Okoboji mansion with an Irish pub, 52 rooms is Iowa's most expensive home. See its price tag

An Okoboji lakefront home that includes a movie theater and a replica Irish pub set a record for the most expensive home sold in Iowa.

The home on West Okoboji Lake was previously owned by Spirit Lake native Tom Bedell. The family made its fortune in the fishing industry when Tom Bedell's father, Berkley, founded what is now known as Pure Fishing. Berkley Bedell also went on to represent Iowa in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1975 to 1987.

How much did Iowa's most expensive home at Okoboji sell for?

The 25,000 square feet home sitting on 178 feet of lakeshore sold for $9.5 million, said Holly Lovell, the broker and CEO of @properties-elleven | Christie's International Real Estate. The original record was also a mansion on West Okoboji Lake that sold in 2022 for $5.6 million, according to the Wall Street Journal .

Lovell told the Journal the buyer was from the Midwest, but declined to offer more details.

The first thing any buyer would notice stepping into the massive home is the craftmanship, Lovell said.

"You walk in and when Tom Bedell told us the story about how every nook and cranny was created and the brainstorming that went into it, it just makes it even more special," Lovell said.

The house's listing soft-launched in April with an asking price of $9.95 million. The house was built on a 1.25 acre property in the early 2000s, according to the Wall Street Journal. About 90 officers were hired to guard the home during its building stage, Lovell said.

What are the most notable features of the house?

One of the most notable features is the in-home bar, designed to look like an Irish pub right out of Dublin. It includes a stage area where famous musicians have performed, while the bar area can hold up to 300 people for the shows.

"They traveled all over the world to make sure they had the most beautiful materials put in," Lovell said.

Bedell went to Ireland to find authentic inspiration for the bar and it is even named after Bedell's imaginary childhood leprechaun friend.

"He has always said his lucky charm is Kevin O'Sullivan," Lovell said. "He always just carried this little leprechaun on his shoulder with him."

Even though the inspiration for components of the house came from all over the world, Bedell, an Iowa native, wanted to be a local asset to his hometown. He hired local contractors and told them it would be a unique experience to give back to the community, Lovell said.

Record-breaking Okoboji home was designed for hosting

The house was often used for community and fundraising events of up to 500 people, Lovell said. The house doesn't stop there. It also includes a movie theater room that fits 20 to 25 people. Outside of the theater is a concession area where people can enjoy drinks and popcorn around the bar. All of the upholstery for the bar stools and booths in the concession area came from vintage vehicles, Lovell said.

The home features a total of 52 rooms, including eight bedrooms and 15 bathrooms, the listing said .

The main level also features an elevated area to serve as a stage with a piano and a view of the lake as well as a fireplace. There are two kitchens. One in the grand room that was designed as an open space fit for entertaining. The second is a commercial kitchen located behind the grand room, typically used by the family living there.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17 .

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Okoboji mansion with an Irish pub, 52 rooms is Iowa's most expensive home. See its price tag