Timeless 1930 Lakefront Cottage in Okoboji, Iowa With a Guest House, Private Dock, and 50 Feet of Shoreline on Lake Okoboji

This picturesque century home is a charming year-round cottage located on the tranquil shores of Smiths Bay, nestled within the historic community of Okoboji, Iowa. Exemplifying classic lakeside cottage architecture, the main residence features five bedrooms and two bathrooms, accompanied by a grandfathered guest house offering an additional bedroom and bathroom—ideal for visitors or extended family. With 50 feet of private shoreline and a prime position close to local landmarks like the Okoboji Store, O’Farrell Sisters, and The Ritz, this property blends its timeless heritage with modern appeal. Although the exact year built is not specified, its value is further enhanced with eligibility for guest house remodeling. Presented at $1,499,000, opportunities like this are exceptionally rare on West Lake Okoboji.

Backyard and Decks

A lush, green backyard bordered by mature, towering trees creates a shaded, private area behind three houses. The central house features a light blue exterior with a wide wooden deck, while the neighboring houses display red-and-white facades and patriotic decor. Tiered steps lead from the grassy lawn down to a lower walkway at water’s edge. The overall aesthetic is casual and natural, with simple wood and brick construction blending into the tree-filled landscape. The yard feels open and inviting, perfect for gatherings or enjoying views of the water, giving off a relaxed, lakeside community vibe.

Garage and Driveway

A detached garage with light gray siding sits to the right, featuring a prominent white automatic door and a green entryway on the side, accessible by a wooden staircase. The paved driveway curves into the garage and is bordered by patches of grass and mulch. Mature oak trees with dense green foliage provide a canopy, lending a natural, shaded ambiance. A two-story house is visible in the background, sharing matching siding for a unified exterior aesthetic. Architectural lines are simple and functional, and the focus is on practical suburban design blending with the wooded surroundings.

River View Patio

A shaded patio overlooks a broad river, framed by mature leafy trees and a rustic stone railing. The calm water reflects a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. On the far shore, a townscape with modern buildings, waterfront docks, and greenery lines the riverbank, creating a peaceful and scenic backdrop. The patio sits above a small dock, enhancing the sense of elevation and privacy. The natural colors of green, brown, and blue highlight the tranquil, picturesque atmosphere often found in historic riverfront homes, blending the outdoors with peaceful residential views.

Living Room Windows

A spacious living area with large windows framed in natural wood allows abundant natural light and views of leafy trees outside. The wide bay window creates an inviting focal point and connects the space to the outdoors. Pale, distressed wood plank floors add vintage character, while simple white walls contrast with the medium-toned wood trim, stair railings, and baseboards. Stairs covered with neutral beige carpeting lead upward, and a door provides outside access. The ceiling features a dark wood fan with a glass light fixture, contributing a touch of rustic charm and warmth to the room’s clean, open layout.

Kitchen and Dining Area

This open layout connects a kitchen and dining area. The kitchen features light wood cabinetry, a simple tile floor, and a breakfast counter dividing the two spaces. Walls are painted a soft, neutral gray and window trim is natural wood, matching the cabinetry. The dining area has distressed white-painted wood floors and a large window filling the room with natural light. A simple modern chandelier hangs over the kitchen, and a flush-mount light is on the ceiling in the dining space. The baseboard heater runs along the window wall, completing the understated and functional aesthetic.

Kitchen Layout

A spacious kitchen featuring warm wood cabinetry arranged in an L-shaped configuration, providing ample storage and workspace. The countertops are light-colored, contributing to an open and airy atmosphere. The room receives natural light through a window above the sink and a large window in the adjacent dining or living space. A contemporary brass and glass chandelier hangs above, adding a touch of vintage charm. The floors are covered with brown-toned tiles resembling natural stone, complementing the wood details throughout. The open layout leads seamlessly into another room, creating an inviting and functional communal area.

Dining and Kitchen Transition

A spacious area connecting the dining space and kitchen, separated by a wide, open doorway with natural wood trim. The floor is weathered white-painted wood with distressed marks, conveying rustic character. The right wall opens to a kitchen featuring light oak cabinetry, laminate countertops, and a large breakfast bar. The walls are painted calming blue and bright white, offering contrast with the honey-colored wood trim and doors. Simple ceiling fixtures provide ample light. The space includes clean architectural lines, functional built-in shelving, and a modest, cozy ambiance suited for gatherings and everyday living.

Living Room Corner

A bright, open living space with large, double-pane windows trimmed in natural wood that bring in abundant natural light. The walls are painted a pale gray, enhancing the airy atmosphere. The floor is constructed of wide, worn white-painted planks that display visible distress and cracks, suggesting age and history. A simple wooden door and matching trim complement the window frames, while baseboard heating runs along the perimeter. A small flight of wooden stairs with spindled banister leads upward, visible just beyond a partition wall. The space feels minimal and neutral, poised for renovations or a personalized touch.

