As this area began to grow and emerge as one of Des Moines' most fashionable addresses, the Georgian duplex at 1094 28th Street was constructed in 1929. Over the years, this home was occupied by some of Des Moines' most prominent citizens. Clifford Sampson, a Northwestern Bell engineer; Marguerite Slaught, a nursing home administrator; Edward Del Dosso, a well-known art professor and department head at Drake University. According to historians, the homes' most well known and respected resident may have been Marjorie Cunningham, a much loved administrator at Drake University, whose personal efforts to improve student life on the Drake campus is remembered with respect and fondness.

Due to the areas early history and the prominence of many of the residents of The Cottage over the years, The Cottage was placed on the National Registry of Historical Monuments. In 1999, believing the duplex was worthy of recognition and preservation, Dan Weese acted upon his desire to make this site a Bed and Breakfast. Today, visitors to The Cottage can enjoy the beauty and history of the property and the Cottage Grove and Drake neighborhoods.