16740 Co Rd R45 Saint Charles, IA 50240

Property Overview
Welcome to “Rocky Ridge Farm”, a one-of-a-kind 65.96-acre estate in Warren County, Iowa. This property is accessed via a 400' gated private drive off Hwy R45. It includes a custom-built 2017 ranch-style home with loft and finished basement that offers a rare blend of rural privacy, modern comfort, and multi-use functionality. The property features two private stocked ponds, 18 acres of hay ground, versatile improvements including a finished barn dominium/cabin-style metal building, and excellent hunting opportunities and agricultural potential.

Address: 16740 R45 Hwy, St. Charles, IA 50240
Acreage: 65.96 acres (18 acres hay ground, 5-acre pond, 2-acre pond with dock & gazebo)
Tenancy: Open for 2026
Zoning: Agricultural — previously platted into 17 lots; cannot be split without 80' ingress to back 40 acres (would impact the southernmost metal building)

Residence
Builder: Custom built in 2017 by Gehringer Construction of St. Marys, Iowa
Architectural Plan: Based on “The Cartwright” by Donald A. Gardner Architects
“An open common area with cathedral ceiling, formal dining space, and a functional kitchen with an informal breakfast area.”
“The primary suite is separated from the secondary bedrooms for optimal privacy.”
Total Gross Living Area: 2,154 sq. ft.
Style: Ranch with loft and finished basement
Bedrooms: 3 (including primary suite)
Bathrooms: 4 (2 full, 1 half up, 1 half down)
Kitchen:
Gas range, double built-in wall oven, stainless steel Kitchen Aide appliances
Quartz countertops
Custom cabinets
Laundry: Samsung washer/dryer, tile flooring, sink, ample cabinets
Primary Suite: Walk-in tile shower, double vanity, cathedral ceiling, porch access
Flooring & Finishes:
Main living: Somerset prefinished Red Oak hardwood
Loft/Stairs: Masland Hudson Valley carpet (“Polar Mint”)
Tile:
Bathrooms & Laundry: Midwest Tile Saint Agostino 6?x48? (Bendart White)
Primary Bath: Daltile Affinity AF03 Gray
Shower: Daltile Marble Attaché 12?x24? (Calcutta MA87)
Loft: 14' x 21' finished space (bedroom, office, playroom)
Basement: ~900 sq. ft. finished, pine paneling, two large storage rooms
Garage (Attached, 2-Car): keypad entry, coated floor, shelving, gas heater
Exterior: Fiber cement siding, brick accents, 198 sq. ft. vinyl deck
Security: Whole-home exterior system by FUSION – 4K Ultra HD NVR

Improvements
1) 48' x 50' Finished Metal Building (2000, expanded later)
Originally 36' x 50', expanded to 48' x 50'
10' x 10' overhead garage door
Interior: kitchen (~150 sq. ft.), sitting room (~275 sq. ft.), bedroom (~340 sq. ft.), shower room, 4-seasons porch
Porches: Covered, overlooking pond
Potential uses: Airbnb, guest lodge, in-law suite, hunters’ retreat
Condition: Functional but would benefit from updates
2) 40' x 20' Lean-To Shed – concreted, 10'6? clearance
3) 50' x 42' Metal Building (2007) – concreted, two garage doors, power, 12' clearance
4) 48' x 40' Metal Building (2012) – concreted, 16' x 10' door, power but no lights

Land & Wildlife Features
Agriculture: 18 acres hay, 11 acres row crops/food plots, Sharpsburg silty clay loam soil (CSR2 80)
Habitat: Cedar thickets, softwoods, young growth
Wildlife: Deer, turkey, waterfowl

Exterior Features
Ponds: 5-acre stocked pond; 2-acre pond with dock & gazebo
Trails: Established paths to ponds
Privacy: Mature cover & topography shield home from highway
Access & Utilities
Access: Hwy R45 frontage, 400' gated drive
Water: Warren Rural Water District
Electric: MidAmerican Energy
Sewer: Septic (1,250-gallon tank, 300' trench field, installed 2017)
HVAC: Central system (2018)
Internet: OmniTel Communications

Location
Address: 16740 R45 Hwy, St. Charles, IA 50240
County: Warren County (Jackson Township)
2 miles south of St. Marys
Commute Times: <25 min to West Des Moines, <20 min to Indianola, 20 min to Lake Ahquabi
School District: Martensdale-St. Marys (4-day week in 2025)

Taxes & Legal
Gross Taxes (2024): $6,563.96
Net Taxes: $6,538.00
Parcel: 07840000020
Gross Acres: 65.96
Legal: 21-75-25 Rocky Ridge Subdivision Lots 2-17 & Lots A & B (Private Roads)

Subdivision & Use Notes
While previously platted into 17 individual lots, the property cannot be divided without providing an 80' wide ingress to the back 40 acres, which would require altering the southernmost metal building.

Directions: From Exit 52/I-35 – St. Charles – Head East on Highway G50 for 2.8 miles, then right (South) for 0.7 miles on HWY R45 (40th st) for 1.3 miles. Turn right on the the shared driveway, keep left, and you will arrive at a locked gate.