Mudroom Entryway

This space serves as a practical mudroom or utility entryway, featuring a neutral color palette with light beige walls and tan-brown trim around doors, windows, and floor edges. The floor is covered in large square tiles in earth tones, offering durability and easy cleaning. A central ceiling fixture with a glass shade provides illumination. There are two wooden doors—one possibly leading to a closet or pantry and another to an adjoining storage or workspace, visible from its open doorway. A modest window and glass-paned door bring in ample natural light and offer a view of the outdoors.

Laundry Room Entry

This space features a bold, cobalt blue accent wall juxtaposed against otherwise white walls, creating a visually striking contrast. The floor is tiled in a gray and beige pattern with subtle variations that add texture. Three doorways bordered with medium-tone wood trim open to adjoining rooms, including what appears to be a utility or laundry room with a large utility sink and open shelving. The main door in the foreground is made of matching wood, contributing to the cohesive trim detail. The room receives soft illumination from a single overhead light fixture, promoting a practical, utilitarian ambience.

Bedroom Space

A sparsely furnished bedroom features pale, painted wooden floors with some noticeable wear and a modern black ceiling fan with a central light fixture. The walls are painted a soft, light gray, bordered by narrow, natural wood baseboards and matching trim around a single window. The window lets in natural light, enhanced by a clear outdoor view. Along the lower wall, there are baseboard heaters, suggesting a focus on practicality. On the right, double wooden closet doors add warmth and ample storage. The overall aesthetic is simple and utilitarian, with a touch of modern accent from the ceiling fan.

Backyard Deck

A raised wooden deck connects to a small outbuilding clad in light gray siding, accessible by two sets of stairs on either side. The deck is enclosed by a weathered wooden railing and has a charming, rustic appearance. Surrounding the structure, large mature oak trees offer ample shade, and a grassy lawn with patches of wild plants borders a low stone retaining wall. The area feels secluded and peaceful, with a mix of cultivated and natural greenery providing a lush backdrop. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and slightly rustic, inviting outdoor leisure and connection with nature.

Attic Loft Details

A spacious attic loft with angled ceilings and wooden paneling throughout, creating a warm, rustic vibe. The ceiling and upper walls are painted a light off-white, contrasting with the honey-toned pine walls and cabinetry. Two ceiling fans with wooden blades hang from exposed beams, and skylights bring in natural light. One side features a small kitchenette or bar with a worn, vintage cabinet and white countertop. Flooring is a mix of old carpet and a patch of black-and-white tile near the cabinets. An open doorway reveals a hallway leading to another section of the attic, adding depth to the layout.

Bedroom Corner

A spacious bedroom with neutral beige carpeting and walls painted in a soft, creamy shade. Large wooden-framed windows along one wall let in abundant natural light and offer a leafy view of mature trees outside, bringing a tranquil feel. Two baseboard heaters are situated below the windows, and a smaller unit sits in the corner. The wooden door and trim add warmth, complementing the earthy color palette. The room features a simple white ceiling fan with lights. Minimal adornments and a slightly angled ceiling give the space a clean, open, and comfortable ambiance ideal for relaxation.

Closet Room Corner

A cozy room with light gray walls and a textured beige carpet, featuring white wire shelving units installed on one wall for storage or clothing organization. The trim around the room and window is made of light, natural wood, adding warmth to the neutral palette. There is a rectangular heating or cooling unit positioned below a large window, which allows ample natural light and a view of green trees outside. The ceiling is white with a subtle texture and a simple flush-mounted light fixture, creating a clean and functional atmosphere suited for a walk-in closet or storage area.

Bathroom Vanity

A cozy bathroom space featuring a light oak vanity with matching cabinetry, topped with a white countertop and integrated sink. A large, tri-panel mirror above the sink is framed in wood and illuminated by a row of exposed globe bulbs on a wooden mount. The room’s walls are painted in soothing pale blue tones. The shower, enclosed by a glass door with horizontal frosted stripes, sits to the right. The floor is tiled in earth-tone brown and beige, contributing warmth and complementing the wood elements. Brushed metal accents, including a towel ring, offer subtle, modern touches.

Bathroom Corner

A simple bathroom layout featuring a white toilet beneath wooden cabinetry with raised panel doors, providing practical storage. The vanity to the right features light-colored laminate countertops and a matching wooden base, blending with the cabinetry above. Soft blue-gray walls are paired with a horizontal rectangular window, framed in natural wood, with partially open blinds. The flooring is covered in beige and tan ceramic tile, giving a subtle marbled effect, while a baseboard radiator runs along the wall below the window. The space is functional, with clean lines and natural wood accents adding warmth to the overall neutral palette.

