Harrington Road, Wayzata

Welcome to Harrington Road — a quiet, storied stretch at the southern edge of the Ferndale peninsula, where the legacy of Wayzata’s earliest settlers meets the privacy and permanence of gated estate living. Once part of the Harrington family farm, this secluded enclave is now home to some of Lake Minnetonka’s most coveted addresses, many with deeded or direct lake access and commanding views of Browns Bay and Wayzata Bay.

Origins & Heritage

The land was originally claimed in the 1850s by John Stevens Harrington and his brother William B. Harrington, whose adjoining homesteads encompassed much of the Ferndale peninsula. In 1854, John purchased 160 acres for $2.50 an acre and built a simple home he called Lake Side Home. Over time, he expanded it into a 16-room retreat known as the Harrington Inn — regarded as the first summer hotel on Lake Minnetonka.

Long before Harrington Road became one of the lake’s most discreet and desirable corridors, it served as a quiet haven for early visitors drawn to Minnetonka’s natural beauty. Set above the shoreline with sweeping views, the inn welcomed guests in search of rest, fresh air, and the stillness only a place like this could offer. The land would later become known as Harrington Farms — and while the structures have changed, the atmosphere remains timeless.

At the corner of Ferndale and Harrington Roads, the original Harrington Farms Gate still stands — built in 1915 from native pink and gray granite. More than a decorative remnant, the gate serves as a symbolic threshold: once marking the transition from farmland to summer refuge, now signaling entry into one of Wayzata’s most exclusive lakefront enclaves.

Harrington Gates

Known locally as “Harrington Gates,” this private, wooded setting hosts a discreet number of properties tucked behind stone walls and lush tree cover. Properties range from Neoclassical and French Eclectic estates to thoughtfully designed cottages and lakeside compounds. Several homes, like the French Country manor at 503 Harrington Road or the Crosby Estate at 553 Harrington, are historically significant and architecturally distinct.

Real Estate Notes

Harrington Road properties often come with deeded lake access, direct lakeshore, deep setbacks, and private amenities such as pools, guest houses, and tennis courts. Several properties span multiple acres, offering a level of seclusion that rivals North Oaks or East Edina, but with walkability to downtown Wayzata via Ferndale Road.

Recent listings have ranged from $3 million to $9 million depending on lakeshore, acreage, and architectural pedigree. Many homes are sold privately before reaching the open market — a reflection of the high-trust relationships and discreet transactions that define this area.

Lifestyle & Location

Residents enjoy sunrise walks beneath a canopy of oaks, water access for kayaks and classic runabouts, and proximity to the shops and restaurants of downtown Wayzata. Yet life here is designed to remain just out of view. Whether it's a sun-drenched reading porch or a hidden carriage house tucked into the hillside, Harrington Road is where privacy becomes an architectural principle.

Interested in Buying or Selling on Harrington Road?

At Lake Minnetonka Real Estate™, we offer discreet access to Harrington Gates — including quiet showings, historic context, and legacy-level representation. Reach out when the time is right.