Rare Private Island on Lake Minnetonka Listed for $7.25M

A rare 2-acre private island estate on Gale Island in Minnesota's Lake Minnetonka has been listed for sale at $7,250,000, representing the first time the property has been available in 53 years. The island, located in Shorewood, MN, offers 1,841 feet of lake frontage and features a compound of several structures built across different eras. The listing agent, Jeffrey Dewing of Coldwell Banker Realty, described the offering as a "rare opportunity" on a "storied and sought-after destination" lake, emphasizing the infrequency of island properties coming to market. The current family has owned the island for 53 years, adding to its unique appeal.

The island's structures include a waterfront barbecue gazebo constructed in 1957, which has a lower storage level and a stone patio. A historic three-bedroom summer house, originally built in 1874, underwent a north addition in 1913 and was later remodeled between 2006 and 2007; this house features a stone fireplace. The main house, a three-bedroom residence built in 1950, had its kitchen remodeled in 1990 and gained a family room and dining room addition in 2001. A two-bedroom guest cabin, built in 1954 and remodeled from 2009 to 2010, includes a kitchenette and a sitting room. Additionally, there is a three-story waterfront tower equipped with hidden beds and a kitchenette. A log cabin, built in 1953, is situated across a channel, accessible by a bridge, and features a stone fireplace, currently serving as storage.

Dewing noted that the property is "beautifully suited for multigenerational living," as it was historically used with three main cabins for different family members. The island's location provides a short boat ride to nearby towns like Excelsior and Wayzata, known for their dining, shopping, and vibrant atmospheres. While the property is likely to be used as a secondary residence due to logistics, Dewing suggested it could potentially function as a year-round home. The island's extensive history and the long tenure of the current ownership contribute to its significant market rarity. The combination of historical architecture, extensive lake frontage, and the unique private island setting makes this a notable real estate offering on Lake Minnetonka.