Tour this 1920 Okoboji Century Cottage in Arnolds Park, Iowa, With 120 Feet of Park Frontage and Panoramic Lake Views
This remarkable century ‘cottage’ in Arnolds Park, Iowa, boasts a rich family heritage, having been owned since circa 1920, and is now offered for sale for the first time in over 100 years. Reflecting the cozy cottage architectural style typical of early 20th-century lake homes, it offers sweeping panoramas of West Okoboji with 120 feet of park frontage. Ideally situated at Pillsbury Point, residents enjoy an easy stroll to Arnolds Park’s attractions and social hub. The property, listed at $3,000,000, is currently being surveyed for plot details and provides ample outdoor living space to enjoy sunset views. As a true Okoboji classic, this rare offering pairs historic charm with unmatched location, awaiting its next century of memories.
Front Yard Pathway
A lush grassy front yard is shaded by tall, mature trees with dense green foliage, creating a serene, natural canopy overhead. A white historic home with a sunroom featuring large windows stands to the left, set on a foundation of natural stone. The house’s simple, clean exterior contrasts with the rich greenery surrounding it. A winding concrete pathway runs alongside the yard, inviting a leisurely stroll. In the background, neighboring houses are partially visible, blending into the wooded landscape. The overall scene exudes a sense of quiet charm and timeless rural beauty, perfect for enjoying nature.
Enclosed Porch Exterior
A bright white enclosed porch extends from the side of a historic home, surrounded by leafy mature trees casting dappled shadows on the grass below. The porch features a row of tall, evenly spaced windows that wrap around its sides, allowing for plenty of natural light and views of the green outdoor space. The gabled roof is finished with dark red-brown shingles, and smooth siding lines the porch exterior. A low, natural stone border separates the foundation from the grassy lawn, lending a rustic touch that complements the home’s simple, classic American design aesthetic.
Sunroom Lounge
A sunroom filled with natural light from large windows that stretch across two sides of the space, providing expansive views of a lakeside landscape and lush green lawn. The room features a cozy checkered sofa in muted navy and beige tones, complemented by a pair of matching throw pillows. There is a square wooden table with two matching benches and folding chairs, ideal for games or casual dining. Built-in wooden shelves beneath the windows display books, games, and potted plants, adding a homey and inviting atmosphere. The carpet is a dark, textured gray, lending a comfortable and relaxed feel.
Bedroom Corner
Warm wood paneling lines the walls of this cozy bedroom, with sunlight filtering through three large windows dressed in patterned curtains in soft peach and cream tones. The bed sits beneath the windows, covered with a vintage-style quilt featuring a repeating geometric medallion pattern in blue, red, and white, accented by matching pillow shams. A simple wooden nightstand with a black lamp stands at one end, while a substantial wooden dresser occupies the opposite wall. The hardwood floor gleams with a honey finish, topped by a brass ceiling fan with wood-toned blades that adds a touch of midcentury character to the space.
Small Bathroom
A compact bathroom with beige walls and hexagonal tile flooring in soft neutral tones. A white toilet sits beneath a metal storage rack with open shelving and two small wicker baskets. Directly next to the toilet is a white porcelain wall-mounted sink with a chrome faucet and bar soap resting on the edge. Above the sink is a rectangular mirror with a simple white frame, flanked by a towel rack with neatly folded beige towels. Natural light enters through a window with a wooden frame, white blinds, and a short ruffled valance in muted tones. The overall aesthetic is clean, functional, and subtly traditional.
Laundry Entryway
This room combines laundry functionality and a small entry space, featuring warm, honey-toned pine paneling that covers both walls and ceiling for a cozy, rustic aesthetic. The flooring consists of practical, neutral-toned carpeting with a narrow woven rug in front of a white, top-loading washing machine. A compact white utility sink with cabinet storage sits beneath a large, divided window dressed with a patterned valance. Overhead, simple built-in cabinetry offers ample storage. The adjacent doorway leads outside and features a vintage wooden door with horizontal glass panes, resting on a patterned doormat and bordered by more wood paneling.
Bedroom Corner
Warm knotty pine wood paneling covers all the walls, lending a rustic lodge feel to the room. A double bed with a pastel floral quilt and four white pillows sits against one wall, flanked by a classic wooden nightstand topped with a brass lamp. Across from the bed, a window brings in daylight, framed by floral curtains that echo the bedspread. Two wooden doors are visible, likely leading to a closet and another room. A ceiling fan with a light fixture is centered above, and the carpet is a muted blue-gray, providing a cozy, vintage atmosphere.
