West Chester (Des Moines, Iowa)

West Chester, also known as the D.S. Chamberlain House and Wesley Acres, is a historic building located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Designed by Boston architect William George Rantoul, it is considered an excellent example of Jacobethan Revival architecture in the city.[2] David S. Chamberlain moved his patent medicine business to Des Moines in 1881, and it grew to become one of the five largest pharmaceutical and toiletry manufacturing firms in the United States.[2] Chamberlain lived in a farmhouse on the property when this house was built from 1901 to 1903. It was featured in a couple of publications after its completion. The inspiration for the house's design were the half timbered homes in Chester, England. It features five gables and dormers on the main facade that rise above the ridged roofline and three tall chimneys with separate shafts for each flue. There are two gabled wings on the south elevation of the house. It was sold in 1949 and converted into a home for the aged. The front yard, drive and the house are that remain of the estate. The rest is taken up by newer construction. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.[1]

West Chester
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
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Location	3520 Grand Ave. Des Moines, Iowa
Coordinates	41°35′0.8″N 93°39′52.4″W
Area	1.3 acres (0.53 ha)
Built	1901–1903
Architect	William George Rantoul
NRHP reference No.	84001304[1]
Added to NRHP	January 19, 1984

References

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
2. James E. Jacobsen. "West Chester". National Park Service. Retrieved 2017-10-19. with photo(s)