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Mon, November 24, 2025
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Luxury Home with Indoor Climbing Wall Hits West Des Moines Market
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Published in House and Home on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 7:21 GMT by Des Moines Register- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Browns Woods Home for Sale in West Des Moines: Luxury, Lifestyle, and a Built‑In Climbing Wall
A new listing in West Des Moines has captured the attention of home‑buyers and adventure seekers alike. “Browns Woods,” a single‑family residence perched on a quiet cul‑de‑sac, is now on the market for $1,350,000. According to the Des Moines Register article dated November 24, 2025, the property combines upscale finishes, a spacious layout, and a one‑of‑a‑kind indoor climbing wall – a feature that sets it apart from other homes in the area.
The Property at a Glance
- Location: 1121 Browns Woods Lane, West Des Moines, IA 50264
- Size: 3,400 sq ft of living space on a 0.25‑acre lot
- Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
- Year Built: 2020 (fully modern construction)
- Price: $1,350,000
The listing, which can be viewed in full on Zillow (a link the article includes), showcases a contemporary design that blends indoor luxury with outdoor comfort. The house features an open‑concept living room with soaring ceilings, a chef‑grade kitchen complete with a walk‑in pantry, dual smart thermostats, and a home‑automation hub that controls lighting, security, and climate.
The most striking element of Browns Woods is its indoor climbing wall – a custom‑built vertical training area that spans the width of the second‑floor hallway. The wall, built by local contractor Climbing Edge, offers a range of holds and a foam‑padded landing zone, making it suitable for both seasoned climbers and beginners. The article highlights that the wall was installed as a “family‑friendly workout solution,” and it comes complete with a wall‑mounted chalk bag, harness‑carts, and a “tech‑enabled” sensor that tracks progress and offers guided routes.
The Neighborhood and Community
West Des Moines is known for its well‑maintained streets, award‑winning schools, and family‑friendly parks. The Des Moines Register article notes that the Browns Woods property sits just two blocks from the West Des Moines Community Center and the newly expanded Browns Park – a 20‑acre green space featuring a playground, splash pad, and a large pavilion for events.
Links to the West Des Moines city website, provided in the article, offer additional context: the city’s 2023 “Smart‑Growth” plan emphasizes green infrastructure, bike lanes, and proximity to major employment hubs. The property’s proximity to Interstate 35, which connects to Des Moines’ downtown and the Quad Cities region, adds convenience for commuters.
The article also includes a link to the West Des Moines Public School District, underscoring that the home falls within the Browns Woods Elementary School catchment area – one of the district’s top-rated schools. Parents and educators are quoted in the piece as praising the district’s emphasis on STEM and arts programs, which adds value for families with children.
The Seller and the Agent
The home is being sold by Thomas “Tom” Brown, a retired orthopedic surgeon who moved to West Des Moines in 2018. In the interview section of the article, Brown explains that the climbing wall was a personal passion project – a way to stay active and give back to the community by inviting neighbors to try it for free. He expressed pride that the wall “brings a little piece of the outdoor world inside.”
The listing is represented by Lisa Mason of Keller Williams West Des Moines, a real‑estate firm that has a strong presence in the area. Mason’s profile page (linked in the article) details her experience in luxury homes and her track record of closing deals in the 1‑2 million‑dollar range. She emphasizes that Browns Woods’ “unique combination of high-end amenities and an active‑lifestyle feature like the climbing wall” makes it an attractive proposition for buyers who value both comfort and fitness.
Market Context
The Des Moines Register article provides context on the local real‑estate market, citing a recent study by the Iowa Association of Realtors. According to the study, West Des Moines’ median home price has increased by 8.5% over the past year, reflecting a strong seller’s market. Inventory remains low, with an average of 30 days on the market for homes priced between $1.0 million and $1.5 million. The article points out that buyers are increasingly looking for “lifestyle” homes that offer more than just space and amenities, citing the trend of “wellness‑centric” properties – a category in which Browns Woods comfortably fits.
A link to the study (PDF) offers a deeper dive into sales data, revealing that properties with “special features” such as home gyms, rooftop decks, or in‑house entertainment systems tend to command a premium of roughly 4–6% over comparable listings.
Why Buyers Are Turning to Browns Woods
The article includes several short quotes from prospective buyers who visited the home during the open‑house event held on November 22, 2025. One buyer, Emma Lee, a graphic designer who has been working remotely from the U.S. for a tech firm, said, “The climbing wall is a game‑changer. I love the idea of a workout space that’s safe and private, and it’s great for my kids’ downtime.” Another prospective buyer, Michael Rios, a local high‑school coach, pointed out that the wall “aligns with my passion for encouraging active lifestyles in children.”
The piece also notes that the home’s energy‑efficient features – including solar panels, a tankless water heater, and triple‑pane windows – align with the growing demand for sustainability. The article links to a city‑wide incentive program that offers rebates on energy‑saving upgrades, making the home even more attractive to eco‑conscious buyers.
Conclusion
Browns Woods offers a rare blend of modern luxury, community connection, and an adventurous twist with its indoor climbing wall. The Des Moines Register’s comprehensive coverage—complete with links to the full Zillow listing, the West Des Moines city website, and the local school district—provides a detailed snapshot of what makes this home a standout in the competitive West Des Moines market. With its prime location, state‑of‑the‑art amenities, and a focus on active living, Browns Woods is poised to attract buyers who want more than just a house: they want a lifestyle. Whether you’re a family looking for a safe, stimulating environment or a fitness enthusiast eager to have your own personal climbing space, this home offers a compelling proposition that is hard to overlook.
Read the Full Des Moines Register Article at:
[ https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/real-estate/2025/11/24/browns-woods-home-for-sale-west-des-moines-climbing-wall/87354408007/ ]
