Charming 1930 Cottage in Okoboji, Iowa, Offering Lake Views, 50 Feet of Shoreline, and a Guest House Perfect for Gatherings

January 5, 2026

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Smiths Bay on West Lake Okoboji, this charming year-round cottage embodies the spirit of leisure living. With 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in the main home, plus a guest house offering an additional bedroom and bathroom, it’s perfect for families and guests. While the exact year of construction remains unspecified, the property showcases a delightful mix of style consistent with classic lakeside architecture. Recently listed for $1,499,000, it boasts 50 feet of private shoreline, a dock, and a prime location steps from local favorites. The lot size and complete square footage are not mentioned, but the property is grandfathered for potential guest house renovations, enhancing its historic allure.

Garage Entrance

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

The image shows a spacious exterior view of a garage attached to a historic home. The structure features a classic gabled roof and horizontal siding painted in a subtle light gray color, blending with the surroundings. A prominent garage door is visible, enhancing the functionality of the space. Lush greenery surrounds the area, with large trees providing shade and a natural aesthetic. A set of rustic wooden stairs leads to an upper level, accentuating the height and design diversity. The driveway, made of a light concrete, neatly connects the garage to the adjacent yard, inviting a sense of accessibility.

Waterfront View

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

A scenic waterfront view captures gentle waves lapping at the shoreline under a vibrant sky. Lush green trees frame the left side, providing a natural canopy. The crystal-clear water reflects the soft blue of the sky, dotted with fluffy white clouds. On the opposite bank, a bustling road runs parallel with cars and buildings, suggesting an active community. The lush landscape transitions into a complex of modern buildings, showcasing a blend of urban and natural environments. A boat dock is visible, enhancing the recreational ambiance. This serene view invites relaxation and connection with nature.

Living Room

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This living room features a spacious layout with light gray walls that complement the natural light pouring in through large, double-hung windows. The wooden trim around the windows and baseboards adds warmth to the room. A ceiling fan with wooden blades helps circulate air, enhancing comfort. The polished white floorboards reflect light, creating an airy feel. One corner hosts a unique bulb pendant light, adding a touch of modernity. This area combines cozy elements with a refreshing view of greenery outside, making it ideal for relaxation or social gatherings.

Living Room

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This living room features a bright and airy atmosphere accentuated by large, multi-pane windows framed in warm wood. A spacious layout with pale wood flooring provides a rustic yet modern feel. Adjacent to the windows, a staircase with wooden railings leads to an upper level, creating a welcoming entrance. The walls are painted in soft neutral tones, enhancing the light from the windows. A ceiling fan adds a cozy touch, while the natural light highlights the home’s architectural charm. Overall, the space combines functional design with a refined aesthetic, perfect for relaxation or gatherings.

Kitchen Space

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

The kitchen features a functional layout with honey-toned wooden cabinetry that extends along two walls, providing ample storage. A central island countertop offers additional workspace, enhancing the kitchen’s utility. A warm, neutral tile floor complements the wooden elements, creating an inviting atmosphere. Large windows allow natural light to flood in, illuminating the room and connecting it to the outdoors. The simple chandelier above adds a touch of elegance. The adjacent doorway leads into another room, hinting at an open-concept design. Overall, the combination of light colors and wood finishes evokes a cozy and welcoming environment.

Kitchen Space

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This image showcases a cozy kitchen space with airy aesthetics. The flooring features rustic white wooden boards, slightly weathered, creating a homey vibe. To the left, an open archway leads into a nearby room, enhancing the layout’s flow. Natural light floods in through large windows, framed in warm wood, accentuating the room’s cheerful atmosphere. On the left side, light oak cabinets blend seamlessly with the beige tile countertops. A modern light fixture hangs above the space, adding a touch of elegance. The open design, coupled with earthy tones, fosters a welcoming environment, ideal for family gatherings.

Dining Area

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

The space features a blend of rustic and modern elements, highlighted by a rich blue accent wall. Beneath, the whitewashed wooden floor showcases a weathered texture, adding character. An open doorway leads into a well-lit kitchen area equipped with wooden cabinetry that offers warmth against the light walls. A central island creates a natural flow, while the overhead light fixture enhances the cozy ambience. The room’s layout emphasizes openness, promoting a welcoming environment perfect for gatherings. Doorways on either side invite movement, seamlessly connecting this dining area to adjacent spaces.

Living Room

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

A spacious living room features light gray walls, which enhance the bright atmosphere. Natural light streams through two large wooden-framed windows, illuminating the weathered white wooden floor. The ceiling is simple, providing an unadorned, airy feel. A wooden door sits on one wall, leading to adjacent spaces. The room’s layout is open, seamlessly connecting to a staircase in the corner, adding architectural interest. The exposed heating unit along the wall suggests functionality intertwined with design. Overall, the combination of warm wood accents and neutral tones creates a welcoming and versatile environment.

