Explore Springfield's iconic "African Queen" house, complete with a 15-foot Zulu warrior sculpture, petrified wood, and global decor.
A jaw-dropping property known as the African Queen, featuring a 15-foot Zulu warrior sculpture, has just hit the market in Springfield, MO, for $1.2 million.
Originally built in 1962 by Don Russell, the 3,176-square-foot retreat has taken on a new life, thanks to the current owners, Michael and Lisa Willhoit, who bought the property in 2013 and transformed it into an iconic Ozark home.
The distinctive residence features doors sourced from India, light fixtures crafted with ostrich eggs and gemsbok horns, and mosaic floors made with oak, walnut, and ebony, including a stunning 20,000-piece work of crocodile art. The jungle-inspired dwelling has climbed its way to the top spot of the week's most popular homes list.
Other astonishing details include 18th-century Indonesian teak, 4-inch Carthage stone countertops, a bluff room with a custom copper hot tub, a primary suite with two balconies and a 260-gallon aquarium, and sinks crafted from 1,000-year-old petrified wood.
The 4-acre property, currently being used as a short-term rental, has spring-fed ponds, a creek, waterfalls, and gardens, offering a true sanctuary-style feel.
Other properties grabbing attention this week include a riverfront retreat in Virginia, two log cabins for the price of one in North Carolina, and a transformed church in Pennsylvania.
10. 44 Eloise Dr, Westport Island, ME
Price: $2,299,000
Why it's here: It's a historical estate, built in 1798, overlooking the Sheepscot River.
Period details throughout the 1,469-square-foot interior include restored windows, eight-panel doors, wide-plank wood floors, and three fireplaces, including one with a beehive oven. Updates include a new kitchen ell with a soapstone sink and countertops, custom cabinetry, and modern appliances.
The 6.4-acre property has 850 feet of water frontage, a private dock, an antique fish house, an outbuilding "ready for your renovation vision," and a two-car detached garage.
Karen Keuper of Dwelling in Maine is the listing agent.
1798 estate in Westport Island, ME (Realtor.com) 9. 414 S 6th St, Goshen, IN
Price: $399,900
Why it's here: This well-preserved Victorian offers lots of charm, character, and historical details.
Highlights of the 3,838-square-foot interior include pocket doors, a grand staircase with hand-carved details, curved glass windows, and stained glass. An updated kitchen with modern appliances and double ovens still has an original icebox. The main floor offers a possible guest suite. A lower level has a movie room.
According to the listing, a home warranty is included with the sale, along with the grand piano. A two-car carriage house is located in the fenced-in yard.
Christine Tirotta of Cressy & Everett Real Estate is the listing agent.
1890 Victorian in Goshen, IN (Realtor.com) 8. 2809 Lakeland Dr, Urbandale, IA
Price: $850,000
Why it's here: Built in 1959, this midcentury time capsule on a half-acre lot overlooking Lake Halice has been modernized in all the right places.
The 3,541-square-foot multilevel floor plan features many retro details, including a hanging fireplace, vaulted ceilings, built-ins, exposed beams, and oversized picture windows. A sunken living room and bar area have slotted wood ceilings.
A pergola in the fenced-in yard was designed for entertaining and dining al fresco.
Zac Bales-Henry of Black Phoenix Group is the listing agent.
Updated midcentury home in Urbandale, IA (Realtor.com) 7. 10430 Cherokee Rd, Richmond, VA
Price: $3,750,000
Why it's here: It's a waterfront retreat set on 3.37 picturesque acres, uniquely offering direct access to the James River.
Built in 1959, the six-bedroom brick-and-slate residence features 5,774 square feet of modern living. The updated interior features refinished hardwood floors, a new kitchen with an oversized island and granite countertops, and a living room with a fireplace. Two bedrooms are located on the main level, with four more upstairs. A four-season sunroom with a stylish wood ceiling offers sweeping riverfront views.
The walk-out finished basement opens to the private, tree-lined yard with a gazebo.
John Martin of Shaheen Ruth Martin & Fonville is the listing agent.
Riverfront retreat in Richmond, VA (Realtor.com) 6. 72 Chestnut Hill Rd, Gerton, NC
Price: $560,000
Why it's here: Here's an opportunity to buy two reasonably priced hand-hewn log homes in the Chestnut Hills vacation cottage community.
