Cottage in the Woods

Lucie Amundsen is a writer living in St. Anthony Village.
Photos by Jim Kruger, Landmark Photography

There’s nothing grim about this fairy-tale setting.

The curving road and mature trees may lull you into thinking you’ve happened down a cottage lane, even though this established Minnetonka neighborhood lies close to the fast-paced metro. The woods and sense of retreat give this cottage the perfect sylvan backdrop.

Washed in wood, the house built by Anthony Thomas Homes draws you in with its substantial pillars, coved wood entryway, and dramatic roof-lines. The attached garage, also adorned in heavy cottage trim and shaker-style shingles, is positioned at a 90-degree angle to the house. The design provides cozy definition to the wooded lot, giving the house a “no place like home” sensibility.

Inside, a smart rambler layout stands ready to embrace an active family, yet its stylish approach quickly advises that this is not your father’s rambler. The floor plan is open, airy, and dressed up with cathedral ceilings and three fireplaces. Walking the line between convivial and chic, the home’s strong lines are tempered by its abundant alder wood finishes. Crown molding and wooden ceiling beams give warm comfort and contrast to the modern stone surfaces and dramatic heights. Extras such as wainscoting, built-ins, and 8-foot paneled doors further distinguish the house.

Everyday meals in the informal eating area are made special by a stone fireplace shared with the open great room. But it’s the formal eating area that brings uncompromising flare to the main level. Punctuated by arches and pillars, this striking space features a round design and faux-painted ceiling with cove lighting. It’s a unique room that raises the whole home’s entertaining level, notes the project architect.

The spacious cedar deck and screened porch showcase the property’s mature trees and extensive landscaping. Located directly off the gourmet kitchen, this lovely intersection of shelter and natural world will surely host neighborhood cookouts to remember.

The amusement continues in the lower level, where three bedrooms ideal for older children are housed. The area is enhanced with a beautifully tiled Jack-and-Jill bath, an adjacent laundry, and a generous entertaining space. An inviting “theatre-in-the-round” with pull-down screen and state-of-the-art surround-sound system will bring the party home. Whether the kids are hosting movie night or adults are gathered around the wet bar and fireplaces, this house is a versatile, entertainment workhorse.

But it isn’t all play. On the main level, French doors directly off the great room open to a study decked out in alder and walnut paneling. It features a beautiful workspace for two, designed for busy couples who lead active work lives and need a home office conducive to making off hours productive.

While practical in many aspects, with built-in storage such as clever alder lockers in the entryway and a hallway desk, the house is not without indulgences. A double-sided fireplace lends ambiance to the main-level owner’s suite bedroom, while simultaneously warming the bathroom’s air-jet tub and shower. Other amenities, including a laundry room off the suite’s walk-in closet and a family workout room on the lower level, make this a home of memorable comforts.

The final surprise is a spacious bonus room located above the finished garage. With high ceilings and light-capturing windows, this sweet spot will make a perfect playroom, artist’s studio, lodging for overflow guests, or for one very lucky mother-in-law.

BUILDER
Anthony Thomas Homes

HOME LOCATION
Minnetonka

SUPPLIERS
Anchor Block Company
Appollo Systems
Cartier Lighting
Elnapress
Furniture Manor
Gray Gardens
Guyer’s Builder Supply
Harmony Melamine Creations by Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.
Hedberg Masonry & Landscape Supplies
Peters Billiards
Pipeline Supply
Plato Custom Concepts
Roth Distributing Company

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