April 8, 2026
Hi, we’re Brad and Lori, the people behind the next chapter of Washington Township School in Minburn, Iowa- The Schoolhouse Estate.
You might be wondering…
Why buy an old school?
The short answer:
We love people, stories + history, and believe in restoration, in making things new again.
As a wedding photographer and a general contractor, we’ve spent years around spaces where people come together — weddings, celebrations, family milestones, and community.
Those moments matter to us.
When we came across this historic school, we immediately saw something special. Not just the character of the building, but the stories it holds and the gatherings it has already witnessed over the years.
Even though it hasn’t been a school for decades, this place has long been a staple in the community, a place where people have gathered for different seasons of life.
And that’s exactly what we hope it will continue to be.
We love Iowa.
We love small towns.
And we love spaces that bring people together.
Our vision for The Schoolhouse Estate is to restore this historic building into a place for weddings, celebrations, and meaningful gatherings, while honoring the history that already lives here.
It won’t happen overnight.
But we’re excited to take this journey step by step and invite the community along with us.
Thanks for being here at the beginning.
What better couple than YOU?! Wow! How amazing!
I’m happy you I’ll restore this.
My dad, Dom Stiles was I believe history teacher and women’s basketball coach. Back in 1959, (I was 5), we lived in the ‘old school-house’. Across the gravel road to the school. One day I was playing on our swing set and Dad was outside with the students. I hollered to him, saying, Dad look at me and twirled on the bar. He said something like, good job. I don’t know why that stood out, but it sure was a feel-good!!
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