The Historic J.B. McHose House

Enjoy a historic, spacious brick home in Boone, Iowa! The J.B. McHose House is located in the town of Boone (population 12,500) and is part of the downtown district. Guests are just a short walk from stores, restaurants and entertainment! Shop, dine, catch a movie at the local theater or enjoy a cold beverage at a nearby brewery – it’s all within walking distance!

Boone is a historic railroad town with a past rich in culture and pride. Enjoy a ride on the Chinese Steam locomotive at the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad; visit the historic birthplace of First Lady Mamie Eisenhower; play a round of golf or take a dip in the Boone Municipal Pool located in McHose Park (which was gifted to the city of Boone by J.B. McHose). Seven Oaks is also just a short drive where you can ski and snowboard in winter and rent canoes for a scenic ride down the Des Moines River in summer and fall.

Boone is also just 20 minutes away from Ames, Iowa, home of Iowa State University and the ISU Cyclones. Ames has many wonderful amenities, including the new Furman Aquatic Center, University Museums and Reiman Gardens. The possibilities for entertainment in the Boone and Ames area are endless!


History of the J.B. McHose Home:

J.B. McHose was the owner of a brick and tile manufacturing company in Boone. McHose was a progressive leader who led many projects to improve the community. An admirer of Teddy Roosevelt, McHose’ main interest was the development of parks for the enjoyment of the public. McHose and his wife donated the land and funds to the city with the intent to build a city park. McHose Park is the product of their generosity and is used year-round by hundreds of people. There is also a statue of Theodore Roosevelt in the park. Be sure to find it!

J.B. McHose built his home in 1910 with bricks from his brick and tile factory. The home is a duplex, but at the time was called a ”double-house”. With two four-bedroom homes (a West Unit and East Unit) that are 'book-matched' together in the center the home affords a great deal of living space. McHose and his wife lived in the East Unit while his mother lived in the West Unit. This listing is for the East Unit.

The exterior of the J.B. McHose House features hand-chiseled brick to give the appearance of rough stone, deep red mortar joints, horizontal bands of sandstone on the front and sides, low hip roofs with deep eaves, and “blind” entrances to each unit. These features were hallmarks of the Prairie School Style of Architecture that was appearing in the Midwest shortly after the turn of the century.

The J.B. McHose House East Unit offers approximately 2,000 square feet of living space. The first floor has an entry with a foyer, a hall with a beautiful open staircase, a large living room, large dining room and cozy office space with a half bath. The house also features a galley kitchen complete with dishes and cookware. All you need to do is bring the food! The second floor features four bedrooms and a bathroom with walk-in shower. On a hot summer day you can enjoy a cold glass of lemonade on the wonderful front porch.

Please be our guest at the J.B. McHose House East Unit!