Some historic homes preserve the past in their architecture; others make it feel as though the past is still part of everyday life.
The Howes-Graus House in Hastings, Minnesota, is one of those rare properties, combining the dignified proportions of an 1868 Greek Revival residence with an Italianate addition completed in 1903. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this remarkable home has been carefully maintained and is being offered after more than four decades with its previous owners.
718 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033 | Offered at $599,900
4 Bedrooms | 1 Full Bathroom | 1 Three-Quarter Bathroom | 1 Half Bathroom | 3,229 Sq Ft | Built in 1868 | 0.54 Acres
The grand front entrance opens into an impressive foyer, where a curved staircase, gleaming hardwood floors, period lighting, stained-glass windows, and extensive crown molding establish the home’s historic character.
Four doors lead from the central hall into the front parlor, back parlor, formal dining room, and screened porch, reflecting an era when rooms were designed for distinct purposes and gracious entertaining. In the living room, a marble wood-burning fireplace with decorative tile inlays provides a striking focal point, framed by tall, bowed windows that draw natural light into the space.
A separate sitting room offers an inviting setting for a library, music room, or quiet reading retreat, while a main-floor office with built-in bookshelves adds practical functionality. The kitchen was updated in 2021 with Cambria countertops and mosaic tile backsplashes, blending modern convenience with the home’s traditional character.
Upstairs, four generously sized bedrooms surround a spacious landing, where floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a rolling library ladder create one of the house’s most memorable features. The primary suite includes a private three-quarter bathroom, and an additional den or television room provides flexible space for relaxation.
A screened porch leads to a paver patio featuring a built-in chessboard, while the half-acre corner lot also accommodates an oversized detached three-car garage. Important updates over the years include renewed plumbing and electrical systems, central air conditioning installed in 2024, a boiler and expansion tanks replaced in 2025, and a garage roof replaced in 2025.
With its historic designation, generous rooms, distinctive architectural evolution, and thoughtful modern improvements, this is far more than an old house—it is a living record of Hastings’ architectural heritage.
Now offered at $599,900 following a $25,100 price reduction, the Howes-Graus House presents a rare opportunity to become the next steward of a landmark residence where original craftsmanship, literary charm, and more than 150 years of history come together.
Listed by: Reidell Estey & Associates – Marti Estey 651-442-9353, RE/MAX Results, Reidell Estey & Associates – Roxann Wiebusch 651-251-4800
