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By Chris Lee
Photo by Steve McHugh
My last search took more than a year, and involved dozens of open houses. But when my husband and I walked into the house we own today, we knew it was the one. Not that it was perfect—“needs TLC,” read the ad; “teetering on the brink of beyond saving” was more like it—but it was home.
We dove in—first tackling dull, but necessary, fixes, like gutters and a new roof. We worked our way up to fun stuff, the kitchen facelift, the redesigned laundry room, and the remodeled baths. Several projects later, we’re almost ready to start redoing our redo’s.
Or move.
That’s an option most homeowners consider when they contemplate a major remodel. Some people choose a fresh start in a new home; others prefer to stay put and revitalize their familiar spaces. You’ll meet a couple of the latter in this issue.
In an interesting twist on the old cliché about the shoemaker’s children, architect Charles Stinson and family lived for more than 15 years in the Deephaven home he designed, sans a backyard living space. After contemplating a move, he and his wife decided instead to add a yard and—with a push from daughter Jessica—a swimming pool. As you’ll see in “Playing Pool” (page 54), Stinson designed a pool and patio that allow the family to live outside as much as in.
Next, visit Kent and Suzy Swanson in their “Barefoot House” (page 72). Faced with that do-it-or-move moment some 25 years ago, the Swansons weren’t even tempted to look elsewhere. Not when their cramped home sat on the shores of Lake Minnetonka on land that had been in Suzy’s family for generations. They called on architect Mark Nesset to modify the house to suit the rhythms of their lives. He’s been doing it ever since, completing projects that now (according to the latest count) have touched 14 different areas of the house.
And don’t miss the Edina remodel featured in “For Art’s Sake” (page 58). This modern gem, transformed by iconic architect Ralph Rapson, easily found a new owner eager to appreciate its flair.
Whether you’re on the cusp of your own new-or-do-over moment or just looking for ideas, you’ll find inspiration in this issue.
Enjoy.
Chris Lee, Editor
clee@mhmag.com
11 ISSUES (1 YEAR)
