Historic 1935 Farmstead on 18.8 Acres in the Ozarks
$599,000
The property sits in the historic footprint of Arno — a Douglas County settlement that briefly served as the county seat in the mid-1800s — and one of those original buildings is still standing: a refurbished 22x48 general store converted into a second living space with its own kitchen, living area, workshop, hobby room, and 3/4 bath, plus an attached 26x22 garage. The 1935 farmhouse anchoring the 18.8 acres is straightforward and livable: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, around 1,257 square feet, with LVP flooring, a combined kitchen and dining area, main-floor laundry, a 10x19 screened porch, and a heating stack of mini-splits, a wood stove, and solar assist. A standalone 14x32 tiny home is set up for guests or nightly rental. For the working side: a 32x40 milk barn, a chicken coop, two storage buildings, two storm cellars, a private well, two propane tanks, and Cowskin Creek running the edge of the property.
At $599,000, the combination of a livable farmhouse, a converted historic storefront, a tiny home, a working barn, and a creek on 18.8 Ozark acres is a lot of property to sit down with. Hayden Outdoors has the listing.
Homestead Potential
Water & Infrastructure
Douglas County properties of this kind typically rely on a private well — buyers should confirm depth, yield, and water quality before closing, and walk the full 18.8 acres for any seasonal creeks, springs, or low spots that could support a future pond.
Crop & Income Potential
At 18.8 acres, there's real room for a kitchen garden, a few fruit trees, and pasture for small livestock, scaling up to a genuine grazing or hay operation if the land and zoning support it. Buyers should walk the property to assess how much is open versus wooded.
Sustainability
A home of this size and age has its own heating and cooling profile worth asking the seller about directly. With 18.8 acres to work with, there's flexibility to add a wood-management plan, solar array, or rotational grazing system over time.
The Boundaries
Buyers should get a current survey to confirm exact property lines, especially on rural parcels where older deeds can be imprecise. Zoning should be confirmed directly with the county for any specific plans involving livestock, outbuildings, or further subdivision.
Beyond the Property Line
Local Flavor & Small-Town Character
Douglas County has the kind of small-town character buyers come to Missouri rural acreage for -- local diners, family-run shops, and a community that tends to know its neighbors. Worth a visit to get a feel for the area before closing.
Agricultural Resources & Neighbor Networks
Douglas County supports a working agricultural community, with farm-supply stores, feed dealers, and likely a local extension office or co-op nearby for advice on livestock, soil, or equipment. A nearby farmers market is also worth checking for selling or sourcing.
Outdoor Recreation & Natural Surroundings
The surrounding Douglas County area typically offers public land, lakes, or trails within a short drive, making this a solid base for hunting, fishing, or just getting outside, in addition to whatever the 18.8 acres themselves offer.
Listed on Zillow
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