778 Jolson Ave

This 860 sq ft cottage sits on a parcel of land that has been combined with the property formerly known as 774 Jolson Ave. The total lot size is .42 acre with 90 ft. of lake front on Hower Lake, Portage Lakes. The concrete seawall has steps to facilitate swimming and boating. This charming cottage features laminate flooring throughout. All windows are covered with wooden Venetian blinds. Rustic shiplap knotty pine accents the walls. The master bedroom features a built-in queen size bed with storage cubicles and a closet. The smaller bedroom accomodates 2 twin size beds. A new toilet and bidet were installed in 2021. The sizeable pantry has a nook designed for a stackable washer/dry and is newly plumbed. It also serves as a walk-in closet. There is a partial basement with newer electric hot water heater and well pressure tank. There is a gas furnace with forced hot air. The kitchen, dining area and sitting/reading/TV room are combined in the open floor plan. The open floor plan would lend itself nicely to retiring the gas furnace and replacing it with a more efficient heat pump. Renovation began in 2015 and has been ongoing. A new metal roof was put on in September 2025. The septic system is inspected and maintained 2X a year. Point of sale inspections of septic and well were completed November, 2025. The 400 sq ft 2 door garage has a small workshop area and an attached tool shed. The garage was vinyl sided in 2021. The former 774 Jolson structure has 1355 sq ft of living space. The original structure was built in 1928 with a more recent addition. (In the photos referred to as "The Boathouse"). The living room features a brick fireplace and wrap around windows facing the lake. There are 3 bedrooms, a laundry room, kitchen and bath. It has been used for boat storage, yoga studio and professional office space. The utilities have been disconnected for 10 years. It has been maintained, but is in need of repairs and upgrades. A contractor has deemed the house as having "good bones." If we were 20 years younger we would have rehabbed this structure for our home. It represents a great opportunity for a "handyman." Our pollinator garden and native plantings have been designated by the National Audubon Society as a "Homegrown National Park." In addition to the wildflower garden, the property has native fruit trees and berry bushes and raised garden beds. The mature oak, cherry and maple trees on the property have a care plan prescribed by a professional arborist. Hower Lake is one of the best kept secrets of the Portage Lakes. It is accessible only to small fishing boats, canoes and kayaks. It connects to the North Reservoir, but pontoon boats, jet skiis and huge motor boats can't get through the access point. There are huge bass to catch; quiet places to paddle, swim and float. CONDITIONS OF SALE: SOLD AS IS. Property is being offered with most furnishings, workshop tools, garden tools, lawn equipment, grill, patio furniture, canoe and kayak. Our target date for vacating the premises is May, 2026, but we are flexible. Showings may be scheduled by contacting the owner.