This charming property is a classic full log cabin retreat exemplifying traditional Up North northern Minnesota architectural style. Nestled on a sprawling 21 private acres, this rare gem is located in Marcell, MN, just north of Grand Rapids within the scenic Chippewa National Forest. Outside, the property impresses with over 5,000 feet of pristine, hard sand-bottom shoreline along East Smith Lake, a 152-acre lake well suited for fishing, kayaking, and water sports. Offered at $1,200,000, this listing presents an extraordinary opportunity to own a peaceful, private retreat or a legacy property in an idyllic natural setting spanning thousands of surrounding USDA forest acres.
Living Room and Dining Area
This inviting living and dining space features warm, natural wood throughout, creating a cozy, rustic cabin atmosphere. The vaulted ceiling with exposed beams draws the eye upward, enhancing the spaciousness. Multiple large windows flood the room with natural light and offer serene views of the surrounding forest. A white leather sectional sofa anchors the living area, complemented by a patterned armchair and a wooden coffee table on a subtle rug. The adjacent dining area includes a sturdy wood table with mismatched chairs, reinforcing the casual yet charming aesthetic. A small wooden door adds character, and decorative mounted fish evoke a lakeside retreat vibe.
Rustic Kitchen and Dining Area
This cozy kitchen and dining space showcases a classic log cabin aesthetic with natural wood walls, ceiling beams, and cabinetry, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The vaulted ceiling with exposed wooden rafters enhances the rustic charm while allowing ample light from the large windows that frame a scenic view of lush greenery outside. The kitchen features practical wood cabinets with black iron hinges, complemented by stainless steel appliances for a modern touch. The dining area centers around a round wooden table surrounded by mismatched vintage chairs, adding character and a lived-in feel to the home. Earthy tones and natural materials dominate, blending function with rustic charm seamlessly.
Cozy Cabin Living Area
This inviting living area in a rustic cabin features rich, natural wood walls and exposed log beams that define the warm, earthy atmosphere. Large windows wrap around the corner, flooding the space with natural light and offering serene views of the surrounding forest. A plush cream leather sectional anchors the seating area, complemented by an elegant wooden side table with a decorative lamp. Additional furnishings include a patterned armchair and a round wooden coffee table, set atop a muted area rug with red accents, combining comfort with classic cabin charm.
Cozy Living Room
This inviting living space embraces a rustic cabin aesthetic with warm, natural wood paneling and exposed log beams framing a vaulted ceiling. Large windows surround the room, allowing abundant natural light and picturesque views of the wooded landscape outside. A plush, cream-colored sectional sofa anchors the seating area, complemented by a patterned blue armchair and a wooden coffee table on a beige area rug with red trim. Natural and handcrafted elements, such as the log lamp stand and fish wall mounts, reinforce a cozy, nature-inspired atmosphere. The adjoining dining area is visible, providing seamless flow and multifunctionality.
Rustic Living Room
This cozy living room features classic log cabin architecture with exposed timber beams and natural wood finishes throughout. A stone fireplace with a lively fire creates a warm focal point, complemented by mounted fish decor above. The floor is covered with a patterned linoleum that adds a vintage touch, while a colorful woven rug introduces a cozy element beneath the teal upholstered sofa adorned with plaid cushions. Soft, warm lighting from several lamps highlights the inviting atmosphere. A rustic wooden staircase leads to a loft area, enhancing the open, multi-level design of this comfortable retreat.
Open Living and Dining Area
This spacious open-concept living and dining area features exposed wooden beams and rich wood paneling that give a warm, rustic cabin feel. The vaulted ceiling enhances the sense of openness, complemented by large windows that flood the space with natural light and offer views of the surrounding forest. A white leather sectional sofa and a patterned armchair provide cozy seating around a round wooden coffee table placed on a large area rug. Adjacent is a small dining table set near the windows. The kitchen area includes natural wood cabinetry, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a mosaic tiled floor contributing to the space’s inviting charm.
Rustic Kitchen and Living Area
This space highlights a cozy rustic kitchen opening up to a living area with a log cabin aesthetic. The kitchen counter features a stainless steel gas stove paired with wooden cabinetry, topped with a light-colored countertop that contrasts softly with the natural wood beams overhead. The ceiling is vaulted with exposed logs, enhancing the cabin charm, while large windows flood the area with natural light and offer views of lush greenery outside. Adjacent, the living area includes a stone fireplace adorned with mounted fish, lending a lodge-inspired feel. Neutral furniture and soft lighting complete this inviting, nature-inspired retreat.
Cozy Cabin Bedroom
This inviting bedroom features rich, natural log walls and ceiling beams that create a rustic cabin ambiance. Two large windows on adjacent walls offer abundant natural light and scenic views of surrounding greenery, framed by cozy plaid curtains in muted tones of blue, red, and white. The queen bed is dressed in a soft quilt with a subtle checkered pattern in pink and cream, complemented by red pillows. Classic wooden furniture includes a simple headboard, a small white nightstand with books and a charming bear lamp, and a comfortable wooden chair, enhancing the warm and homey atmosphere.
