Truly Amazing! Secluded Ozark Cabin in the Woods

Welcome to Adorable Living Spaces. Today we are featuring a distinctive 1937 cabin at 167 Wahpeton Hill Rd in Highland, Arkansas, set in the Ozark Mountains on historic Wahpeton Hill and surrounded by wooded acreage.

Listed for $196,000, the bungalow-style home offers 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, 1 half bathroom, and approximately 1,512 square feet of living space. The property sits on approximately 4.34 surveyed acres while remaining within a short distance of Spring River and the amenities around Hardy.

The cabin combines historic character with several recent improvements, including a new metal roof installed in 2022, new windows in 2024, and new insulation in 2024. Other notable features include extensive rockwork, a wood-burning fireplace, large screened porch, wood ceilings, and a heated and cooled walk-out basement.

This property may appeal to buyers searching for an Ozark Mountain retreat, historic Arkansas cabin, full-time country residence, or recreational getaway near fishing, kayaking, swimming, and the Spring River.

1937 Cabin With Historic Ozark Character

Built in 1937, this property has a character that is quite different from a conventional modern home. The listing describes it as a unique cabin located on historic Wahpeton Hill in the Ozark Mountains.

One of its most distinctive exterior elements is the rockwork surrounding the home. Combined with the wooded setting, porch areas, and bungalow/cottage architecture, it reinforces the property’s older mountain-cabin appearance.

Inside, the listing identifies wood ceilings, wood and concrete flooring, ceiling fans, and a site-built wood-burning fireplace. These features continue the rustic character found outside.

Buyers interested in the property’s history should investigate available local records, previous ownership, permits, and any documentation connected to Wahpeton Hill. Because the listing identifies the location as a historical district, buyers should also determine whether any rules affect future exterior modifications.

4.34 Surveyed Acres in the Woods

The cabin sits on approximately 4.34 surveyed acres, providing a wooded environment while remaining relatively close to town.

The listing describes the property as being deep in the woods, creating a more secluded atmosphere than its proximity to nearby recreational and commercial areas might suggest.

Its lot is categorized as rural property in a river and lake area. For someone who wants privacy without purchasing a very large tract of land, 4.34 acres can provide a practical balance between usable space and ongoing maintenance.

Buyers should review the existing survey and confirm boundaries, access, easements, topography, drainage, and any limitations associated with the historical district. The wooded terrain should also be evaluated for tree health and potential hazards near the house.

Living Areas, Fireplace and Screened Porch

The main level contains the living area and both bedrooms, keeping the primary sleeping spaces together on one floor.

A site-built wood-burning fireplace serves as one of the central features of the living area. In a cabin dating to 1937, the fireplace and chimney should be professionally inspected before regular use.

Another major feature is the large screened-in porch. This creates a protected outdoor living area where occupants can enjoy the wooded surroundings while having some separation from insects and weather.

The property also includes a patio and additional porch space. Buyers should inspect the framing, flooring, railings, roof connections, screens, stairs, and foundations of all exterior living areas, particularly given the age of the original structure.

Walk-Out Lower Level With Kitchen and Bathrooms

The home’s arrangement is somewhat unusual because the kitchen, full bathroom, and half bathroom are located downstairs, while the bedrooms and primary living area are on the main level.

The kitchen includes an eat-in area and the property is also described as having a living/dining combination. Appliances listed with the sale include a free-standing electric range and refrigerator.

The basement has walk-out access and is listed as both heated and cooled, making it more functional than an unfinished utility basement.

Buyers should consider whether the split between bedrooms upstairs and kitchen and bathrooms downstairs works for their daily needs. The stairway and lower-level access may also be an important consideration for anyone seeking primarily single-level living.

New Roof, Windows and Insulation

Several relatively recent improvements have already been completed. The listing states that the metal roof was replaced in 2022.

The windows were reportedly replaced in 2024 and are identified as insulated windows. New windows can improve comfort in an older home, although installation quality and surrounding framing should still be inspected.

