Mike Caro selling Ozarks lake retreat (All photos)

— A wider view of a portion of the yard in summer —

— Part of the yard photographed from near the small pond —

— From mid-garage, looking out. (Moving is messy!) —

There’s plenty of extra space to the left and behind you in this garage. It has an automatic garage door opener, used by remotes or by a number pad to punch your code outside by the walk-in door.

— From mid-garage, looking toward deepest wall —

The garage is especially deep, allowing room for a workshop or other usage, even with cars parked. Additionally, there’s about six feet of extra room to one side of the garage door, running the length of the building.

— Fenced yard beneath carport, entered by gate or downstairs bedroom door —

— Fenced yard as seen from carport above —

— Trees separate the cabin from the main house carport —

— Looking toward the main lake from below the house —

— Shoreline in summer (below main house) —

— House and cabin near end of driveway —

After a quiet drive of almost half a mile through the forest, over a bridge, and along a park-like approach, you can see the complex just ahead.

— Well house —

This well house can serve double purpose as a tool shed. Architecturally, it matches the other buildings in the complex.

— Garage —

Only a few steps from the porch is a detached garage, angled inward toward the house and cabin. It is architecturally in harmony with the other buildings. It is very deep, allowing it to accommodate two cars and a workshop. Additionally, it is widened on the side with the walk-in door, providing even move space.

— Front porch —

Originally only a 10-inch step-up stoop served as the porch. On both sides were very narrow sitting areas. I had a raised outside entry built from stones found on the property and extended the railings at jutting angles.

The swing in the foreground stays with the property — as do two others that overlook the lake from the house and cabin balconies.

— I had the main entry platform built from flat stones found on the property —

— When water flows, reflections in creek can be magical —

— Chairs by small bridge —

$699,000 $395,000

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→ 31 acres*

→ Shore: 1,000+ ft*

→ House: 3,000 sf* (3-5 bed, 3½ bath)

→ Cabin: 1,200 sf* (1 bed, 1 bath)

→ Extra: 2,400 sf*

→ Paths: 5 miles*

→ More

(*Approximate measurements)

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What’s the catch? None, really, except what I describe. Prices here are still catching up to the rest of the country.

Yes, I agree that it’s a bargain, but only if this is what you’re looking for. The 41-acre retreat was agent listed for $740,000 in 2012.

Please read my ramblings about my adventure, the property, the area, and the lake before you decide. I hope to sell to someone who appreciates my retreat and will be happy here.