Spacious 1918 Lake Cottage in Milford, Iowa, With 168 Feet of Turtle Lake Frontage and Nearly Half an Acre Among Mature Trees
This historic century home, nestled on the shores of Turtle Lake in Milford, Iowa, embodies the timeless appeal of a classic lakeside cottage. Featuring charming architectural elements characteristic of early 20th-century lake homes, this property offers an open flow ideal for gatherings, framed by mature trees on about half an acre of serene lakefront (168 feet of frontage). Built as a quintessential retreat—though the exact year of construction isn’t specified—this cottage is perfect for kayaking and relaxation, with Turtle Lake improvements underway. With 2.5 spacious lots included, there’s ample opportunity for expansion or rebuilding. Recently maintained and listed for $1,100,000, it represents a rare chance to own a piece of tranquil lakeside history in Iowa.
Front Yard Approach
A charming, single-story house sits amid large, mature oak trees, casting dappled shade over a lush, green lawn. The home’s exterior is painted in a soft, weathered gray-blue, with simple white trim around the windows and door. A curved concrete pathway leads toward the entrance, bordered by subtle plantings and a small garden area near the base of the house. The setting feels serene, with a view of the lake and docks visible beyond the trees, embodying a peaceful lakeside retreat atmosphere with natural beauty and inviting outdoor space.
Lakefront Yard View
Wide green lawn leading to the water’s edge, bordered with a line of rocks. Calm water forms a small inlet, separated from the main lake in the background by a low hedge of shrubbery. Several docks with covered boats in white and blue rest over the quiet water. Mature trees, lush and green, frame the view and provide dappled shade on the grass. Sky is clear and blue, adding a serene, open feel. The space exudes tranquility with a blend of manicured lawn, rustic water features, and classic lakeside elements perfect for relaxing or recreation.
Front Yard View
A cozy single-story house with a light exterior sits nestled under a canopy of mature trees, providing dappled shade over the lawn. The front yard is lush, with well-kept grass and some low, leafy bushes framing the house. Wide windows and a modest entryway give the home a welcoming feel. The yard opens towards a scenic waterfront in the background, where a dock and boat lift can be seen at the edge of the property. Natural light filters through the leaves, adding a tranquil, secluded atmosphere to the outdoor space.
Lakeside Overview
Aerial view of a lakeside neighborhood with a row of homes situated along a quiet shoreline. The lake water is calm, with boat docks extending out from several properties, and a few boats docked or moored to the shore. Mature trees abound, providing ample shade, while expanses of green lawn and subtle landscaping blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The houses vary in size and style, with a standout orange-toned house near the water’s edge. The overall color palette includes deep blues of the lake, vibrant greens of the trees and grass, and earthy tones from the houses and docks.
Lakefront Property
A wide aerial view looking down on a lush lakeside landscape. The shoreline is lined with various boat docks, some covered with white and blue awnings, extending into the calm dark water. Large lawns with green grass stretch up to a thick forest of mature trees, providing ample shade. The property blends natural elements—a mix of water, manicured open space, and dense woods. In the distance, the expansive blue lake is visible, contrasting with the green tones of the land. The overall feeling is serene and secluded, perfect for quiet recreation or appreciating nature.
Sitting Room Details
This cozy space features knotty pine wood paneling and a matching wood ceiling, lending a rustic cabin feel. Natural light enters through large windows and double glass doors leading to another room. Two rocking chairs—a white one with a floral cushion and a dark one with a blue cushion—are arranged on neutral carpet. A wooden table sits to the left, partially visible, with a table lamp beside it. Folded chairs and a fan line the back wall. Artworks and a mounted decorative longhorn accent the walls, and a simple floor lamp and side table complete the comfortable, vintage ambiance.
Porch Sunroom
Long, enclosed sunroom with bright yellow wooden walls and ceiling, filled with natural light from large windows along one side. The space is lined with built-in storage closets and shelves, and a dark carpet runs the length of the floor. Plastic patio chairs, a red cooler, and small tables are arranged toward the far end, suggesting a casual gathering or utility area. Farmhouse touches include a vintage metal watering can and rustic accessories. The space feels cozy yet functional, with slightly cluttered surfaces and an inviting view of greenery and trees just outside the windows.
Living Room Details
A cozy living room combines mid-century and rustic elements, featuring warm wood paneling across the walls and ceiling. Light gray carpet covers the floor, adding comfort to the space. Rattan armchairs and a matching ottoman with cream cushions sit near a floor lamp, creating a relaxed reading nook. Tunes play from a vintage stereo system on a side table. Red-cushioned bar stools line the breakfast bar, facing a wooden dining table underneath a ceiling fan. Wall-mounted decor includes clocks and framed art, while upper windows and a French door fill the room with soft, natural light.
