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.
MLS #:
P4940266
Taxes
$6,223(2025)
Lot Size
0.35 acres
Type
Single-Family Home
Year Built
1945
Views
Water
County
Polk County
Listed By
Kennedy Matthews, Julie Matthews Group LLC, Contact: 863-528-0037
Source STELLAR Last checked Oct 31 2026 at 8:31 AM GMT+0000
Bathroom Details
Full Bathrooms: 2
Interior Features
Formal Dining Room Separate
Inside Utility
Unfurnished
Florida Room
Appliances: Dishwasher
Appliances: Electric Water Heater
Appliances: Refrigerator
Appliances: Washer
Ceiling Fans(s)
Appliances: Dryer
Appliances: Gas Water Heater
Eat-In Kitchen
Built-In Features
Garage Apartment
Appliances: Gas Cooktop
Tile Counters
Subdivision
Interlaken Add
Lot Information
Sidewalk
Corner Lot
City Limits
Paved
Property Features
Fireplace: Living Room
Fireplace: Wood Burning
Foundation: Crawlspace
Heating and Cooling
Central
Ductless
Central Air
Wall/Window Unit(s)
Flooring
Ceramic Tile
Wood
Exterior Features
Brick
Frame
Wood Siding
Cedar
Roof: Shingle
Roof: Metal
Roof: Other
Utility Information
Utilities: Cable Available, Public, Water Connected, Water Source: Public, Bb/Hs Internet Available, Electricity Connected, Sewer Connected
Sewer: Public Sewer
Stories
1
Living Area
2,200 sqft
Additional Information: Julie Matthews Group LLC | 863-528-0037
*Based on Fixed Interest Rate withe a 30 year term, principal and interest only
Listing price
Down payment
%
Interest rate
%
Mortgage calculator estimates are provided by The Corcoran Group and are intended for information use only. Your payments may be higher or lower and all loans are subject to credit approval.
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of 10/31/2026 08:31. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.
Description