Comfortable Oasis
A lakeside stunner invites the outside in
By Lucie B. Amundsen
Photo by Jon Huelskamp, Landmark Photography
That description could easily apply to this five-bedroom home itself. Crisp, white gable trim and barn-red shutters and flower boxes enliven the home’s dark chocolate brown shingles. The oversized alder door, with more than a dozen windowpanes, opens to reveal the 6,100-square-foot home’s stunning lake view.
One of the most impressive rooms in the house isn’t even entirely indoors. The airy porch along the side of the house features large, arched screen panels and a rustic stone wood-burning fireplace. From here to the wrap-around-columned porch provides remarkable views of the water. Though this home is more elegant lodge than lake cottage, the inside spaces are light and spacious. In the open rooms of the main floor, cream walls and white enameled trim reflect light from the large windows. This cheery sheen also contrasts with the walnut in the wide-plank hardwood floors. The centerpiece of the great room is the unique marble travertine fireplace with a seamlessly integrated mantel. “One of Stonewood’s specialties is finding sources for choice materials,” Gustafson says. “For this fireplace, we worked directly with an Italian craftsman.”
Another piece distinguishes the adjoining informal dining area: a large, oil-rubbed bronze chandelier accented with metal vines and leaves. This substantial fixture blends well with the adjacent gourmet kitchen, which showcases a vast furniture-style island. Ornately crafted from darkly stained alder and granite, the substantial piece infuses Old World charm into the otherwise state-of-the-art food prep area. From here, guests can take their plates and step through glass doors onto an ironwood balcony.
Photo by Jon Huelskamp
Landmark Photography
Hardwood stairs lead to the upper level, where a charming Jack-and-Jill bath and a bonus room unfold. Large windows throughout display carefully chosen views of the surrounding water and trees. “We’re exceedingly careful about designing the home to work with the lot and get the best experience possible,” Gustafson says.
The home’s luxuriousness and elegance culminates in the owner’s suite. The 13-foot vaulted ceiling in the bedroom opens up to a lakeside private balcony with unrivaled views. But it’s the owner’s bath with in-floor heat and a tiled steam shower that takes the breath away. A dramatic freestanding pedestal bathtub stands before a window with 25 panes of glass, creating an artful vignette, not to mention an enviable bathing environment.
The home’s lower-level amusement room is all about the art of play. Motivated types can enjoy inspirational views from the exercise room or walk out onto the slate and pebble pathways down to the water’s edge. Convenience is key with the wine cellar, wet bar, stone fireplace, and flat-screen television, all within one comfortable spot. Though, in this house, it’s impossible to choose just one comfortable spot.
Lucie B. Amundsen is a Minneapolis freelance writer.
Builder
Stonewood, LLC
Home location
Minnetrista
Suppliers
Alexander Design Group
Appollo Systems
The Brass Handle
Cartier Lighting
Guyer’s Builder Supply
Harmony Melamine Creations
Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies
Minneapolis Glass Company
Pipeline Supply
6 ISSUES (1 YEAR)
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