Private Lake, 65 Acres of Woods + Canoes & Kayaks

I’m Richelle, born and raised in Minnesota and rooted in real estate, design, and community building. I’ve been a licensed realtor since I was 18 and have always loved creating spaces where people feel at home. Fuller Life Retreat is my heart project — a place where I can share the beauty of nature and the comfort of intentional design with others.

What I enjoy most about hosting is seeing families, friends, and groups come here to relax, connect, and celebrate. I love gardening and have planted apple, pear, cherry, and mulberry trees on the land, along with herbs and plant medicine. I also enjoy kayaking on the quiet lake, listening for the loons, and watching the eagles soar overhead.

Being a host allows me to share this property’s history, peace, and natural beauty with people from all walks of life. It brings me joy to know that every stay creates lasting memories and gives guests a chance to slow down, breathe deeper, and enjoy the abundance of nature all around.

I chose this neighborhood because it offers something incredibly rare: complete privacy paired with natural beauty and plenty of room to explore. This is the only house on the road and the only house on Fuller Lake, so guests experience true peace and quiet without feeling isolated. Across the street are acres of farmland, and surrounding the property are trails, woods, and water that make it feel like your own private retreat.

The location is perfect for those who love the outdoors. The lake is 55 acres and spring-fed, with clean, deep water ideal for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or simply sitting on the dock to listen to the loons. It’s common to spot eagles flying overhead, and very uncommon to run into anyone else on the water. A canal connects Fuller Lake to other large lakes for even more adventures.

On one side of the property is the Orchard, with apple, pear, cherry, and mulberry trees, plus herbs and plant medicine I’ve planted over time. On the other side, a trail leads directly into a 1,400-acre Wildlife Management Area — perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. The neighborhood blends farmland, forest, and water in a way that feels both open and welcoming.

What I enjoy most is the balance: it feels like complete seclusion, yet it’s just a short drive to the small town of Grey Eagle for groceries, dining, or anything you need. The land itself is what makes this neighborhood special — it invites you to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy nature at its best.

What makes this house stand out is its history. This home was once cared for by Franciscan nuns, who left behind a spirit of love and appreciation that still fills the space. Built around 1900, it has been thoughtfully updated with comfort and beauty in mind, while still holding on to many of its natural and original elements.

As a designer, I was intentional about blending old and new to create a peaceful, welcoming, and abundant atmosphere. The gourmet kitchen and coffee nook add modern convenience, yet the sunroom and original arched windows remain. The steep stairs leading to the kids’ loft feel straight out of the early 1900s, while the large farmhouse table that seats ten fits seamlessly with the home’s style. In the living room, modern furniture offers comfort next to the original wood-burning fireplace (no longer in use, but still a centerpiece of character).

Beyond the design, this home is unique because it’s not just another cabin or big house on a lake. It is the only house on a private 55-acre spring-fed lake, about 50 feet deep and full of fish. Guests often find the lake to themselves — a rarity that creates true peace and quiet.

Even the exterior is distinctive, with a Spanish-style hacienda look rarely found in Minnesota. Each room inside has been designed with care to feel unique and inspired. You won’t find generic or drab finishings here — every space carries intention, history, and comfort.