SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa (July 29, 2024) – Iowa’s largest and possibly most unique private residence sold for $9.5 million on July 29, the highest price on record for a single-family home in the state. The listing was represented by Holly Lovell of Lovell Group at @properties-elleven Christie’s International Real Estate. The name of the buyer was not disclosed.

Set on the shores of West Lake Okoboji in the northwest Iowa resort town of Spirit Lake, the estate known as Peace Harbor offers nearly 25,000 square feet of living space on 178 feet of lake frontage, with floor to ceiling windows offering breathtaking lake views. The home includes just about every amenity imaginable; its 52 rooms include eight bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, an art studio, a commercial kitchen and a separate caretaker’s apartment across the street. Some of the more unique features include the Lakeland Theater, a media room that pays homage to Spirit Lake’s first movie theater, and Kevin O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub, a custom replica of a traditional Irish pub that can comfortably host up to 300 guests.

The home was built in 2004 for Tom Bedell, the former CEO of international fishing retailer Pure Fishing, founder of Bedell Guitars and longtime Spirit Lake resident. Tom’s father founded Pure Fishing in Spirit Lake, and the Bedell family has been a major employer and benefactor to the region for decades. Ardent supporters of the Spirit Lake community, the Bedells hosted numerous fundraisers at Peace Harbor through the years, which included live performances by Kenny Loggins, Vince Gill and Amy Grant.

​​​​​​​Peace Harbor had been available for nearly a decade when @properties-elleven was selected to manage the listing in late April 2024. Shortly after being listed by Lovell, the property went under contract within 10 days.

​​​​​“Peace Harbor is more than just an extraordinary home; it’s a masterpiece of incredible craftsmanship brought to life by local contractors and artists,” said Lovell. “Through the support of our Madison, Wisconsin office, the visibility the listing received through the Christie’s International Real Estate network and elevated, bespoke marketing, we were able to find the perfect buyer for this home. Working with Tom Bedell and his remarkable team has been an absolute honor and pleasure.”

West Lake Okoboji is the deepest of the Iowa Great Lakes, a chain of six spring-fed lakes covering 12,000 acres in northwest Iowa. With seven distinct communities, the region attracts home buyers and visitors from throughout the Midwest for its recreational opportunities, activities including the historic Arnold’s Park amusement park, and a flourishing arts and cultural scene.

​​​​​​​As in many U.S. waterfront destinations, lakeside Okoboji-area homes are difficult to come by, as demand and scarcity of lake frontage continue to drive prices up. New construction two-bedroom lakefront condos in the area start at $1.2 million, while waterfront single-family homes range from $800,000 to $6 million.

“It’s been a dream to create a home where we could raise our kids during their high school years and host our family gatherings, while supporting the advancement of our community and businesses,” Bedell said. “Over the last 20 years, we have celebrated a life of love and dedication to the Iowa Great Lakes through Peace Harbor, and we’re thrilled that another family has the chance to define its new purpose.”