The home also received new insulation in 2024, another particularly relevant improvement for a house originally constructed in the 1930s.

Buyers should request available invoices, warranties, permits, and contractor information for these improvements. Documentation can help establish exactly what work was completed and whether additional roof, window, insulation, or moisture-related work remains necessary.

Near Spring River and Hardy Recreation

The location places the property within a short distance of Spring River, creating convenient access to one of the area’s major recreational attractions.

The listing highlights opportunities for swimming, kayaking, floating, and fishing, along with access to river trails, Loberg Park, and the Hardy beach river access.

Downtown Old Hardy is also nearby, giving owners access to town amenities without eliminating the wooded character surrounding the cabin.

This combination could suit someone who wants a recreational base in the Ozarks without being completely isolated. Buyers should independently verify driving distances, public river-access points, parking rules, fishing regulations, and seasonal conditions for the activities that matter most to them.

Public Water, Septic and Property Systems

Unlike many rural cabins, this property is connected to public water, eliminating the need to maintain a private well.

Wastewater is handled by a septic tank, which should be inspected before purchase. Buyers should establish its age, location, tank size, service history, and condition of the drain field.

Electric service is listed as municipal service through Entergy. Cooling is provided by window units, while the listing does not clearly identify a primary heating system beyond noting that the basement is heated and the home has a wood-burning fireplace.

The complete heating arrangement should therefore be clarified before purchase. For year-round occupancy, buyers should understand how every level of the 1,512-square-foot home is heated during colder weather and estimate operating costs accordingly.

Ozark Retreat and Recreational Potential

The combination of wooded acreage, historic architecture, Spring River recreation, and proximity to Hardy gives this property several possible uses.

It could function as a full-time residence for someone comfortable with its unconventional floor plan and older construction. Alternatively, its location and cabin character may make it appealing as a personal weekend or seasonal retreat.

For anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, proximity to Spring River is particularly relevant. The surrounding Ozark landscape also supports the property’s broader recreational character.

Buyers considering short-term rental use should not assume that vacation rentals are permitted. Local zoning, historical-district requirements, licensing, septic capacity, insurance, taxes, and any applicable rental regulations should all be verified before including rental income in a purchase decision.

Due Diligence Before Buying This 1937 Cabin

Because the cabin dates to 1937, a comprehensive inspection should evaluate the foundation, structural framing, metal roof, plumbing, electrical system, fireplace, chimney, moisture, drainage, basement, porches, insulation, windows, and evidence of hidden repairs. Older houses can contain multiple generations of modifications that are not immediately visible.

The septic system should be professionally inspected, while public-water service and electrical capacity should be confirmed. Buyers should also establish the home’s complete heating arrangement because detailed heating information was not included in the supplied listing.

The 2022 roof and 2024 windows and insulation are important improvements, but buyers should request documentation and verify permits where applicable. Due to the home’s age, appropriate inspections may also consider older electrical components, plumbing materials, lead-based paint, asbestos-containing materials, rot, termites, and other age-related conditions.

Finally, buyers should review the survey, title, access, easements, drainage, insurance, flood status, property taxes, and any restrictions associated with the historical district. Permits for previous alterations should also be researched before planning additional renovation.

Final Thoughts

At $196,000, this Highland property offers an unusual combination of a 1937 Ozark cabin, 4.34 surveyed acres, wooded surroundings, and convenient access to Spring River and Hardy.

The large screened porch, wood-burning fireplace, extensive rockwork, wood ceilings, and walk-out lower level give the house considerably more character than a typical modern rural residence.

Recent improvements including the 2022 metal roof, 2024 windows, and 2024 insulation are important additions, although the age of the home still makes a detailed inspection essential before purchase.

For someone searching for an Arkansas cabin under $200,000, Ozark Mountain retreat, wooded property with acreage, fishing getaway near Spring River, or historic country home near Hardy, this listing offers a distinctive alternative to a conventional rural house.

If you need more info, contact the listing agent from the Zillow link below the photos.