Premier Thirty-Acre Lakefront Property With Four Estates to Sell at J. P. King Auction

A 30-acre family retreat on Big Chippewa Lake called Brentwood Estate will sell at a real estate auction conducted by J. P. King Auction Company on August 23.

GARFIELD, MINN. — Tom and Barbara McLeod’s 30-acre, four-home family retreat, which includes a fully-functioning malt shop, frontage of Big Chippewa Lake and an array of other amenities, began with one simple goal: Buy a lake home. Nearly two decades later, they have fully developed the Brentwood Estate property that makes their original goal a distant memory. They will sell the property at a real estate auction on August 23 at an event that will be conducted by J. P. King Auction Company.

“Barb had gone to find us a lake home in Brainerd, Minnesota. She looked for a while, but she called me one day and said there was a property in Garfield that I should come look at,” said Tom McLeod, as he recalled the story. “When we came to look at the property, I said, ‘Where’s the cabin?’”

“We’ll have to build one,” Barbara replied.

So it began. With eight children and 28 grandchildren, the McLeods wanted a property their entire family could enjoy. Along with architect Reed Becker of Widseth Smith Nolting, Barbara developed a master plan and began construction, beginning with the five-bedroom guest home, located right on the lake.

Since then, they’ve built two additional guest homes — with three and four bedrooms — and a four-bedroom, six-bathroom main estate. Spread over 11,000 square feet, the home features plenty of living space and a master suite in its own wing. With a vaulted brick fireplace, balcony, multi-head steam shower and its own separate living area, McLeod describes it as an escape.

To say the McLeods used the property for family would be an understatement. For years, when their grandchildren were younger, they chartered a bus to pick up the grandchildren and bring them to the property for a week of camp, where they’ve made memories with activities ranging from talent shows in the 15-seat theater of the main house, a full carnival and live music. McLeod said it was the perfect way for such a large group of cousins to not only get to know one another, but to become lifelong friends.

“This place was a dream when we started it,” McLeod said. “We knew we wanted something for our family, and for 20 years, it’s served that purpose. Then our grandchildren grew up, and we don’t get out here as much anymore.”

With features that include a total of 17 bedrooms, an indoor pool; a private beach; tennis, volleyball and shuffleboard courts; a children’s school playhouse; a fully-functioning malt shop and numerous walking trails, the McLeods see Brentwood Estate’s future full of possibilities.

“We’ve developed the property to this point; now we hope someone comes in — whether it’s a family, nonprofit or corporation — and says this is a dream place for them, too,” he said. “We just hope someone continues the dream.”

The auction will take place on Thursday, August 23 at 11 a.m. at the property, which is located at 11902 County Road 12 NW in Garfield. Property tours will be available beginning August 13 and will continue through auction day. For additional information, individuals may contact J. P. King at 800.558.5464 or visit the company’s website at www.jpking.com.