5 Lakefront and Country Estates Across Scenic Iowa

Along the shoreline of Smith’s Bay on West Lake Okoboji, the iconic red house has welcomed boaters for more than 50 years. Now fully reimagined, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath lakefront residence balances midcentury nostalgia with contemporary comfort, thoughtfully renovated to preserve its timeless character while embracing extensive updates. Offered completely furnished, it’s genuinely move-in ready—designed for days that begin on the water and end in easy, unfussy comfort. Artificial turf and maintenance-free finishes support a low-lift routine, leaving more time for lake life. Practical touches round out the experience, including a garage, oversized parking, and a seller-paid home inspection for added peace of mind. A beloved Okoboji landmark, restored with care and ready for its next chapter.

Set on 116± acres just outside Bloomfield, Iowa, this luxury estate pairs high-end country living with true privacy and recreation. The custom walk-out residence offers four bedrooms and four baths, anchored by a memorable owner’s suite with its own fireplace, Jacuzzi tub, steam shower, and spacious closet. In the gourmet kitchen, top-of-the-line appliances meet granite countertops and oak cabinetry, while the lower level expands the entertaining options with a bar area and another fireplace. Outdoor life unfolds across expansive patios with a heated pool, pizza oven, and fireplace, all oriented toward a 7 AC/ML stocked pond. A 2,556-square-foot guest house adds two bedrooms and beautiful pond views. With 2G fiber internet and three ponds total, plus a heated 48×72 shop and multiple livestock and storage buildings, days here can move easily between work, hospitality, and the land.

Along the water’s edge on 400-acre Lake Sundown, this custom-built retreat is shaped by sweeping lake views and an easy, everyday connection to the outdoors. Designed for comfort and entertaining, the 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath layout includes a walk-out basement with a wet bar—ideal for gathering after a day on the water. Outside, an expansive deck extends the living space, while a dedicated firepit area invites long evenings under open skies. A private dock slip keeps lake life close at hand, from morning coffee by the shoreline to unhurried sunset returns. Beautiful landscaping frames the setting, and a finished attached garage plus a detached workshop add practicality without distracting from the getaway feel. Here, days naturally unfold to the rhythm of the lake.

Along the Mississippi River in Burlington, panoramic water views frame this grand 1850s residence spanning three city lots. Inside, vintage character meets thoughtful modern updates: a formal dining room, beautiful inlaid hardwood floors, intricate built-ins, and impressive detailing throughout. The updated kitchen pairs granite counters with maple cabinetry, opening through French doors to outdoor living spaces that include a screened porch and a wraparound front porch—each offering its own river-facing vantage point.

Along the water’s edge on Lake Rathbun, this Southern Iowa retreat pairs everyday comfort with wide-open recreation. The setting spans 12 acres and is designed for life outdoors, with a stocked pond, a food plot, fenced pasture, and barns that support a range of uses. An updated 3-bed, 3-bath home anchors the property, complemented by a guest cottage with income potential—ideal for hosting friends and family without giving up privacy. Days can revolve around the pool, evenings can take in stunning lake views, and weekends can unfold across premier hunting and fishing. With direct access to 23,000 acres of public land and 11,000 acres of fishing waters, the landscape feels expansive, inviting a rhythm shaped by the season and the shoreline.

Size: 12.00 acres