Bathroom Vanity Area
Compact bathroom with a cream-colored vanity and off-white sink. Above the sink is a rectangular mirror with a wooden trim and a single globe light fixture. The walls are painted a soft beige. The shower-tub combo features off-white tile and is enclosed with a striped shower curtain in pastel shades of pink, green, tan, and white. Grab bars are mounted inside the tub for extra support. A towel rack on the right holds a pink and white striped towel, echoing the shower curtain’s colors. Small accessories like soap, hand wash, and an air freshener add functional charm.
Living Room Details
Warm wood paneling covers the walls from floor to ceiling, creating a cozy, rustic atmosphere. A plaid sofa in red and beige tones sits to the left, adorned with an embroidered accent pillow. The carpet is a neutral tone with a subtle, woven pattern. A traditional wooden china cabinet houses porcelain dishes and collectibles, adding to the historic charm. On the right wall, a flat-screen TV sits atop a small wooden stand. Soft lighting from a table lamp and wall lamp enhances the welcoming feeling. Small framed pictures and plates punctuate the decor, contributing to the room’s vintage, homey vibe.
Living Room Details
A cozy living room with wood-paneled walls, giving the space a rustic, cabin-like atmosphere. The carpet is a muted blue-gray tone, complementing the warm brown wood. On the left, an overstuffed leather armchair sits next to a wooden side table topped with a lamp and decorative items. A large window and a glass door allow natural light to fill the room. Against one wall is a plaid-patterned sofa in shades of orange and beige, accented with patterned pillows. Towards the back, a small round dining table with an eclectic mix of vintage chairs creates a casual, homey ambiance.
Kitchen Details
This image features a compact galley kitchen with a retro charm. The cabinets are painted a soft cream color with shiny metal handles, and the countertops are a pale mint green. A white freestanding electric stove and matching refrigerator stand along one wall, with small kitchen appliances—such as a toaster and microwave—neatly arranged nearby. The backsplash and ceiling have a blue patterned wallpaper, adding a cozy, vintage touch. There are decorative items including framed pictures and kitchen utensils hanging on the wall, along with potted plants on open upper shelves for a homey, lived-in feel. The floor is covered in light tan linoleum, and a woven rug lies in front of the sink.
Study Nook
A cozy workspace tucked into a corner of the house, featuring a small wooden desk and chair beside a set of large windows. The windows are dressed with light floral curtains, letting in abundant natural light and offering a view of the garden outside. The walls, clad in warm wood paneling, create a rustic and inviting feel, complemented by a built-in wooden bookcase displaying cookbooks, glassware, and decorative items. The space includes an old-fashioned lamp, a couple of candlesticks, and a small decorative plant, giving the area a nostalgic, lived-in charm ideal for reading or quiet work.
Sitting Room Details
A cozy, rectangular sitting room with warm wood-paneled walls and a coffered ceiling with wood beams. The carpet is soft blue, complementing the honeyed paneling. Large windows along one wall, framed with floral drapes, bring in natural light and offer a view of a green lawn and trees outside. Two vintage armchairs with white slipcovers and soft pink accents sit in front of the windows, beside a bay window ledge topped with a basket of colorful flowers. A delicate screen with a traditional floral and bird motif adds a decorative touch, enhancing the room’s nostalgic and homely atmosphere.
Twin Bedroom
A modest bedroom with two single beds arranged parallel along the walls, separated by a small wooden nightstand topped with a classic lamp. The decor evokes a vintage charm with floral wallpaper featuring small pink and green blooms, and light cream curtains with ruffled valance framing a window with a built-in air conditioning unit. Both beds have white textured bedspreads and matching patterned pillows. On the right, a wooden dresser holds a vase of fresh flowers, while the brass-plated reading lights mounted above each bed highlight the room’s cozy ambiance. The carpet is muted teal, adding soft contrast.
Bathroom Vanity Area
A compact bathroom with a beige and blue color palette. The vanity features a cream-colored marble countertop and white cabinet, topped with a glass soap dispenser and a couple of small personal items. Above the sink is a simple rectangular mirror with a single overhead light, casting a warm glow. Two towel racks on the wall hold neatly folded blue towels, which match the trim and cabinetry painted in bright blue. In the corner, a toilet sits beside a tub with a plaid-patterned shower curtain in shades of tan and blue, coordinating with the surrounding decor for a cohesive, vintage-inspired look.