Utility Room Details

A utilitarian space with a large white utility sink sits on the left beneath exposed plumbing. The walls are painted stark white and feature several open wooden shelves with metal brackets for storage and organization. The floor is concrete and shows some water stains, with a central drain for easy cleaning. A rectangular window with a wood frame brings in natural light. An overhead fluorescent fixture provides bright, practical illumination. The room is functional with minimal décor, designed for utility work or laundry, and its worn, unfinished surfaces suggest frequent use.

Backyard and Deck

A sloping lawn with vibrant green grass leads up to a raised wooden deck at the rear of a two-story house. The house exterior is clad in light gray siding with white trim. The deck is surrounded by a simple wooden railing and is supported by posts, with a section underneath partially enclosed by rocks and foliage. Large, mature trees stand on the yard, providing shade and a natural feel. Neighboring homes, painted in shades of red and blue, frame each side, adding to the cozy, residential vibe of the setting. The deck’s central French doors suggest easy indoor-outdoor flow.

Attic Living Space

The room features an angled ceiling with light wood paneling throughout, creating a cozy cabin-like atmosphere. A pair of skylights allow natural light to pour in, illuminating the open area. On one side, a small bathroom is partially visible, accented with matching wood. French doors painted in a muted blue lead out to a balcony, framed by whitewashed paneling. There is a ceiling fan mounted on a central beam and a simple wall heater, adding rustic functionality. The carpet is worn and lightly stained, suggesting age and use, while built-in cabinetry provides extra storage along one wall.

Bedroom Closet Area

A medium-sized bedroom featuring a soft grey and blue color palette on the walls, with natural wood trim outlining the window and closet. The flooring is covered in plush, light-brown carpet that adds warmth and comfort to the space. A large window lets in gentle sunlight, illuminating the simple, uncluttered layout. On the left side, an off-white baseboard heater stretches across the wall, maintaining the room’s historic charm. The closet, open and unadorned, is framed with wood and offers ample storage. The overall aesthetics create a cozy, tranquil retreat with understated, classic elements.

Bathroom Shower Area

This bathroom features a combination shower and bathtub with a simple white acrylic surround and a metal grab bar for accessibility. The walls are painted a light blue color, creating a calm and clean ambiance. A white toilet is positioned to the left of the shower behind a partial dividing wall, optimizing space and privacy. The flooring consists of neutral-toned, patterned tiles that add some visual interest and warmth. Natural light comes in through a horizontal window trimmed in medium wood, matching the baseboards throughout the room. The overall aesthetic is minimal, functional, and fresh, with practical details for daily use.

Bathroom Vanity Area

This bathroom features a spacious vanity with a white countertop and a built-in sink, housed in a medium-tone oak cabinet with panel detailing and matching drawers. Above the vanity, there is a mirrored medicine cabinet framed in the same wood, complemented by a row of three round vanity lights mounted on a wooden strip. The walls are painted a powder blue, giving the room a fresh and airy feel. The floor is tiled in neutral, marbled tones, and two natural oak doors lead to storage spaces, adding a cohesive and warm look to the bathroom.

Backyard View

A serene backyard focused on a light gray two-story house, nestled among tall, mature trees that provide partial shade and privacy. The grassy lawn extends to the wooden deck that rises slightly off the ground, bordered by a simple rail. The deck features sliding glass doors leading inside, emphasizing indoor-outdoor flow. The upper story has large windows for natural light, while nearby houses are visible but screened by lush green foliage. The tranquil setting is enhanced by the natural landscape and the cozy, closely set neighboring homes, highlighting the community’s historic and inviting character.

Garage and Driveway

A detached two-car garage with light gray siding stands to the right, featuring a pitched roof and a single window above the garage door. Wooden exterior stairs lead up to a side entrance, suggesting a possible loft or apartment above the garage. The concrete driveway in front of the garage is bordered by a patch of worn gravel and some green grass. In the background, the main house with matching gray siding and multiple rectangular windows is visible, surrounded by mature leafy trees, providing a shaded and serene setting. The distant view of water past the trees enhances the tranquil, wooded atmosphere.

Garage Exterior

A detached two-car garage sits prominently at the front of the property, finished in light gray siding with white trim for a clean, modern appearance. The garage door is large and paneled, painted to match the siding, and there is a single rectangular window above it. The space above the garage suggests a potential storage loft or bonus room. A paved driveway leads up to the garage, bordered by patches of grass and mature oak trees that provide ample shade. Additional small outbuildings and other homes are visible in the background, contributing to the sense of a cozy, wooded neighborhood setting.

Lakefront Property Overview

Aerial view of a residential area nestled among mature, leafy trees alongside a picturesque lake. Several houses with peaked roofs are partially visible below the tree canopy, while paved roads wind through the neighborhood. The expansive lake features multiple docks, marinas with boats, and a few boats cruising on the calm water. On the opposite bank, modern buildings and more docks are in view. The overall color scheme includes lush green from the trees, deep blue from the water, and the clear sky above enhances the tranquil, scenic atmosphere of lakeside living.

Listing Agent: Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate via Zillow