Once home to acclaimed author Robert Pirsig, who wrote the classic "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," this beautifully preserved residence offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of literary history in one of St. Paul's most beloved neighborhoods. Nestled in the secluded Desnoyer Park community, the home combines timeless character with thoughtful updates and an unbeatable location. Just steps from the Mississippi River, you'll enjoy access to miles of scenic walking and biking trails, lush green spaces, and peaceful river views - all within minutes of both downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. Inside, the home welcomes you with warmth and charm. The formal dining room features original built-ins, offering the perfect setting for gatherings. The living room's gas fireplace serves as a beautiful focal point, framed by elegant details and filled with natural light. French doors open to a large composite deck that overlooks the backyard - ideal for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying the neighborhood. Upstairs, you'll find three bedrooms on one level, along with a full bathroom. A convenient quarter bath is located in the unfinished basement. Outdoors, the front yard pollinator garden has been lovingly cultivated to provide color, texture, and a welcoming habitat for bees and butterflies throughout the seasons. The yard reflects the same care and creativity that has gone into maintaining the entire property over the years. Desnoyer Park is a tight-knit community known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and easy access to both city life and nature. Enjoy quick connections to major freeways, nearby coffee shops and restaurants, local parks, and the Mississippi River Parkway system.
Closed
$565,000
458 Otis Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104
3beds
1,712sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1927
6,098 Square Feet Lot
$581,200 Zestimate®
$330/sqft
$2,447 Estimated rent
Home value
$581,200
$523,000 - $645,000
$2,447/mo
Zestimate® history
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List your homeWhat's special
Peaceful river viewsLush green spacesNatural lightFront yard pollinator gardenTree-lined streetsLocal parks
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Anna Bottila 651-343-2915,
Coldwell Banker Realty
Bought with:
Jennifer Deutsch
Edina Realty, Inc.
Source: NorthstarMLS as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 6809815
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 1
- 1/4 bathrooms: 1
Bedroom
- Level: Upper
- Area: 299 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 23x13
Bedroom 2
- Level: Upper
- Area: 170 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 17x10
Bedroom 3
- Level: Upper
- Area: 99 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 11x9
Dining room
- Level: Main
- Area: 156 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13x12
Informal dining room
- Level: Main
- Area: 80 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 8x10
Kitchen
- Level: Main
- Area: 110 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 11x10
Living room
- Level: Main
- Area: 299 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 23x13
Heating
- Boiler, Ductless Mini-Split, Radiator
Cooling
- Ductless Mini-Split
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Dryer, Gas Water Heater, Microwave, Range, Refrigerator, Stainless Steel Appliance(s), Washer
- Laundry: In Basement, Electric Dryer Hookup, Sink, Washer Hookup
Features
- Basement: Block,Drain Tiled,Concrete,Storage Space,Sump Pump,Unfinished
- Number of fireplaces: 1
- Fireplace features: Gas, Insert
Interior area
- Total structure area: 1,712
- Total interior livable area: 1,712 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 1,712
- Finished area below ground: 0
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Detached Garage
- Garage spaces: 2
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: None
Features
- Levels: Two
- Stories: 2
- Patio & porch: Composite Decking
- Pool features: None
- Fencing: Invisible,Wire,Wood
Lot
- Size: 6,098 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 50 x 125, 50 x 9
Details
- Foundation area: 856
- Parcel number: 322923310034
- Zoning description: Residential-Single Family
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Roof: Age 8 Years or Less,Architectural Shingle
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1927
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: 150 Amp Service, Power Company: Xcel Energy
- Gas: Electric, Natural Gas
- Sewer: City Sewer/Connected
- Water: City Water/Connected
Community & HOA
HOA
- Has HOA: No
Location
- Region: Saint Paul
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $330/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $600,700
- Annual tax amount: $9,641
- Date on market: 11/5/2025
- Cumulative days on market: 67 days
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1/16/2026 | Sold | $565,000$330/sqft |
Source:  NorthstarMLS as distributed by MLS GRID #6809815 Report a problem | ||
| 1/11/2026 | Pending sale | $565,000$330/sqft |
Source: NorthstarMLS as distributed by MLS GRID #6809815 Report a problem | ||
| 11/5/2025 | Listed for sale | $565,000+28.4%$330/sqft |
Source: NorthstarMLS as distributed by MLS GRID #6809815 Report a problem | ||
| 5/19/2017 | Sold | $440,000+12.8%$257/sqft |
Source: NorthstarMLS as distributed by MLS GRID #4817395 Report a problem | ||
| 4/19/2017 | Pending sale | $390,000$228/sqft |
Source: Edina Realty, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate #4817395 Report a problem | ||
| 4/17/2017 | Listed for sale | $390,000+110.8%$228/sqft |
Source: Edina Realty, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate #4817395 Report a problem | ||
| 2/25/1997 | Sold | $185,000$108/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $9,984 +17.7% | $600,700 +4.2% |
| 2024 | $8,480 +2.3% | $576,500 +7.5% |
| 2023 | $8,290 +11.6% | $536,200 +3.3% |
| 2022 | $7,430 +3.7% | $518,900 +15.4% |
| 2021 | $7,166 -0.7% | $449,700 |
| 2020 | $7,219 +30.4% | $449,700 +9% |
| 2019 | $5,535 | $412,600 |
| 2018 | $5,535 -3.5% | $412,600 +19.7% |
| 2017 | $5,738 | $344,700 |
| 2016 | $5,738 +7.7% | -- |
| 2015 | $5,326 -0.9% | $327,500 |
| 2014 | $5,376 -2.4% | -- |
| 2013 | $5,506 -3.5% | -- |
| 2012 | $5,706 +2% | -- |
| 2011 | $5,592 | -- |
| 2010 | -- | -- |
| 2009 | $4,666 -11.2% | -- |
| 2008 | $5,254 +4.6% | -- |
| 2007 | $5,024 +12.5% | -- |
| 2006 | $4,464 +17.5% | -- |
| 2005 | $3,800 +4.4% | -- |
| 2004 | $3,640 +8.6% | -- |
| 2003 | $3,352 +15.3% | -- |
| 2002 | $2,908 -25.8% | -- |
| 2001 | $3,920 +11.3% | -- |
| 2000 | $3,523 | -- |
Find assessor info on the county website
Neighborhood: Merriam Park
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Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 7/10Groveland Park Elementary SchoolGrades: PK-5Distance: 1.6 mi
- 3/10Hidden River Middle SchoolGrades: 6-8Distance: 2.1 mi
- 7/10Central Senior High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 2.7 mi
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Estimated market value
$581,200
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Estimated market value
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