1501 N LAKE HOWARD DRIVE, Winter Haven, FL 33881

• 3 beds |
• 2 baths |
• 2,200 sqft

Property Description

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.

Listing Status:

Active

Date Added:

October 31, 2026

Data Last Updated:

November 12, 2026 at 8:22PM

Listing Office:

JULIE MATTHEWS GROUP LLC : 863-528-0037

Listing Agent:

Kennedy Matthews : 863-207-4722

Contact:

863-528-0037

MLS ID:

P4940266

Interior

• General: Built-in FeaturesCeiling Fans(s)Eat-in KitchenTile Counters
• Rooms: Florida RoomFormal Dining Room SeparateGarage ApartmentInside Utility
• Appliances: DishwasherDryerElectric Water HeaterGas CooktopGas Water HeaterRefrigeratorWasher
• Laundry: Laundry Room
• Flooring: Ceramic TileWood
• A/C: Central AirWall/Window Unit(s)
• Heating: CentralDuctless
• Fireplace: Living RoomWood BurningFireplace

Exterior

• General: Private MailboxSidewalkStorage
• Other Structures: Boat HouseGuest HouseShed(s)StorageWrap AroundDeck

Construction

• Roofing: MetalOtherShingle
• General: BrickCedarFrameWood SidingOneCrawlspace

Location

• Road/Access: Paved
• Originating MLS: Stellar MLS
• County: Polk

Lot

• Zoning: R-1AINTERLAKEN ADD PB 3 PG 75 S19/20 T28 R26 LOTS 19 20 & RIPARIAN RIGHTS LESS HY26-28-19-553673-000191
• View: Water

Utilities

• Utilities: BB/HS Internet AvailableCable AvailableElectricity ConnectedPublicSewer ConnectedWater Connected
• Water: Public
• Sewer: Public Sewer

Financial

• Source: Stellar MLS
• Ownership: Fee Simple