Modern Elegance Meets Minnesota Lake House

Architect Charles Stinson Builds The Quintessential Midwest Lake House For One Miami-Based Family, Featuring Luxurious Guest Quarters And Modern Design

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Family is everything to these Miami-based homeowners. When they decided to build a vacation lake house in Minnesota, naturally, they wanted something that would comfortably accommodate themselves, their children, grandchildren and the generations to come. Upon becoming familiar with Charles Stinson’s architecture through friends, the couple knew their love of art, nature and entertaining family paired perfectly with the Charles R. Stinson Architect team. Known for his timeless architectural style, and a distinct way of marrying the home and landscape together in unbelievable ways, Stinson and interior designer Kim Streeter worked together to create the Florida family’s dream getaway … Stinson’s signature contemporary prairie-style home and classic modern interior.

Nestled outside the Twin Cities on Lake Minnetonka, this vacation home is the embodiment of all things “lake life.” Obscuring the front of the house, the site was reimagined by landscape architect Travis Van Liere, who created a border of double-lined pine trees at an angle for privacy. “The owners wanted something very natural,” Stinson says. “The home itself is a celebration of the local landscape and materials.”

Just a glimpse from the driveway is enough to understand the appeal of this 10,440-square-foot house. Three buildings run the expanse of the property: a modern garage, the main house, and a beach house on the water with a rooftop seating area and a state-of-the-art dock. Inside, the architect created an open flowing space, with windows lining the back, allowing the light to come in and the lake views to really shine. Neutral and natural durable materials fill the home, where Streeter carefully selected furnishings to withstand the test of time and let nature be the main focus.

Airy and bright, the living space is furnished in timeless neutral pieces, touches of warmth, and varying textures and finishes. “With so much glass, we didn’t want to get too bold with the furnishings,” Streeter says. “The eye just naturally and gently passes through and lets the outside be the show.”

Stinson and Streeter chose hand-hued, patinated, clear cedar for the ceiling, custom finished by artisan Darril Otto to warm up the great room. Natural limestone tile flooring flows throughout the space as organic colors, and patterns of fossils and relics become fun surprises along the way. Walls finished in a custom Italian plaster with subtle color variations give the home an Old World artisan feel.

One of the home’s unique highlights is the lower level guest quarters, complete with a fully loaded kid’s bunker and playroom — a must for the couple’s grandchildren and future grandchildren. Outfitted with a staggering 14 custom-designed, built-in bunk beds, these quarters are more than child’s play, featuring built-in bookshelves, a device docking station and beach-inspired furnishings and color palette.

Sophisticated and elegant, the master bedroom features soft textures and warm touches. A custom acoustic textile stretches across the wall behind the bed as a headboard, which adds to the softness and provides a sound barrier. Two unexpected glass pendant lights hang on either side of the bed that looks out onto the peaceful lake. The master bath is a retreat all on its own, boasting a fireplace and freestanding tub with an incredible view.

The back of the home opens up to a large deck expanse, complete with cozy hearthside social groupings and an infinity pool that looks out over the lake activities. The Miami family truly embraces the four seasons out here, sitting around a fire or in the pool while watching the boats pass by or taking in a sunset.

With sturdy natural materials, classic furnishings and careful use of light, Stinson and Streeter brought this couple’s dream to life. Warm wooden accents, rich texture play and a subtle nod to the beach culminated in something truly special and unique for a growing family to enjoy for many generations to come.

Story Credits:

Architecture: Charles Stinson, Charles R. Stinson Architecture + Design, Deephaven, MN

Interior Design: Kim Streeter, CRS Interiors, Deephaven, MN
Photography: Paul Crosby, Arden Hills, MN
Builder: Steven Streeter and Kevin Hilgers, Streeter & Associates, Architectural Builders, Deephaven, MN
Landscape Architecture: Travis Van Liere, Travis Van Liere Studio, Minneapolis, MN
Text: Katherine West

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