Cozy Twin Bedroom
This inviting bedroom features warm log cabin walls and ceiling beams that lend a rustic charm to the space. The room includes two twin wooden beds dressed in deep teal bedding, complemented by patterned pillows with nature-inspired designs. A handcrafted wooden nightstand between the beds holds a classic brass lamp with a pleated shade, adding a cozy glow. A colorful braided rug anchors the room, while the large window offers a peaceful view of greenery outside. Simple wooden furniture and nature-themed artwork emphasize this comfortable, cabin-style retreat.
Rustic Bathroom Details
This cozy bathroom features a warm, cabin-inspired design with prominent natural log walls and a paneled log ceiling, evoking a rustic charm. The compact layout includes a classic clawfoot bathtub beneath a window dressed with quaint floral curtains, allowing natural light to filter softly. A vintage-style white porcelain sink with chrome fixtures contrasts gently with the wood surroundings. Adjacent to the sink, a wooden medicine cabinet with a mirror complements the oval mirror framed in wood above. A red hand towel and a plaid mat add touches of color, while earthy mosaic tiles cover the floor, enhancing the warm, inviting atmosphere.
Attic Bedroom Space
This attic bedroom features a cozy, utilitarian layout with three twin beds arranged along the angled ceiling, which is insulated but left unfinished, revealing wooden beams and insulation material. Soft lighting from various lamps creates a warm atmosphere against the raw construction backdrop. The space is accented by colorful patchwork quilts on the beds, a bold red chest of drawers adding a splash of color, and patterned curtains covering the window at the far end. Mixed textiles, vintage furniture like armchairs and a wooden coffee table, and layered rugs provide comfort and character in this tucked-away retreat.
Rustic Shower Area
This compact shower space blends rustic and industrial styles with practical design elements. Corrugated metal walls create a rugged texture, complemented by exposed concrete blocks and wood framing on the upper wall portion. A small horizontal window framed in wood brings in natural light and views of greenery outside. The shower curtain features a serene lakeside print, adding a touch of nature-inspired whimsy. A gray plastic chair provides seating, while a rubber mat on the concrete floor adds comfort and safety. A bright green storage cabinet with glass front doors adds a pop of color and holds neatly folded towels. Black metal shelves hold bathing essentials, completing this functional and unpretentious shower nook.
Rustic Cabin Entryway
This compact space combines rough-hewn wood paneling with a utilitarian, cabin-style design. The walls and door are made of warm, natural timber planks, creating a cozy, earthy atmosphere. A small, vintage stove with a rounded metal door is embedded into a cement frame, giving the room a nostalgic rustic charm. Built-in shelves hold a few functional and decorative items, including an old-fashioned lantern. The ceiling features corrugated metal, adding industrial texture, while the floor is concrete with a simple rug to add some warmth. Outdoor gear and bags hint at this space’s role as a practical transition area from outdoors to indoors.
Rustic Cabin Exterior
This charming rustic cabin is nestled in a wooded area, showcasing a warm exterior of horizontally stacked, dark-stained logs. The lower portion contrasts with a solid, gray concrete block foundation that includes a two-car garage with reddish-brown doors. The steeply pitched roof is covered in metal, designed for durability and weather resistance. A prominent, wide stone chimney crafted from rounded river rocks rises against the cabin’s side, adding texture and natural appeal. Wood-framed windows punctuate the walls, inviting natural light inside. Surrounded by mature trees and pine needle-covered ground, the cabin exudes a cozy, woodland retreat vibe.
Lakeside Fire Pit Seating
This serene outdoor space is designed for relaxation and enjoying nature by the water’s edge. Two mint-green Adirondack chairs face a small fire pit ringed with natural stones, inviting cozy evenings by the fire. A simple white metal coffee table adds a functional touch without detracting from the rustic setting. The ground is covered in pine needles and sand, enhancing the natural, cabin-like feel. Nearby, a wooden dock extends over calm lake water bordered by lush foliage with hints of autumn colors. A metal swing attached to a sturdy tree adds charm and playful seating to this peaceful lakeside retreat.
Lake View
This serene lake view presents a calm, expansive body of water bordered by dense forest trees showcasing a range of green and autumnal hues. The water surface gently ripples under a vast blue sky dusted with soft, white clouds. The surrounding tree line provides a natural frame, adding depth and tranquility to the scene. The wooden dock in the foreground suggests a peaceful access point to the lake, ideal for relaxing or outdoor activities. This natural setting exudes a peaceful, rustic charm, inviting an intimate connection with nature and quiet reflection.
Listing Agent: Michael J Lynch of Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty via Zillow