Home Office Corner
A compact, functional workspace with two windows, each framed by geometric-patterned blue and white valances that bring in generous natural light. The walls are painted a soft pale yellow, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. A modest wooden desk sits in front of the left window, accompanied by a padded black office chair on casters. On the far wall, a small woven stool and a brass wall-mounted reading light add charm. Sparse wall décor includes a framed picture and a small clock. The floor is covered in light blue carpet, contributing to the room’s gentle, vintage ambiance.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room features honey-colored wood paneling and a grid-patterned wood beam ceiling, both contributing to a rustic, historic charm. The room is carpeted in a muted blue shade, complementing the warmth of the wood. Large windows on two sides provide abundant natural light and frame leafy green views, with some windows positioned in a corner bay arrangement holding a vase of flowers. Floral-patterned curtains add a touch of softness to the wood. Vintage white-upholstered armchairs and a matching sofa provide classic seating. A window air conditioning unit sits on the left wall, adding comfort to the relaxed, cozy space.
Lakeside Garden
A peaceful garden area stretches along the side of the house, bordered by a meandering cement pathway that follows the water’s edge. Lush green grass covers the ground, with tall, mature trees casting soft shade across the yard. The white exterior of the house features large windows and an open porch framed by a white railing. Outdoor lounge chairs and a patio set, including a table with a green umbrella, offer inviting spaces to relax. The overall ambiance is serene, combining natural lake views, vibrant landscaping, and simple, classic country home architecture.
Sunroom Exterior
A view of a charming historic home’s sunroom and adjacent garden space. The sunroom projects out with large windows on three sides, allowing plenty of natural light to flood the interior. The house is painted white with dark wooden shutters on the windows, presenting a classic, inviting appearance. The roof has a medium pitch with shingles in a deep brown hue. The landscaping features a lawn bordered by smooth river rocks and several small bushes, blending gently into the surrounding shade provided by mature trees, which creates a tranquil, welcoming setting with glimpses of water through the trees in the background.
Lakeside Walkway
A tranquil stone path curves along a quiet lakeshore, bordered by lush green grass and mature trees casting gentle shadows. A black metal bench faces the shimmering water, inviting relaxation and contemplation. The scene’s palette includes vibrant greens, deep blues, and the soft hues of distant clouds. Dappled sunlight filters through the branches, creating a peaceful interplay of light and shade across the ground. Across the water, a thin line of trees and houses stretches along the opposite shore. The walkway merges natural beauty and subtle landscaping, perfect for enjoying serene outdoor moments beside the lake.
Front Yard View
A sunny, grassy front yard is shaded by tall, mature trees and leads up to a charming white house. The home features horizontal siding, a peaked roof, and maroon shutters flanking the windows. A stone border marks the edge of a small garden bed near the foundation. Simple black and white patio furniture sits on a front porch, providing a welcoming spot. The yard is fenced with a low white railing, and scattered lawn chairs suggest a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle. The yard extends toward a small lake visible in the background, hinting at a tranquil, scenic location.
Lakeside Patio View
A shaded patio with a lake view, the foreground featuring two woven lounge chairs and a small wooden side table set on light concrete pavers. Two potted plants with blooming flowers accentuate the relaxed ambiance. Beyond a low white fence, lush green grass extends towards a walkway and further to mature trees that frame the expansive lake. Natural sunlight filters through the foliage, casting gentle shadows on the lawn and patio, creating a tranquil, inviting environment perfect for enjoying scenic water views and the beauty of the surrounding landscape on a bright, clear day.
Front Yard View
A lush, expansive front yard shaded by mature trees stretches across the property, providing dappled sunlight and cool green tones. The white facade of a historical home peeks through the foliage, accentuated by dark wooden shutters and a light brown shingled roof. Large windows allow generous natural light into the house, and a small patio area features simple outdoor metal chairs, blending rustic charm with classic American home design. A white wooden fence and paved walkway guide visitors through the serene, landscaped lawn. The overall atmosphere is tranquil and inviting, with a deep connection to nature.
Front Yard and Porch
A charming single-story historic home with white wood siding is nestled beneath mature trees. The house features multiple windows with dark shutters, a low red-brown shingle roof, and is surrounded by lush green grass. A small front porch with simple white railings faces a paved walk that curves across the well-kept lawn. There is a cozy patio seating area with chairs and potted plants near the porch, and the yard includes landscaped rock beds and shrubbery. The driveway to the right holds a silver pickup truck, giving the home a welcoming, rustic ambiance.
Listing Agent: Eric Hoien of Hoien Realty via Zillow
