One Orange Centre
A Mid Century Modern Bed and Breakfast in the Iowa Countryside
The House
The house at One Orange Centre is a 5907 sq. ft. oversized Usonian home, designed by John C. McEwan and Robert Rodriquez, students of Frank Lloyd Wright. Built from 1962 to1965, it is constructed primarily of native limestone with California Redwood ceilings throughout.
Nestled in the bluff, the house opens to an expansive view of the Tete des Morts valley below. The original six children’s bedrooms are now three luxurious guest suites. The children’s playroom has become a relaxing guest lounge with a view over the valley.
The Estate
The 25 acres at One Orange Centre offer plenty of space to roam, relax, and refresh. The grounds immediately surrounding the house have generous lawns, punctuated by garden beds, a fire pit, and destination sitting areas where one can enjoy the expansive views.
The 15 acres of woods behind the house will soon include hiking trails and several primitive camp sites. White pine, red cedar, hazelnut, cranberry bushes, and Norway spruce have been planted along the front property line. A pollinator prairie and rain garden will soon be planted.
The pond is stocked with grass carp, blue gill and bass. A functional aerator at the center of the pond creates a soothing sound environment. The former chicken house that sits at its edge is now a retreat complete with workspace and deck overlooking the pond. A greenhouse will soon provide produce for farm to table meals.
As with every great house, this restoration is an ongoing labor of love for the architecture and the peace and quiet Mim felt the first time she set foot on the estate.
The Setting
St. Donatus is one of the oldest towns in Iowa. The Gehlen House Barn, the oldest barn in Iowa, is just down the hill. The town of 129 was originally settled by people from Luxembourg, descendants of whom still frequently visit. St. Donatus maintains its status as an Historic Luxembourg Village.
There is an outdoor Stations of the Cross on the grounds of the Catholic Church directly adjacent to One Orange Centre.
The two adjacent patios and sitting areas provide spectacular views of the Tete des Morts Valley, especially at sunset.