Located just 20 minutes from Asheville, the property features a two-bedroom main cabin with a galley kitchen, a stone fireplace, an updated bathroom with a soaking tub, and a bonus room that could be used as a home office or additional sleeping quarters. A back deck has a hot tub. The second cabin, known as the sunflower cabin, also features two bedrooms and a full kitchen, a living room with a vaulted ceiling and exposed beams, an enclosed sunroom, and a bathroom with a walk-in glass shower.
The property, with separate access and parking, could be used as a turnkey vacation rental or multigenerational getaway.
Jim Earnhardt of Triangle Midtown Realty is the listing agent.
Two log cabins in Gerton, NC (Realtor.com) 5. 559 N Chambers St, Galesburg, IL
Price: $405,000
Why it's here: The 1889 Wilson-Craig House, sitting on a double lot in the Galesburg Historic District, features a well-preserved interior.
Known for its distinctive turrets and wraparound veranda, the 4,542-square-foot Queen Anne Victorian has many original details inside as well. Historic highlights include original oak woodworking, refinished parquet floors, and Victorian wallpapers, including hand-printed Bradbury & Bradbury designs. Other impressive amenities include formal living and dining rooms, a conservatory surrounded by windows and mosaic tile flooring, a sleeping porch, a grand staircase, built-in window seating, stained glass, and four fireplaces.
The property is said to have once been the home of Illinois Supreme Court Justice Charles C. Craig.
Mark D. Ferrill of Re/Max Traders Unlimited is the listing agent.
1889 Wilson-Craig House in Galesburg, IL (Realtor.com) 4. 3172 Route 212, Springtown, PA
Price: $525,000
Why it's here: Built in 1873, the former Grace Springtown Church was transformed in 2000 into a single-family residence.
Original architecture and charming details remain in place, including stained-glass windows, a distinctive steeple, hardwood floors, arched windows, period lighting, and a bell entry. The 2,058-square-foot open floor plan has a modern kitchen with a breakfast bar and stainless-steel appliances, and a loft-style main living area with a primary suite above. An elevated former altar has been transformed into "a dramatic focal point framed by stained glass." A lower level has a surprising speakeasy-style bar.
The spacious back deck overlooks the lush lot, which also has a one-car garage.
Adrienne Stagliano of Realty One Group Restore-BlueBell is the listing agent.
Former church in Springtown, PA (Realtor.com) 3. 101 Black Brook Rd, Goffstown, NH
Price: $699,900
Why it's here: It's a four-bedroom, earth-sheltered home built in 1979, with a contemporary addition in 1987.
An original portion of the 3,534-square-foot open floor plan is surrounded by earth, providing natural insulation and helping to reduce heating and cooling costs. An updated kitchen has a large pantry and modern appliances. An enormous family room is located above the two-car garage. The spacious primary suite has access to a private deck.
The 2.9-acre wooded lot has a heated pool, a covered patio, and a private pond.
Rebecca Curran of Re/Max Synergy is the listing agent.
Earth-sheltered home with a contemporary addition in Goffstown, NH (Realtor.com) 2. 30 N Riverview Ave, Knowlton, NJ
Price: $189,900
Why it's here: This inexpensive round stone home has stunning waterfront views along the Delaware River.
The two-bedroom cottage offers just 569 square feet of living space defined by exposed stone walls, wood ceilings, and arched windows. A wood-burning stove is on the main floor, along with a small galley-style kitchen. A covered back area overlooks the river, and there is a one-car detached garage.
The property could be used as a primary residence, an income-producing rental, or a seasonal getaway.
Viriya Lam of Prime Network Realty is the listing agent.
Round stone home in Knowlton, NJ (Realtor.com) 1. 2829 S Lone Pine Ave, Springfield, MO
Price: $1,200,000
Why it's here: The African Queen, designed by Don Russell in 1962, remains a recognizable Ozark residence for its unique decor, including a 15-foot Zulu warrior sculpture. The 3,176-square-foot home sits directly above a private lake.
Unbelievable decor includes "monumental" doors sourced from India, a wood mosaic floor created by New York City's Archetypal, reclaimed 18th-century Indonesian teak, and light fixtures crafted with ostrich eggs and gemsbok horns. The bluff room has a custom copper hot tub. A wood-burning fireplace has an indoor grill, and a glass floor overlooks the spring-fed water below. The lavish primary suite has two balconies, a fireplace, a sitting area, and a 260-gallon aquarium.
The property is currently being used for short-term rentals and could be transformed into a hospitality destination or "healing nature retreat."
Serrano Team of Buyers & Sellers Realty is the listing agent.
The African Queen in Springfield, MO (Realtor.com)