Couple enjoys new life in the country.
Story by Carol McGarvey
Photography by Mirza Kudic
Featured in Winter 2026
When Colorado residents Alison Burns and John Woods decided to move to Iowa to be closer to family, they did their homework. “We wanted to be close, but not too close,” John explains with a chuckle. Bottom line: The couple wanted to be in a neighborhood and be a part of a community.
“We had heard good things about Des Moines, and we came for a weekend to look it over,” says Alison. “We looked around at various neighborhoods. I had read an article about Middlebrook, the Agrihood in Cumming, Iowa.”
They visited the Mercantile and went to Friday at the Farm to hear music. They liked the closeness to the airport because of occasional travel for work.
After meeting with Kalen Ludwig, Director of Sales and Marketing for Diligent Development and Ground Breaker Homes, along with the area’s town architect, they decided to proceed with their custom plans. The new home is a style they call European Romantic with some Colorado touches. “It was important to us to build a nice house for the neighborhood,” Alison points out.
REQUIREMENTS
They knew they wanted a functional kitchen, a main-floor primary bedroom, a sculptural soaking tub, and a pool. Also important was the flexibility to source their own finishes to truly create a custom home with a reputable builder.
They worked with Katie Long, in-house interior designer for Ground Breaker Homes, to pick out surfaces and details, such as the dramatic granite countertop and backsplash. The airy home with lots of large windows has 3,400 square feet on the main and lower levels. Their property covers half of an acre.
“We had heard good things about Des Moines, and we came for a weekend to look it over. We looked around at various neighborhoods. I had read an article about Middlebrook, the Agrihood in Cumming, Iowa.”
Alison Burns, Cumming
The new home has a great room feel with an open living area, dining area, and kitchen. The couple enjoys cooking together, so the kitchen was of particular interest. The kitchen space includes a large gas range, an island for prepping food, and a large working pantry, which they call the scullery. Warm-toned walnut cabinets add a sophisticated touch. A drop area by the door leads to the garage.
BARN EMBELLISHMENTS
The homeowners wanted to give a nod to their new surroundings and did so by incorporating reclaimed barn wood into the design from a local source in Winterset. The mantel over the floor-to-ceiling black tile fireplace and a piece over the inset opening to the gas range particularly stand out. A 12-foot ceiling with a wood finish adds to the warm yet spacious feel.
During the build they often made choices. But as the house came to life, Alison and John changed their minds on some of them. “They call it ‘pivoting,’” says John. “Kalen and the team were more than willing to work with us, so changing our minds worked out.”
The spacious primary bedroom and bath is full of light and offers plenty of room for the couple. Also, on the main floor are a guest room and a full bath. On the lower level are a television-watching area, Alison’s office, and additional guest rooms with a full bath. A large flex room provides climate-controlled storage.
Outdoor features include a covered deck and a 24- × 13-foot pool installed by Juarez Fiberglass Pools. The property is nicely landscaped by Central Iowa Outdoor Services.
The couple has joined other neighbors in participating in the community garden and other activities. The third family member, Denner, is a Greater Swiss Mountain dog. “She loves it here and gets along with everyone,” says John. •
What Is an Agrihood?
“At its core, an Agrihood is a network of walkable neighborhoods centered on a working farm and natural spaces. Inspired by the charm of small rural towns built over a century ago, it embraces the roots of the town of Cumming,” says Kalen Ludwig, Director of Sales and Marketing for Diligent Development and one of the owners of Ground Breaker Homes. Middlebrook is Iowa’s first agrihood.
Of the people who have moved to Middlebrook, she says half are families and half are empty nesters. The area covers over 800 acres. There’s easy access just east of I-35 at the Cumming exit.
Housing offerings include single-family free-standing homes, villas, townhomes, cottages, and apartment lofts. Prices vary from lofts at $1,300 monthly rent; cottages at $319,900; townhomes at high $300,000s; villas at $529,000; and homes, customizable depending on style.
Building is ongoing for new businesses, and in-place spots are gaining visitors. These include Wilson’s Orchard and Farm; Middlebrook farm stand offering fresh and seasonal items; the Mercantile in a 1900s one-room schoolhouse; and Fridays at the Farm with live music from mid-May to mid-September.
“Middlebrook has really caught on,” says Ludwig. “It has been so fun to watch the growth.” •
Resources
- Builder Ground Breaker Homes
- Electrical Kline Electric
- Plumbing New Era Plumbing
- Windows Beisser Lumber
- Floor Coverings Royal Flooring
- Countertops Fox Countertops
- Mirrors & shower doors Kitchen & Bath Company
- Masonry Centurion Stone
- HVAC Iowa’s All Season Heating & Cooling
- Cabinets & Appliances Royal Flooring
- Pools Juarez Fiberglass Pools
- Landscaper Central Iowa Outdoor Services
