404 Cottage Ave, Vermillion, SD 57069

The “Brookman House” is one of the last remaining, unmolested examples of the Spindlework subtype of Queen Anne architecture in Vermillion. This home has an extremely high degree of historic integrity and has been lovingly maintained and cared for. While its historic character is completely intact, it has also received appropriate upgrades, including a new subroof and roof, new central air and heating, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and a completely new kitchen. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which denotes its architectural importance (but without placing limits on an owner’s ability to make changes to the property). Built in 1894, the home has been cared for by 2 families for 130 of its 132 years and is now on the market for the first time in 53 years. The home is located 4 blocks north of Main Street and 2 blocks from USD. The extra large (1/3 acre) corner lot features southern exposure, mature trees, a variety of shrubbery and flower beds, and a modern in-ground irrigation system. An oversized 2 car garage, revamped and extended in the 1990s, is accessible down a concrete driveway, with an adjacent parking pad. The main floor features a large entryway opening into the front stairs (in original stained wood, with scroll-topped newel posts carved with a leaf and rosette pattern), which are accompanied by a rounded, arched stained glass window. The main living room--with a working fireplace with a mantel, decorative turned pilasters, and original ceramic tile--features double-hung floor to ceiling windows and a large picture window (with a stained glass transom window above). The home features original oak and maple flooring throughout the first floor and original, decorative painted wood trim and moulding (crown mouldings, wide baseboards with rim caps, and wide fluted trim with bullseye corner blocks around windows and doors). A parlor/library is accessed via a curved arch from the living room and features a large south-facing Palladian window and direct exterior access to the wrap-around porch. This room also features a walnut built-in bookcase. A large media room (or bedroom), with built-in storage and an adjoining full bathroom and closet, is located just off of the parlor/library. The large, formal dining room is located adjacent to the parlor/library, and boasts a built-in china cabinet as well as additional cabinets set on the adjoining wall. A screened-in 3 season porch, looking out onto the large yard, is available through this room. The kitchen is accessed through the dining room, or via an exterior entrance to the mud/laundry room. The kitchen was completely remodeled in 2024 and features a new subfloor and oak flooring, new dark-stained maple cabinets, new appliances (range, built-in microwave/hood, and dishwasher), and soapstone countertops. A generous picture window faces the large, private back yard. A second stairway from the kitchen accesses the upper level. The second story of the home includes 5 bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a storage room. The modernized bathroom includes an oversized clawfoot tub, hexagonal ceramic tile, and wainscoting. The majority of the upstairs is carpeted (original floors underneath), though 2 rooms feature refinished wood floors. Walls and ceilings throughout the house are lathe and plaster, and have been professionally refinished. There is a full attic above the second floor, and an unfinished basement as well. The Brookman house is one of the last remaining unscathed architectural treasures in Vermillion. Its location is central to USD, downtown, schools, and Highway 50. The house has a very high degree of historic integrity in its design, materials, and craftsmanship. This is a rare opportunity to become the next caretaker of this remarkable property. All furniture and items in the house are for sale separately. Contact owner at timeagainwatches@yahoo.com (happy to arrange cooperation with buyer’s agents)