Entryway

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

The entryway showcases a clean and welcoming design with a neutral color scheme. Light beige walls create an inviting atmosphere, complemented by hardwood trim around the doors and windows. A large window allows natural light to flow in, enhancing the spacious feel of the room. The flooring features a tiled pattern in subtle grays and browns, offering a practical yet stylish appearance. One door leads to a closet, perfect for storage, while another door opens to the exterior, providing easy access. The ceiling light fixture adds a modern touch, illuminating the space efficiently.

Utility Room

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This utility room features a bold blue accent wall that adds vibrancy to the space. The flooring consists of large, textured tiles in neutral beige and gray tones, providing a modern contrast. Wooden trim surrounds the doorway, showcasing warm oak finishes. To the right, a wooden door leads to another room, while a doorway ahead opens to a small area with shelves and a sink. The light fixture above offers ample illumination, enhancing the clean lines and simplicity of the design. The overall layout conveys functionality, making it an efficient working space.

Bedroom

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

The space is a spacious bedroom featuring a simple and minimalistic design. Light gray walls and whitewashed wooden floors create a bright and airy feel. A centrally mounted black ceiling fan adds a modern touch. A medium-sized window allows natural light to flood in, framed by polished wood trim. To one side, a wooden closet door provides storage, complementing the room’s warm tones. Overall, the aesthetic is clean and open, inviting personalization and comfort. The layout emphasizes functionality, leaving ample space for furniture arrangement, making it a versatile area for relaxation or study.

Exterior View

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

The image showcases the exterior of a charming structure nestled amidst large, mature trees, revealing a two-story design with a cozy balcony. The home features grey siding complemented by a sturdy wooden deck, providing a welcoming entrance. The rustic wooden fence encloses a grassy area, enhancing the natural ambiance. A stone wall borders the lush garden, dotted with vibrant green plants and flowers, creating a harmonious blend of nature and architecture. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, while the clear sky adds to the tranquil, inviting atmosphere.

Attic Space

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This attic space features a cozy, rustic aesthetic with wood-paneled walls and ceiling, offering warmth and character. The sloped ceiling enhances the room’s unique shape, creating an inviting atmosphere. Two skylights allow natural light to flood the area, emphasizing the rich wood tones. An exposed ceiling fan provides ventilation, while brown carpet outlines the room, contrasting with the light wood. A small kitchenette is present, showcasing an old-fashioned counter with wooden cabinets that reflect vintage design. The floor transitions from carpet to a black and white stone pattern, adding visual interest, making it ideal for a creative retreat or cozy hideaway.

Attic Space

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This attic area features a sloped ceiling with wooden paneling that creates an inviting, rustic atmosphere. Natural light floods in through two skylights and a set of double doors leading to a small balcony, enhancing the airy feel. The wooden walls, primarily in warm tones, contrast with the lighter painted ceiling, promoting a cozy ambiance. An unfinished section showcases a wood vanity and plumbing, indicating potential for a bathroom or utility area. The flooring is currently carpeted, showing signs of wear, while the space remains open, allowing for versatile design possibilities.

Backyard View

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

A charming backyard view of a two-story house, prominently situated on a gently sloping green lawn. The house features light gray siding with large windows that invite natural light. A wooden deck extends over a stone foundation, supported by stilts, providing a cozy outdoor space. Surrounding towering trees create a serene atmosphere, while lush grass enhances the welcoming feel. Adjacent to the house, a rustic red structure adds contrast and character. The scene is framed by plush greenery that complements the harmonious color palette, illustrating a perfect blend of nature and modern living, ideal for relaxation and gatherings.

Laundry Room

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

A practical and utilitarian laundry room featuring a simple layout. The space includes a large, white laundry sink positioned against the left wall, complemented by exposed plumbing. Above, wooden shelves provide ample storage for laundry supplies, varying in height. The walls are painted a plain white, enhancing the sense of openness, while the gray floor displays signs of wear. A small window, adorned with wooden trim, allows natural light to penetrate the room, illuminating its functional design. Minimalist in nature, the room prioritizes efficiency and utility over decorative elements, focusing on the needs of a busy household.

Bathroom Details

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This bathroom features a light blue color scheme, providing a soothing atmosphere. The wooden cabinetry, with angular design, complements the clean white countertop. A large mirror above the sink reflects overhead lighting, enhancing brightness. Flooring consists of patterned tiles in beige and cream, adding warmth. A glass shower enclosure is visible on the right, showcasing a sleek, modern look. The room is well-organized, with a towel ring adorning the wall alongside the mirror, and a streamlined layout optimizing space. Two wooden doors lead to additional rooms, contributing to the functional design of this intimate bathroom.

Bathroom Space

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This bathroom features a practical layout with essential fixtures placed for convenience. The walls are painted a soft blue, creating a calming atmosphere. A light-colored countertop complements the wood cabinetry above the toilet, providing essential storage without overwhelming the space. The toilet is positioned beside a small window adorned with blinds, allowing natural light while maintaining privacy. Flooring is tiled in a neutral beige that ties together the elements harmoniously. A simple mirror above the sink reflects the room’s light, enhancing the open feel. Overall, the aesthetics combine functionality with a gentle, serene color palette.

