5 Acreage Retreats and Lakefront Living in Missouri and Iowa

Surrounded by 27± acres in Washington, Missouri wine country, this timeless two-story farmhouse blends early history with everyday comfort, featuring an original log portion dating to 1848 and a home built in 1846. A covered front porch opens to an entry foyer and a main level with 10’± ceilings, living and dining rooms, a parlor, and a quaint kitchen with a built-in pantry. Wood floors run through the main level and most of the upstairs, while the log section adds an office/mudroom with a walk-out to the front porch. Three bedrooms share a full bath upstairs, and a cellar/basement provides walk-up access to the rear. Outdoors, Long Branch Creek meanders past waterfalls, with pasture, tillable ground, and timber for buffer. Two barns with stalls, a chicken coop, a two-car carport, a storm-shelter well house, and a studio with a wood-burning stove and deck invite long, unhurried days.

Set on 10 private acres just outside Washington, this beautifully maintained ranch pairs everyday convenience with a rare sense of seclusion. A balance of open ground and woods frames the setting, while the formal floor plan unfolds with an inviting entry foyer, a spacious living room, and an open kitchen and dining area designed for easy gatherings. Down the hall, three main-floor bedrooms offer quiet retreat, and a finished lower level adds flexible space for work, hobbies, or multi-generational living. Recent updates—doors, flooring, fixtures, and bathroom vanities—underscore the home’s exceptionally well-cared-for feel, and a 2-car garage rounds out the practical details. With two separate 5-acre parcels, the land brings investment and development potential, with room for a mini-farm vision or a private estate lifestyle.

Set on 4.82 private acres just outside town, this charming two-story home pairs a generous layout with a quiet, wooded backdrop. Inside, refinished hardwood floors and new carpet add warmth underfoot, while soaring two-story windows bring in natural light and emphasize the home’s open feel. A stone gas fireplace anchors the main living space, and an upstairs family room offers a separate place to gather, work, or unwind. Downstairs, a partially finished walkout basement extends the footprint with flexible space. Practical comforts are well considered, including an oversized three-car garage. Outdoors, a custom lighted pergola with a built-in fireplace and BBQ system sets the scene for evenings spent lingering with friends, while a composite deck looks out over peaceful woods and changing seasons.

Along the water’s edge on 400-acre Lake Sundown, this custom-built retreat brings lake life into focus with sweeping water views that shape the rhythm of each day. Designed for comfort and entertaining, the four-bedroom, 3.5-bath layout offers over 2,600 finished square feet, anchored by a walk-out basement with a wet bar—ideal for easy evenings that spill outdoors. An expansive deck extends the living space into the open air, while a dedicated firepit area invites long conversations after sunset. For time on the water, a private dock slip keeps launches and returns effortless. Beautiful landscaping frames the setting, complemented by a finished attached garage and a detached workshop for hobbies and storage. It’s a place where weekends linger, and everyday life feels like a getaway.

Surrounded by 71± acres in Northern Stoddard County, Missouri, this country retreat offers a rare blend of privacy and day-to-day practicality, set between Puxico and Bloomfield. At its center is a charming 864-square-foot, two-story home—equally suited to full-time living, a weekend escape, or a dedicated hunting cabin. The land is described as meticulously maintained, creating a setting where natural beauty is part of the routine, not an occasional backdrop. For projects, storage, or serious hobbies, a massive 40×72 shop anchors the property, including 1,600 square feet of heated and cooled workspace that adds year-round flexibility. Whether your days are spent outdoors or inside tackling hands-on pursuits, the layout supports an easy, unhurried rhythm—one that makes room for both work and quiet.