Kitchen Overview
A mid-century kitchen features honey-toned wood cabinets and wood-paneled walls that continue into the adjacent living space, creating a warm and cohesive aesthetic. The countertops are a light laminate, contrasting with the retro white oven and range, toaster, and microwave. Upper cabinets provide substantial storage and feature brass hardware. The kitchen opens to a sitting area with a wicker chair, floor lamp, and modest wall art, separated by a partial counter. A ceiling fan hangs above, while an air conditioning unit is mounted on the paneled wall. The space is cozy, functional, and distinctly vintage in style.
Kitchen Counter Area
A cozy, mid-century kitchen featuring natural wood cabinetry that extends across the walls and above the countertops. The countertops are a light laminate, complementing the warm wood tones, while a peninsula with seating for three is outfitted with wooden stools topped by bright red vinyl cushions. The kitchen contains vintage decor with glass jars, a beverage dispenser, and a colorful fish-themed wall hanging. Light beige carpet covers the floor, continuing into the adjacent space, and large windows let in ample daylight. A white ceiling fan with lights and classic appliances add to the nostalgic, homey aesthetic.
Dining Area and Kitchen
A cozy dining area sits adjacent to an open kitchen, unified by warm wood-paneled walls and a vintage, mid-century charm. The dining table is oval with a natural wood finish, surrounded by black chairs, and topped with coordinating placemats and a whimsical lighthouse centerpiece. The kitchen features red-toned wood cabinetry, a spacious countertop with two red barstools, and ample natural light from three large windows above the sink. Ceiling fans with brass accents add a nostalgic touch, along with a wall-mounted clock, framed photos, and nautical-themed decor, creating a welcoming and homey atmosphere.
Open-Plan Kitchen and Lounge
A warm, mid-century open living area featuring knotty pine wood paneling on the walls and ample natural light from large windows and French doors. The kitchen section includes a long peninsula with three wooden bar stools, white countertops, and overhead cabinets in matching wood tones. The lounge area off to the right showcases wicker furniture, a rattan side table, a lamp, and a vintage music system, creating a cozy, retro atmosphere. A central table with black chairs acts as a dining spot, while the angled ceiling and upper windows add architectural interest and a touch of airiness to the space.
Living Room Corner
This cozy living room features wood-paneled walls with a light, honey-brown finish, dotted with knots for a rustic effect. A simple green vintage sofa sits beneath a large window, flooding the space with natural light and giving a view to the front yard. The carpet is a light beige, complementing the warm wood tones. Two dark wooden tables occupy the corner, one supporting a lamp with a patterned shade and various decorative objects including figurines and jars. A pass-through opening in the wall leads to the kitchen, maintaining a sense of openness in this small, inviting space.
Bedroom Details
A cozy bedroom with a large bed covered in a blue and white patterned bedspread takes center stage, flanked by mismatched pillows. The room features white walls, cream carpeting, and generous windows along two walls, allowing plentiful natural light and offering views of the neighborhood and yard. Blinds are partially closed to filter sunlight. A classic wooden nightstand sits beside the bed, topped with a folded pile of linens. On the opposite side, a white plastic chair supports neatly stacked blankets. A ceiling fan with vintage brass and wood accents and frosted glass light shades hangs overhead, complementing simple, functional decor.
Bedroom Corner
A small, simple bedroom featuring a double bed with white bedding and a turquoise-patterned box spring. The walls and ceiling are painted a creamy off-white, creating a soft, neutral background. A wooden closet door spans one wall, while the opposite wall holds two windows with white blinds allowing filtered light. Above, a vintage ceiling fan with wooden blades and a glass shade provides both function and a touch of classic style. There is a wooden door to the left, a compact folding chair draped with a colorful quilt, and a small white fan on the floor, all contributing to an inviting, practical ambiance.
Bathroom Details
A modest bathroom with vintage charm features light cream walls and a matching ceiling. The counter is a laminate material with a cream-colored sink and silver fixtures, set in white cabinetry with simple handles. A mirrored medicine cabinet runs above the sink, accompanied by everyday toiletries. A nautical-themed lamp sits to the left of the sink, and a round decorative ship’s plaque hangs above the towel rack. The shower area is enclosed by a curtain depicting a lighthouse with clouds and sailboats, adding a coastal touch. The floor is covered with linoleum and complemented by a striped, earth-tone rug, creating a cozy, lived-in feel.
Bathroom Sink Area
A small, vintage-inspired bathroom featuring a wall-mounted rectangular white sink with exposed plumbing. Above the sink is a nautical-style round mirror bordered with dark spokes, evoking a ship’s wheel. The walls and built-in cabinetry are painted in a soft cream color, enhancing the room’s light and airy atmosphere. A simple wall-mounted light fixture sits over the mirror, casting gentle illumination. To the right, a classic white toilet sits beneath a wooden towel rack and a toilet paper holder. Touches like the cream shower curtain, built-in linen cabinet, and framed art add to the understated, utilitarian charm.
Listing Agent: Kirk Stauss of Stauss Realty via Zillow
