What makes Foxcroft Estate Special?

The Spellbinding Bed and Breakfast where Time STands Still

If I were to ask you to name a location with a distinct sense of place, I'm confident you could recall one from memory. Here at HiddenDSM, I have made it my mission to draw attention to local extraordinary places. What exactly contributes to the magic of these special destinations? What makes a place truly timeless? In my countless adventures, I have come to realize that two key factors can lend a location that elusive je ne sais quoi.

The first element is the work of talented designers, artists, and other creative souls. These visionaries possess a remarkable ability to breathe life into spaces- and I believe that a well designed space will naturally attract the following element.

A set stage will attract a story (the second element). Captivating places often have an interesting legacy, history, or story to tell. It is through these narratives that a place becomes imbued with a sense of depth and character. Whether it be an epic tale with layers of history, or a simple quirky fact that makes us smile, the collective memories of those who have inhabited the space over the years all contribute to its unique identity. I believe that these stories add an element of enchantment, connecting visitors to the essence of a place and evoking a profound sense of timelessness regardless of design scheme.

It is at the intersection of these two components that a place truly becomes magical. In other words, when the transformative touch of a creative spirit converges with an intriguing legacy or history, something extraordinary happens. Take for instance, Foxcroft Estate, in Ankeny.

Mr. Hidden Comes to Visit

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Foxcroft Estate in return for sharing my thoughts about it on my social media platforms. Upon viewing the photos, I knew this place was pretty enough to warrant a visit—(after all, you know I’m a sucker for a pretty place). I agreed- and several weeks later I found myself trading my corner apartment in a tower downtown for a temporary home (that sleeps up to ten people) on a sprawling four acre property in the suburbs with a pool.

Pictures cannot do this property justice. Time stands still here, even in the driveway. It exudes happiness, with a pale yellow coat of paint to greet you. You are immediately embraced by foliage as you enter the driveway, and despite the surrounding suburbia that has emerged over time, the expansive four-acre grounds create a sense of being in the countryside. Opening the front door reveals a splendid 1950s kitchen, complete with shaker cabinets, checkered floor tiles, and a wall oven. The mere sight of the kitchen in pictures sparked my imagination. I was envisioning myself cooking from my late '50s Better Homes and Gardens cookbooks in this delightful space.

The overarching theme at Foxcroft Estate can be best described as "your friend's cool grandparents' house." (There is a TIKI ROOM in the basement, next to a GROOVY pink game room!!!) Exploring the house was a joy, opening each door felt akin to opening an extravagantly wrapped gift. (Passing from a decadent chinoiserie bedroom into the art deco bathroom of my dreams was as fun as it was remarkable.) The property's beauty is reminiscent of a movie set, but it's the palpable happiness that truly sets it apart, bringing me back to my two-component formula for magical places.

The FoxCroft Factor

Foxcroft Estate's elevated mid-century aesthetic is the result of the loving efforts of hosts Brandon and Emily Pertzborn. Emily, a talented interior designer and set decorator based in Los Angeles, has poured her creative talents into shaping the ambiance of the bed and breakfast. So, we have element one. A talented and creative soul.

There’s more than meets the eye. This is the multi-generational home of the Pertzborn family, built in 1948 as the dream home of Dick and Mary Ann Pertzborn. I believe the tranquility and happiness that can be felt there is the impression of a lifetime of happy memories. Neither Emily nor Brandon are native to Des Moines- but Emily seems quite taken with us Iowans on her blog, and they felt compelled to find a way to keep making memories in the family home. Here’s the happy couple featured in the Des Moines Sunday Register before the house was completed.

The magic of a place like Foxcroft Estate lies in the seamless fusion of Emily's transformative touch and a lasting legacy of happy memories. It is the embodiment of what HiddenDSM strives to uncover—a space that transcends time, captivates the senses, and evokes a profound appreciation for the beauty and artistry that exists within the world around us.