A lot of house for the money! Check this lovely exterior! Circa 1876 in Indiana.

Ever dreamed of owning a literal piece of architectural history that doesn’t feel like a stuffy museum? Welcome to the iconic 1876 Johnson House. Tucked away on a sprawling corner lot, this fully brick Gothic Revival Victorian is a masterclass in how to honor the past while living comfortably in the present. Clocking in at nearly 4,800 square feet, it’s a rare, breathtaking property where soaring ceilings, jaw-dropping turrets, and modern 21st-century upgrades live in perfect harmony.

Address: 5631 University Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46219
Price: $580,000
Total Square Footage: 4,799 sq. ft.

The Exterior & Curb Appeal

From the moment you pull up, the Johnson House commands your attention. The striking red brick facade and intricate Gothic Revival trim give it an undeniable fairy-tale presence. Thanks to a massive round of exterior restoration, the home looks just as crisp and vibrant today as it did over a century ago, sitting proudly on a lush, third-of-an-acre lot.

Classic Masonry: Rare, fully brick Gothic Revival Victorian construction.
Freshly Restored: Exterior trim completely repaired and repainted in 2023.
Smart Drainage: Upgraded downspouts (2023) to protect the foundation and property.
Generous Lot: A spacious 0.32-acre footprint with beautiful mature trees.

Main Entrance & Common Living Spaces

Step through the front door and prepare to look up—way up. The main level boasts spectacular 12-foot ceilings and original hardwood floors that flow through expansive, sun-drenched rooms. Elegant transom windows sit above the doorways, channeling light and historic charm, while a trio of operational fireplaces ensures the grand spaces always feel cozy and inviting.

Soaring Spaces: Grand 12-foot ceilings across both the main and upper levels.
Historic Details: Original hardwoods and classic interior door transoms.
Cozy Ambience: Six total fireplaces throughout the home, with three fully operational on the main floor.
Custom Storage: Brand-new custom built-ins added in 2024 for seamless organization.

Kitchen & Dining Area

Designed with hosting in mind, the dining and kitchen areas blend historic scale with ultra-modern utility. The kitchen has been beautifully refreshed to handle everything from quick weekday breakfasts to elaborate dinner parties, ensuring the chef of the house has plenty of workspace without sacrificing the home’s timeless character.

Premium Surfaces: Brand-new, sparkling quartz countertops installed in 2025.
Expansive Dining: High ceilings and large windows create a bright, banquet-sized dining vibe.
Modern Climate Control: New ductwork with high-efficiency R-6 insulation (2025) on the main air system keeps the heart of the home perfectly comfortable.

Main Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Head upstairs via the home’s unique dual staircases to discover a collection of substantial bedrooms that refuse to compromise on space. The entire upper level mirrors the main floor’s soaring ceilings, giving each bedroom an airy, treehouse-like feel. Even better, the bathrooms have been completely overhauled, and a highly requested second-floor laundry room makes chore day a breeze.

Substantial Suites: Three massive bedrooms with towering windows and incredible closet potential.
Fresh Renovations: Bathrooms completely renovated in 2025 with modern fixtures and finishes.
Dual Access: Two separate staircases lead to the upper level for ultimate flow and convenience.
Uptown Utility: A dedicated upper-level laundry room—no lugging baskets up and down stairs.

Special & Bonus Levels

Here is where the property truly separates itself from standard historic homes: the bonus spaces are absolutely massive. The crown jewel is the architectural turret, offering 360-degree windows that fill the home with panoramic light. Above it all sits a massive walk-up attic just waiting for your creative touch, while a massive basement down below handles all your practical storage needs.

The Turret: Statement architectural turrets featuring stunning 360-degree windows.
Enormous Attic: A sprawling walk-up attic with endless potential for a studio, playroom, or massive bonus suite.
Storage Haven: A spacious, clean basement perfect for stowing away seasonal gear and mechanics.

Outdoor Space, Parking & Proximity

Located just steps from the historic Irving Circle Park, this home places you right in the vibrant heart of the Irvington neighborhood. Outside, you’ll find plenty of green space to entertain, alongside a detached garage that has been recently updated to ensure your vehicles and tools stay dry and secure year-round.

Prime Location: Situated just off Irving Circle Park in the deeply historic and walkable Irvington neighborhood.
New Garage Roof: Detached garage outfitted with a brand-new roof and gutters in 2024.
Commuter Friendly: Easy, direct access to downtown Indianapolis attractions and regional highways.

Conclusion

The 1876 Johnson House is a rare unicorn in the Indianapolis market. It offers the matchless character of a late-19th-century Gothic Victorian, backed by a laundry list of major, high-ticket modern upgrades completed between 2023 and 2025. For $580,000, it represents incredible value, immense space, and a lifestyle defined by historic elegance.

Turn-Key History: Over $30k+ in recent updates, including 2025 quartz counters, new ductwork, and renovated baths.
Architectural Rarity: A fully brick Gothic Revival Victorian layout that is incredibly hard to find.
Spacious Living: Nearly 4,800 square feet of usable space plus an enormous attic and basement.

From Zillow

HISTORIC IRVINGTON ICON! Prepare to be captivated by the celebrated 1876 Johnson House, a rare and fully brick Gothic Revival Victorian masterpiece meticulously updated for modern living. Nestled on a premier .32-acre corner lot just steps from Irving Circle Park, this 4,799 sq. ft. showstopper boasts jaw-dropping architectural turrets with 360-degree windows, soaring 12-ft ceilings, original hardwoods, transoms, and 6 fireplaces (3 operational!).

ABSOLUTELY LOADED WITH RECENT UPGRADES: Brand-new Quartz countertops and total bathroom renovations (2025), new high-efficiency R-6 insulated main ductwork (2025), new garage roof/gutters and custom built-ins (2024), plus full exterior trim paint/repair (2023). Features dual staircases, massive bedrooms, a convenient 2nd-floor laundry room, a gigantic walk-up attic, and a huge storage basement. Located in the cultural heart of Irvington, you are a quick 10-minute drive (under 6 miles) to downtown Indianapolis and Lucas Oil Stadium, and just an hour’s drive to the scenic waters of Lake Monroe. Incredible history, massive square footage, and turn-key mechanical peace of mind—this Irvington treasure will not last!

Photos: