Property Description

Preserve the Past, utilize the Present, and plan for the Future with this little-known gem at the outskirts of Mason City! The MacNider Mansion named after WW I General Hanford MacNider and Margaret MacNider was designed by New York architect Waddy Woods. Construction consisted of thick, durable walls of native dolomite stone, which were installed by Italian stonemasons brought in from Washington, D.C. During the MacNiders' residency, the home served as both a private residence and a prominent social hub. The estate hosted high-profile visitors, including President Herbert Hoover, Charles Lindbergh, and General James Doolittle! The Estate was later used as the site of Four Oaks Family and Children's Services and most recently by Mason City Public Schools. The mansion consists of 15 bedrooms, a grand master dining room with 12 ft. ceilings, five dens (each with a fireplace), 10 bathrooms, 3 porches/sun porches, a larger play area, and more! There are three education/administrative buildings all with a single-level design with classroom spaces, administrative office spaces, bathrooms, and kitchenette areas. The secondary apartment-type building on site has an attached double-octagon design. It is laid out with a large front living room, office, large kitchen, bathrooms, and three larger living quarters spaces. Additionally, a 1,056 sq. ft. storage building accommodates supplies and equipment. The glorious grounds has a full tennis/basketball court, jungle gym, large grass lawn, and ample gravel parking areas serving all of the buildings. Dream your use and fulfill your mission with this unique private parcel!