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Reality Daydream

The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

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Queen of Hearts Mansion in Marshalltown, IA

September 29, 2021 by Bethany Sy

It’s been called the ‘Carmean Mansion’ and the ‘Hatcher Mansion’, but since we can call it what we want, we’re calling it the Queen of Hearts Mansion for now (‘The QUEEN” for short)… because we can! It’s SUCH a well-loved landmark here in Marshalltown, Iowa, and we’re so honored to be sharing this ongoing story with you.

Believed to be built around 1902, this unique historic mansion has a very ‘eclectic’ style, and is described by John Shiflet as follows:

[it is] certainly not any pure “style” you’ll find in a guide to American houses. Eclectic is the best fit. Others have suggested French Chateauesque, Colonial Revival, and Queen Anne. (I also threw in Art Nouveau, English Cottage, but as this house is a synthesis of details taken from several styles, Eclectic I believe is the best choice) It’s uniqueness contributes a lot to its appeal.

History

Newton Carmean was the original owner who had it built starting in 1901. He owned a buggy company that went under and he lost the house. He was a shady character with a colorful history… (more on Carmean HERE)

Hatcher, a real estate broker, took ownership of it next. We’re unsure if he even lived there, or just owned it for a time.

Finally, Gaynelle Jacobson lived in the house for 50 years until she passed away in 2006, at which point the steady decline and disrepair of this gorgeous mansion began.

Below are some pics from over the years of the Queen of Hearts Mansion.

There have been several people who have attempted to bring this home back to live since Gaynelle passed, and while some major interior improvements have been made, the exterior has continued to deteriorate, as well as the foundation.

Storm Damage

The Queen of Hearts mansion was in the direct path of the EF3 Tornado that came through Marshalltown in 2018 that caused further damage, as well as the Derecho (inland hurricane) that hit our town the summer of 2020. Many of the windows were destroyed, including very expensive curved glass windows. There are important supporting beams in the attic that have been broken and desperately need repair.

Below is a current pic of what she looks like today.

The tornado and derecho also took out all the mature shade trees along Main Street. Below is an old photo someone sent us from back when there were lots of trees in the area. I wish I could remember who sent it so I could give them credit!

Currently

Take a tour here>>>

We have taken some current interior photos to share as well. We’re so grateful to the person that spent many hours tediously removing all the paint from the woodwork surrounding the stairs, as well as the fireplace area.

Features

This home features 18 rooms total, including a 3rd floor ballroom! It’s been featured in a book called Victorian Architecture of Iowa (affiliate link), as well as several major websites like www.OldHouses.com and www.OldHouseDreams.com.

The house has also been the inspiration for this beautiful artwork.

After several failed attempts to renovate this gem, the neighbor bought the home when it came up for sale. After seeing that it would take far more money to renovate that it would ever be worth, he has made plans to demolish it in the next year.

We have spoken with him, and he is willing to let us have it, as long as it can be moved from the property.

Help us save it from the wrecking ball

We are in the process of applying for grants, getting quotes for moving a house this size (even just a couple bocks is an astronomical amount of money), and fundraising to save this gorgeous piece of history that our town has grown to cherish.

If you would like to follow along as this story unfolds, please follow us on Instagram (@RealityDaydream) and join our mailing list on the sidebar of this website. Many have asked to donate to the efforts of saving the Queen of Hearts Mansion, so we’ve opened a Venmo specifically for this (@RealityDaydream).

If you have any information about this house that isn’t mentioned here (or pictures!), please email us at beth@realitydaydream.com.

~Bethany

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About Bethany Sy

Nick and Bethany Sy are the creative free-spirits behind DIY/Lifestyle blog, Reality Daydream. They recently purchased a historic mansion and have been documenting the ups and downs of renovation and making this home their own... all while sharing tips and tutorials along the way! When they found themselves in the trenches of infertility, they started a journey that would prove to be their most important DIY project ever, and have 3 beautiful girls to show for it. <3

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Comments

  1. 4

    Drew says

    April 9, 2022 at 5:22 am

    Any updates on the house? My friend has the Instagram account love of houses and ever since I saw this house on her page I fell in love with it. I’d like to get a 3D scan of the house with my drone to at least preserve it in same way.

    Reply
  2. 5

    Sheryl says

    October 21, 2021 at 1:15 pm

    The little thing with the holes in the dining room floor remind me of some kind of buzzer. Maybe it was for whom ever sits at the head of the table to buzz when they are ready for the next course or to clear the table.

    Reply
  3. 6

    Margie says

    October 1, 2021 at 12:40 am

    Cant u deem this property an historical site so they CANT demolish it? I grew up in Conrad but Marshalltown was my 2nd home. Here in Owatonna Mn we have abandon houses but cant demolish cause they had them deemed historic

    Reply
  4. 7

    Ange says

    September 30, 2021 at 12:04 pm

    What is your plan if you able to raise the money to relocate it?

    Reply

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We are Nick and Bethany! Welcome to our blog, Reality Daydream where we share our DIY adventures!
View of our entryway of our historic mansion that we're slowly renovating and making our own.
Click here for lots of art projects using only wood stain on furniture!!
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Attention: Almost any do-it-yourself project involves risk of some sort. Your tools, materials, and skills will vary, as will the conditions at your project site. Reality Daydream has made every effort to be complete and accurate in the instructions of the plans on this website. Reality Daydream will not assume any responsibility or liability for damages or losses sustained or incurred in the course of your project or in the use of the item you create. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions in the use of tools, check and follow your local building codes, and observe all commonly accepted safety precautions.

 

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