The Idea Behind Nautical Roots
Nautical Roots began with a simple belief: where you spend your time can shape how you experience it. In a world that rarely slows down, the vision was to create a place where guests can step away from routine, reconnect, and settle into a different pace.
Set across 14 acres near Clear Lake, Nautical Roots brings modern cabin design and the outdoors together in a way that feels effortless. Open space, a private pond, warm natural details, and thoughtful architecture create a retreat that feels distinctly modern while remaining grounded in its Iowa surroundings.
Built From a Clear Vision
The vision for Nautical Roots is grounded in simplicity, craftsmanship, and a lasting connection to place. Rather than creating another traditional resort, the goal is an intimate collection of eight cabins with its own sense of character: refined, welcoming, and unmistakably connected to the Clear Lake experience.
From the placement of each cabin to the materials, interiors, and surrounding landscape, every decision is approached with purpose. The result is a luxury cabin experience designed to feel elevated without being excessive and comfortable without losing its sense of escape.
Meet the Founder
Jake Kopriva
As a local entrepreneur with deep ties to the Clear Lake community, Jake Kopriva understands what keeps people coming back to this area. Nautical Roots grew from his desire to create a modern cabin retreat that complements the Clear Lake lifestyle while offering guests something different from a traditional hotel or vacation rental.
Drawing on his business experience, connection to the community, and appreciation for thoughtful design, Jake is shaping Nautical Roots around a simple idea: create a place that feels authentic to its surroundings, welcoming from the moment guests arrive, and memorable enough to return to.
Rooted in a Different Approach
Modern Design, Without Excess
At Nautical Roots, modern design is meant to feel warm, not stark. Nordic-inspired architecture, clean lines, natural materials, and carefully considered details create a refined cabin experience without unnecessary excess. Everything has a purpose, leaving more room for what matters: settling in, slowing down, and enjoying where you are.
Connected to Nature
The landscape isn't simply a backdrop to the cabins. It's part of the experience. Across 14 acres of open space, a private pond and thoughtfully planned surroundings create opportunities to step outside, enjoy quieter moments, and reconnect with the outdoors between adventures around Clear Lake.
What Makes Nautical Roots Different?
Close to Clear Lake, Yet Removed
Located at 3200 Main Avenue, Nautical Roots is just 1.5 miles from downtown Clear Lake on a paved road. Guests can easily reach the lake, restaurants, shops, and local attractions while returning to a setting with more space and a quieter pace.
Small-Scale by Design
Nautical Roots isn't being created as a sprawling resort. With eight cabins planned for the complete collection, the smaller scale allows the experience to remain personal while giving greater attention to the details that shape each stay. It's a more considered approach to hospitality, where quality, comfort, and character matter more than size.
Designed to Evolve
What's Ahead?
Nautical Roots is taking shape with the first four cabins planned to welcome guests in 2027. Over time, the collection is expected to grow to eight cabins, with each phase building naturally upon the character and experience established from the beginning.
As Nautical Roots grows, future guest experiences and carefully considered amenities can be introduced without losing sight of what makes the property distinct: thoughtful design, natural surroundings, a smaller-scale experience, and a genuine connection to Clear Lake.
For those discovering Nautical Roots early, this is a chance to follow the story from the beginning and be among the first to experience a new kind of cabin stay near Clear Lake.
