Two Words: Man Caves
Our magazine’s most undeniably glam event is coming up this weekend and there are simply some features you MUST see! Never before have the homes on the Tour been this downright fabulous.
Here’s my hit list for the 2009 Twin Cities Luxury Home Tour:
Home #3 McNulty Homes The new “it” item in luxury living: a private island 250 feet offshore. This home comes with 6.5 acres of wooded beauty, including the island; with views from practically every room, the island doesn’t seem too far away to let the kids explore.
Home #2 TJB Homes, Inc. A $200,000 theater even movie studio execs would drool over: a curved screen designed to minimize light reflections and remove letterboxing, combined with professional JBL Synthesis screening-room quality speakers, make this home theater one-of-a-kind. What’s more? It can be controlled (as with other electronics in the home) from an iPhone.
Home #14 Pillar Homes Man caves – these are one of the must-have features on this year’s tour, and men everywhere will be envious of this testosterone-friendly retreat that serves as the homeowner’s boathouse on Lake Minnetonka and comes complete with a plasma-screen TV, vintage game table and more.
Home #8 L. Cramer Designers + Builders This splendid 12,000+ sq. ft. (featuring 7 bedrooms and 10 baths) home for a family of eight features a “mom-planning space” – the perfect organizing station for minding busy schedules, charging electronics, and more – but it’s the stylish porte-cochere that truly adds panache to the exterior of this estate.
Home #9 John Kraemer and Sons, Inc. This palatial home features stunning curved architectural details, but it’s the outdoor entertaining area that does it for us: an inviting pool, stunning views of Lake Minnetonka, a tranquil spa, and a private cabana make this house the destination for high-style entertaining.
Home #5 BriCo Construction The master bath is truly spa-like, featuring a TV, four shower heads, and a memory-controlled shower – with the press of one button, you will hear your favorite tunes and step into your desired water temperature.
Home #11 Steiner & Koppelman LLC Keeping on trend with hidden rooms, a secret arcade is revealed when the mechanical bookcase is opened.
Home #1 Classic Home & Development LLC Plush landscaping and serene views sets the tone for opulent outdoor entertaining. With an outdoor kitchen, bar area, and a gate that leads to a botanical nirvana in the spirit of the “The Secret Garden,” this outdoor environment defines luxe living.
Home #6 Aulik & Associates, Inc. with Aulik Design Group, Inc. The butterfly wall – 100 miniature butterflies made of recycled beer cans – you must see it to believe it, and to comprehend the glamorous appeal it adds to this minimalistic, contemporary home.
Home #15 Denali Custom Homes, Inc. The Tuscan-style, majestic courtyard sets the stage for this villa-inspired home, complete with an artistic fountain and a circular two-story turret.
Home #12 Keith Waters & Associates, Inc. A whimsical walking bridge serves as the entrance into this sanctuary-like home in Locust Hills, a neighborhood which boasts butterfly gardens, miles of private trails, and unparalleled views of Lake Minnetonka.
Home #7 On The Level Inc. Phantom screens extend the outdoor living space, letting you bask in the beauty of the majestic views at The Woods at Riley Creek without getting eaten by mosquitoes.
Home #10 Stonewood LLC The exquisite millwork will leave you inspired – no detail goes unnoticed in this custom, family-friendly lakeside home.
Home #4 American Classic Homes LLC Another man cave, this secluded retreat is a private office hidden behind a bookcase.
Home #13 Ridge Creek Custom Homes The Ridge Creek Special: secret rooms for the kids. Concealed behind a bookcase and a mirror, these rooms are the perfect hidden havens for young children.
—Brianne Bauer
Posted on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 in Permalink
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