1501 N Lake Howard DriveWinter Haven, FL 33881Price: $375,000

A rare 1945-lakefront home on Lake Howard along Winter Haven's highly sought-after Chain of Lakes. This central Florida waterfront property offers a 2BR/1BA main home plus a separate 1BR/1BA guesthouse currently used as a rental. The breezeway, (laundry rm), has a doorway from the main house leading into the guesthouse that has been sealed off, but could easily be opened again if a buyer wanted to merge the guesthouse into becoming part of the main home. The historic charm here is truly one of a kind w/ original hardwood floors running through much of the home, arched doorways between the rooms, & even the original front door w/ its antique turn-key doorbell. The living rm is anchored by a wood-burning fireplace w/ deep built-in shelving on each side, while large sweeping windows frame views of Lk Howard. The Florida rm/sun rm features wall-to-wall wrap-around windows, tile floor & a built-in window seat w/ storage, offering panoramic lake views & beautiful sunsets. An ornate stained glass divider leads from the sun rm into the dining rm, which showcases a stunning hand-painted mural of Old Florida lakefront scenery w/ the same blue herons, coots & anhingas you'll see right outside. The bathroom features an arched, tiled walk-in shower w/ a frameless glass enclosure. The spacious kitchen offers tile floors, tile countertops, a gas range, white cabinetry, a pantry & a breakfast-nook area w/ French doors that lead to the separate laundry rm, which features vintage mosaic tile floors & direct access to the brick walkway & the generously sized wrap-around wooden sun deck. The large .35-acre lot offers room for a garden, pool, or a private outdoor retreat. Just behind the main home, the guesthouse has its own charm, w/ a checkerboard woven wood ceiling & painted vintage mosaic tile floors. Its living area has sliders leading to its private covered patio. The guesthouse kitchen includes wood cabinetry, & tile floors while the tiled bathroom offers a step-in shower. The same tenant has called it home for approx. 4 years & rents month-to-month for $800/mo, making it a reliable income-producing property, a private space for guests, or a future extension of the main home. There are 3 carports plus 2 storage rooms. Across the street, your private lakefront features a boat dock w/ electric, newer decking & a boatlift that just needs a motor. This fixer-upper needs some TLC, but w/ this much character & potential on the Chain of Lakes, it is a rare chance to restore a true piece of Winter Haven history. All measurements are approx. & all info should be confirmed by buyer.