A rare opportunity to own a truly unique and historic farmstead featuring 200 acres and approximately 4,400 feet of pristine meandering Burntside River shoreline. Set in a peaceful meadow surrounded by mature pine forest, this one-of-a-kind property offers breathtaking panoramic views of the river and a tranquil Northwoods setting. The rustic farmhouse combines an original dovetail log structure with a framed wood addition, offering two bedrooms and one bathroom. The open-concept kitchen and living area capture beautiful southern views of the river and surrounding forest. Approximately 11 acres comprise the road-accessible homestead, while the majority of the acreage lies across the Burntside River, providing exceptional privacy and natural beauty, with rolling hills of Norway pine throughout the south forties. Please note that the land across the river is not accessible by road. The property is abundant with wildlife: ducks, geese, grouse, deer and more. Steeped in history and rich in character, the property includes several original dovetail log outbuildings that add timeless charm and authentic appeal. Whether you're seeking a private retreat, recreational getaway, restoration project, or the foundation for a future homestead, this remarkable property offers endless possibilities in an extraordinary setting.
For sale
$779,000
2538 Martilla Rd, Ely, MN 55731
2beds
900sqft
:
Get pre-qualified$5,168/mo
Single Family Residence
Built in ----
200 Acres Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$866/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Abundant with wildlifeRustic farmhousePeaceful meadowOriginal dovetail log structureOne bathroomTranquil northwoods settingFramed wood addition
- 14 days |
- 675 |
- 27 |
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Patricia Bulinski 218-349-5595,
Bear Island Realty LLC
Source: Lake Superior Area Realtors as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 6126950
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Full bathrooms: 1
- Main level bedrooms: 1
Bedroom
- Description: Historic linoleum floor, closet, knotty pine walls, tile ceiling.
- Level: Main
- Area: 120 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 10 x 12
Bedroom
- Description: Dovetail flat log wall
- Level: Upper
- Area: 168 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12 x 14
Bathroom
- Description: freestanding claw tub with shower, double sink, clay brick floors, wood walls
- Level: Main
- Area: 80 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 8 x 10
Entry hall
- Description: Clay brick floor
- Level: Main
- Area: 30 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 5 x 6
Kitchen
- Description: Stainless sink, painted cabinets, wood floor, flat log center wall.
- Level: Main
- Area: 210 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14 x 15
Living room
- Description: Wood floors, free standing 2 door wood stove (Fisher) knotty pine, flat log on center wall.
- Level: Main
- Area: 168 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12 x 14
Mud room
- Level: Main
- Area: 30 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 5 x 6
Office
- Description: Breaker box, attic access, antique wall paper, was also used as an office.
- Level: Upper
- Area: 196 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14 x 14
Heating
- Fireplace(s), Wood
Features
- Basement: Partial
- Number of fireplaces: 1
- Fireplace features: Free Standing
Interior area
- Total interior livable area: 900 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 900
- Finished area below ground: 0
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Detached, Dirt Floor
- Garage spaces: 2
Features
- On waterfront: Yes
- Waterfront features: River, Waterfront Access(Private)
- Body of water: Burntside River
- Frontage length: 4400
Lot
- Size: 200 Acres
- Dimensions: 1320 x 1320
- Features: Accessible Shoreline, Low, Tree Coverage - Heavy, Tree Coverage - Medium, High, Level
Details
- Additional structures: Storage Shed, Bunkhouse
- Foundation area: 728
- Parcel number: 465004004420, 04440, 04450, 04190, 04180
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Rustic
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Wood, Frame/Wood, Log Home
- Foundation: Stone
- Roof: Asphalt Shingle
Condition
- Previously Owned
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: Lake Country Power
- Sewer: Private Sewer
- Water: Dug, Drilled
Community & HOA
HOA
- Has HOA: No
Location
- Region: Ely
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $866/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $208,500
- Annual tax amount: $3,249
- Date on market: 7/24/2026
- Cumulative days on market: 18 days
- Road surface type: Unimproved
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
Not available
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7/24/2026 | Listed for sale | $779,000$866/sqft |
Source:  Lake Superior Area Realtors as distributed by MLS GRID #6126950 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,458 +6.1% | $208,500 +1.2% |
| 2023 | $1,374 +11.5% | $206,000 +12.6% |
| 2022 | $1,232 +14.5% | $183,000 +17.4% |
| 2021 | $1,076 | $155,900 +2.6% |
| 2020 | $1,076 | $152,000 |
| 2019 | $1,076 +1.9% | $152,000 -4.3% |
| 2018 | $1,056 -1.1% | $158,800 |
| 2017 | $1,068 +1.1% | $158,800 +5.9% |
| 2016 | $1,056 +8% | $149,900 +22.2% |
| 2015 | $978 +2.3% | $122,700 |
| 2014 | $956 -14.2% | $122,700 -12.8% |
| 2013 | $1,114 -9.8% | $140,700 -13.4% |
| 2012 | $1,235 +23.7% | $162,500 -13.6% |
| 2011 | $998 +11.8% | $188,000 +9.8% |
| 2010 | $892 | $171,200 |
| 2009 | $892 -11.7% | $171,200 +20.7% |
| 2008 | $1,011 +12.9% | $141,800 +15% |
| 2007 | $895 +71.3% | $123,300 +15% |
| 2006 | $522 +21.1% | $107,200 +32.3% |
| 2004 | $432 +23.2% | $81,000 +12% |
| 2003 | $350 +29% | $72,300 +11.4% |
| 2002 | $272 -29.8% | $64,900 +11.3% |
| 2001 | $387 +17.7% | $58,300 +9.2% |
| 2000 | $329 | $53,400 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
Est. payment
Payment breakdown
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Neighborhood: 55731
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 6/10Washington Elementary SchoolGrades: PK-5Distance: 5.2 mi
- 7/10Memorial Middle SchoolGrades: 6-8Distance: 5.2 mi
- 9/10Memorial SecondaryGrades: 9-12Distance: 5.2 mi
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A local agent can set up tours, give advice and negotiate with sellers.
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