines rectangular tiles in shades of brown and beige. Large glass doors open to the outside, inviting natural light, while an elegant sconce on the wall adds subtle illumination. The intricate ceiling design mirrors the craftsmanship found in the woodwork, enhancing the historical charm. Curved lines of the staircase and architectural arches create a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere, epitomizing the grandeur of a historic home.
Entryway
A grand entryway characterized by rich wooden paneling and a stunning staircase that spirals upward. The ceiling features a warm wood finish, enhancing the room’s elegance. A patterned area rug lays centrally on the polished tile floor, which showcases a blend of earthy tones, reflecting light in subtle ways. To the left, an intricately designed glass door opens into a well-lit space, while a pair of stylish armchairs provide a cozy seating area. Attention is drawn to the chandelier above, casting a soft glow, and the adjoining dining room is glimpsed through an open doorway, hinting at further sophistication.
Dining Room
A warm and inviting dining room features a large wooden table surrounded by upholstered chairs, emphasizing a rustic charm. The walls display a sophisticated chevron-patterned wallpaper in subtle olive tones, paired with classic wainscoting that adds texture and depth. A striking chandelier with elongated glass accents casts a soft glow across the space, enhancing the inviting atmosphere. Natural light floods in from two large windows, revealing a lush green garden outside. A beautifully framed painting adorns one wall, contributing to the room’s elegance, while a decorative area rug anchors the seating arrangement, adding a cozy touch.
Kitchen Nook
The kitchen showcases a bright and inviting layout, featuring a warm yellow color scheme that enhances natural light. Rich wooden cabinetry complements the polished black granite countertops, creating an upscale yet cozy atmosphere. The dining area includes a round wooden table accompanied by comfortable blue and white checkered cushions, nestled in a charming bay window. Large windows framed with sheer white curtains offer a view of the greenery outside, adding to the tranquility of the space. Architectural details such as pendant lights and patterned tile backsplashes elevate the aesthetic, making it an ideal gathering spot.
Kitchen
This spacious kitchen features warm wood cabinetry paired with a rich granite countertop, accentuating a classic yet welcoming aesthetic. The cabinetry is detailed with raised panel designs and glass inserts, allowing light to filter through. A central island provides functional space for meal prep, complementing the line of stainless steel appliances, including double ovens. The tiled backsplash boasts a diamond pattern in earthy tones, enhancing the inviting atmosphere. Natural light streams in through ample windows, illuminating the neutral wall tones and creamy tile flooring, creating a bright and open feel ideal for culinary activities and gathering.
Foyer Entrance
A grand foyer with rich wooden paneling and a sweeping staircase is showcased. The floor features a mosaic of dark and light tiles, adding dimension and character. To the left, an archway leads into a cozy sitting area with two armchairs and a decorative fireplace, highlighted by warm lighting from wall sconces. A console table with ornamental mirrors enhances the space’s elegance. The high ceiling boasts intricate woodwork, while tall windows allow natural light to filter through, creating an inviting atmosphere. Overall, the aesthetic reflects historic charm with a blend of sophistication and warmth.
Living Room
A spacious living room featuring a modern yet classic aesthetic. The room is brightened by large windows with wooden frames, allowing natural light to flood in. A cozy fireplace, adorned with intricate white molding, serves as a focal point, with a gentle fire flickering inside. Seating includes two stylish chairs with soft beige upholstery and a dark, contemporary sofa complemented by decorative pillows. A low coffee table sits atop a textured area rug, creating a warm gathering space. Rich wooden cabinetry provides both function and charm, while subtle wall sconces add ambient lighting, enhancing the inviting atmosphere.
Living Room
This spacious living room features rich wooden paneling with a warm tone that evokes a sense of comfort and history. The ceiling showcases exposed beams, adding a rustic charm. Large built-in bookshelves flank either side of an elegant white fireplace, which serves as a striking focal point. The floors are polished hardwood, enhancing the room’s bright and inviting atmosphere. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow, complemented by the natural light filtering through leaded glass windows. The symmetry of the design elements creates balance while the combination of wood and stone invokes an air of sophistication.
Staircase
A beautifully crafted staircase featuring rich wooden elements and intricate railings. The sweeping curves of the staircase create a welcoming focal point while showcasing the elegance of the home. Warm hardwood textures contrast with the soft beige walls, enhancing the classic aesthetic. The landing is adorned with a chic, wrought-iron chandelier providing ambient lighting. A tiled floor below adds a touch of sophistication, with its mosaic patterns complementing the wooden details. Closed doors along the landing offer privacy, while the overall design exudes charm and timelessness, inviting a sense of grace and harmony in this historic space.
Bedroom
A spacious bedroom featuring large windows that fill the space with natural light. Soft beige walls complement a wooden bed frame with a carved headboard, adorned with neutral bedding. Two matching bedside tables hold stylish lamps, enhancing the room’s symmetry. A plush, tufted bench in front of the bed adds a touch of elegance, while a decorative area rug introduces a subtle pattern. Sheer curtains cascade from the windows, softly diffusing light and creating an airy atmosphere. The hardwood floor lends warmth, balanced by the simplicity of framed artwork on the walls, contributing to a serene, inviting ambiance.
Bedroom
The bedroom features a serene atmosphere with soft yellow walls that enhance natural light from multiple windows. A plush, tufted headboard centers the king-sized bed, adorned with neutral bedding and tasteful throw pillows for comfort. Flanking the bed are elegant nightstands, each topped with charming lamps, providing gentle illumination. The floors are warm hardwood, complemented by a woven area rug that adds texture. A stylish chandelier hangs overhead, adding an element of sophistication. A potted plant in the corner brings life to the space, while artwork on the wall introduces a subtle touch of character.
Bedroom
A serene bedroom features a light color palette with soft whites and muted greens creating a calming atmosphere. The bed is elegantly dressed in a textured beige quilt, complemented by plush green and cream pillows. A built-in window seat beneath large, bright windows invites relaxation, adorned with green cushions. Architectural details include sleek white cabinetry and molding, enhancing the space’s sophistication. Natural light floods through the windows, highlighting the hardwood flooring and lending warmth to the room. Subtle stained glass accents add a touch of character, harmonizing with the overall tranquil and refined aesthetic.
Garage Exterior
The garage displays a charming design featuring three large doors with an arched window motif. The exterior is a soft beige, accented by a textured stone base and dark trim. Above the doors, the overhanging eaves showcase decorative brackets, contributing to a vintage aesthetic. The roof has a warm, earthy tone, complementing the overall color scheme. In front, a spacious driveway is made of asphalt, lined with stone. Surrounding greenery offers a lush backdrop, providing natural contrast to the garage. The area conveys a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, typical of historic American homes.
Exterior View
A stunning historic home features a combination of textured stone and smooth stucco siding, showcasing an elegant aesthetic. The structure includes a prominent stone chimney and intricately designed window frames. Its asymmetrical façade is complemented by carefully curated landscaping, with lush green grass and several manicured shrubs. The two-story design features a quaint bay window that protrudes gently, providing an inviting touch. Soft natural light fills the space, enhancing the earthy tones of the exterior while large windows allow visibility into the home. The roofline is traditional, enhancing the home’s classic architectural style.
Listing Agent: Dawn Maddux of Engel & Völkers Western Frontier – Missoula via Zillow
