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Lady of the Lake

For years the couple that now owns this 1908 architectural gem overlooking Lake of the Isles took their daily run through its distinctive neighborhood. Like many who enjoy the area, they fantasized about owning a house on the lake. When a house they’d particularly admired was put on the market in 2003, they jumped at the chance to fulfill their dream.

The good news and bad news was that very little had been done to the property. The new homeowners could avoid the unpleasant task of undoing years of mangled “updating.” Fully appreciating the architectural history of the home, they willingly supplied the love, care, and respectful approach necessary to bring the home gently into the twenty-first century. They decided to live in the house for one year before beginning renovations, understanding that, like a relationship, it takes time to embrace the charms and challenges of a particular place.

This house, built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style by local architect Cecil Chapman, reflected the original owners’ extensive travels in Southern California. It was one of the first generation of homes on a newly dredged marsh called Lake of the Isles, created as part of the City Beautiful program that took place across the country at the turn of the last century. Although the home’s exterior can be classified as Spanish Colonial Revival, the elegant interior architecture is less easily defined. It includes elements of Georgian Revival in the moldings and fireplace mantle, as well as Arts and Crafts in the leaded-glass windows and handmade fireplace tiles.

When it was time to get to work, the couple turned to Tim Quigley of Quigley Architects, who has a particular interest in historic architecture and had worked with the owners on an addition to their previous home. They found themselves of like minds, recalls Quigley. “After a detailed meeting to understand the ‘laundry list’ of requirements for today’s living (which we do with every new project), we all agreed to maintain and restore the spirit of this home.”

Bringing the house into the twenty-first century meant expanding the kitchen to accommodate a large table for informal dining with a view of the lake. Although the expanded kitchen is large by 1908 standards, it retains the essence of an older, Spanish-style “working” kitchen, right down to the European terra cotta flooring. In deference to the past, the homeowners preserved the original butler’s pantry and selected reclaimed southern pine for the countertops here, a warm contrast to the granite that tops the kitchen counters.

Three cramped rooms across the front of the second floor were combined into a master bedroom that includes a romantic sitting area looking out on the lake—a space that immediately became a favorite reading spot. Ample square footage for a luxurious master bath, rich with stone and wood, was borrowed from a guest bedroom. A sleeping porch at the back of the house, originally hung with hammocks on sizzling summer nights, was combined with that guest bedroom, adding back a good portion of the lost space. It too has its own bathroom, as does a third bedroom on the same floor.

The basement was finished simply, giving the homeowners a place to watch TV—an occasional activity not central to their lifestyle. A screen drops from the ceiling when they do choose to watch. The third-floor servant’s quarters were converted into a workout room and studio. And, finally, a strictly pragmatic addition: The mudroom. What home in Minnesota doesn’t need one?

The couple relishes these updates, but their real delight was uncovering their home’s architectural past and bringing it back to life. He researched the fireplace tile and discovered that the original 1908 sales receipt was available at The Moravian Pottery & Tile Works, a Doylestown, Pennsylvania, company still producing today. He had complementary floor tile made for the entry. Only a trained eye would know it was not vintage. A pattern from the original ironwork gate—still in use—was copied for a new a railing around the terrace and balcony.

Though its original millwork was dark-stained mahogany, as was typical in 1908, the owner’s research shows that by 1926, most of the trim had been painted except for in the dining room. Painted woodwork in the colonial style became very influential in the 1920s, explains Quigley. “This was a backlash to all the dark woodwork of the previous era, and many of these homes were painted during this time.” The home’s current owners’ preserved this alteration to the original. “I doubt that we would have the courage to paint mahogany,” he admits. “But I’m glad someone else did it. We prefer a lighter home.”

The couple reports the joy of participation throughout the process, though they did move out for more than 10 months while work was underway. He visited the site every day. At times, without walls and floors and ceilings, they couldn’t imagine it would all come together. Yet they remained faithful and proclaim a heartfelt appreciation for the general contractor, Choice Wood. Meanwhile, she took on the task of interior design, selecting materials, color palettes, and furnishings. It proved to be a natural expression of her background in art history. The interiors are understated, classic, and comfortable. She didn’t try to add “wow” here; instead, she chose to complement the architecture.

Their efforts culminated in a livable home that is true to its history. “I think this is their way of giving back to the lake, the lake they have enjoyed so many years as runners,” Quigley says. A sentimental idea, perhaps, but surely an honorable one. With architectural history disappearing all around, this elegant house will remain a gift for new generations of walkers, bikers, runners, and residents to enjoy.

Alecia Stevens is a frequent contributor to midwest home.