Spare Room

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This spare room features a minimalist design with a neutral palette of light gray walls, creating an airy atmosphere. The carpet is plush, offering comfort underfoot. On one wall, a metal shelving system provides ample storage, perfect for organizing personal items. A discreet heating unit sits beneath a window that allows natural light to spill into the space, illuminating the room. The window frame is wooden, adding warmth to the cool color scheme. The overall layout is functional, focusing on practical use, making it an inviting area for various activities or for use as a small office.

Living Room

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This living room features a spacious layout with warm beige walls and a light brown carpet that adds comfort. Large windows framed in dark wood allow natural light to flood the room, showcasing views of lush greenery outside. A cozy ceiling fan circulates air, complementing the understated, relaxed atmosphere. On one side, a wooden door leads to another space, while a low-profile heater is positioned along one wall. Overall, the space feels inviting and is ready for personal touches, making it ideal for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

Bedroom Space

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This is a cozy bedroom featuring a soft color palette, primarily light blue walls that create a calming atmosphere. The room has plush, neutral-toned carpeting that adds warmth underfoot. Natural light pours in through a medium-sized window adorned with simple blinds, illuminating the space. A stylish baseboard heater is installed along the wall, offering comfort during cooler months. To the right, a doorway leads to a built-in closet with white doors, providing ample storage. The overall design combines functionality with a serene aesthetic, making it a perfect retreat for relaxation and rest.

Bathroom

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This bathroom showcases a practical layout with a clean design. Light blue walls create a soothing ambiance, enhanced by natural light filtering through the window with wooden framing. The bathtub, with a sleek white finish, features a safety rail, while the surrounding tile floor adds a textured contrast. A positioned toilet adds to the efficient space usage, complemented by a baseboard heater beneath the window. The simplicity of the design invites a refreshing atmosphere, combining functionality with understated elegance. Minimal decor, such as hooks on the wall, maintains the uncluttered feel, ensuring it remains functional and inviting.

Bathroom

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This bathroom features a clean and functional layout with a light blue wall color that enhances openness. A double-door wooden cabinet provides ample storage, crafted from warm oak that complements the bathroom’s aesthetic. The white countertop is sleek and minimalist, adorned with a polished chrome faucet, reflecting modern simplicity. A large rectangular mirror above the sink accentuates natural light, while a light fixture with exposed bulbs adds a vintage touch. The flooring combines shades of gray and brown, offering a neutral base that harmonizes with the wooden elements, creating a welcoming and warm ambiance.

Backyard Exterior

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

A charming backyard scene featuring a two-story house positioned among towering trees. The house has a light blue exterior with large windows that invite natural light. A wooden deck extends from the back, perfect for outdoor relaxation. The surrounding green lawn contrasts with the deep brown tree trunks and vibrant foliage. To the right, an adjacent building is visible, painted in soft blues and reds, enhancing the picturesque vibe. A stone pathway winds through the yard, adding charm and guiding the eye toward the greenery. Overall, the setting exudes tranquility and a connection to nature.

Exterior View

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

The scene reveals a series of historic American homes nestled among lush greenery, characterized by vibrant, multi-colored siding. Each residence showcases a distinct architectural style, with large windows reflecting natural light and inviting outdoor views. The manicured lawn, framed by robust trees, enhances the inviting ambiance. A prominent stone wall bears the name ‘O’Farrell,’ emphasizing the property’s individuality. Stairs lead to the homes from the street, suggesting accessibility. The overall aesthetic harmonizes nature with residential charm, presenting a picturesque environment suitable for both relaxation and community gatherings.

Exterior View

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

The image shows the exterior of a historic American home with a charming two-story structure. The house features a light gray siding that complements the surrounding greenery. A steep-pitched roof adds an element of classic architectural style. Large trees flank the property, providing shade and a natural ambiance. A concrete driveway leads to a spacious garage with a white door. Stairs wind up to a second level, suggesting additional living space or an attic. Lush green lawns and patches of gravel blend seamlessly around the foundation, enhancing the home’s inviting presence.

Exterior View

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

The residence showcases a charming exterior with a well-maintained white siding and a sloped roof that adds character. A prominent garage door, painted in a light gray, emphasizes functionality. The driveway is spacious, potentially accommodating multiple vehicles, flanked by a lush green lawn that enhances the overall curb appeal. Towering, vibrant trees provide natural shade, creating a serene atmosphere. Adjacent structures hint at a cozy neighborhood, while visible wooden steps lead to an entry point, suggesting welcoming accessibility. This blend of nature and structured space reflects a harmonious suburban aesthetic.

Aerial View

Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate

This aerial perspective showcases a serene lakeside environment, highlighting a blend of natural and man-made elements. The water is calm with boats smoothly gliding across its surface. In the foreground, lush green trees frame the scene, lending a vibrant atmosphere. A winding road borders the water, where vehicles navigate alongside a picturesque marina adorned with floating docks and parked boats. The background features a mix of residential and commercial buildings, nestled among the greenery. A clear blue sky enhances the tranquil vibe, creating an inviting landscape that balances recreation with nature.

Listing Agent: Michael Jensen of Jensen Real Estate via Zillow 

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