From cottages to castles, the Lake Minnetonka area has some of the most unique and architecturally significant homes in the upper Midwest. And with a variety of architectural and design styles paired with a charming atmosphere, the area’s homes create the ultimate lake retreat just 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis.
“The lifestyle you get living around Lake Minnetonka is something you can’t find anywhere else in the metro. It’s truly special,” says Realtors Candi and Scott Stabeck, who specialize in real estate sales on and around Lake Minnetonka.
As fifth-generation lake area residents with more than 50 years of combined experience selling and buying homes, Candi and Scott have a unique understanding of the architectural styles and design elements that make homes around Lake Minnetonka one-of-a-kind.
As far as recent architectural styles go, four stand out as being the most popular: Cottage/Coastal, Minnesota Modern, Transitional, and Modern Farmhouse.
Cottage/Coastal homes have become one of the more popular architectural styles because they offer a true lake cottage feel with a modern-day floor plan, amenities, and flair, Candi and Scott said. They often feature sweeping roof lines, cedar shake exteriors, and beach-like qualities. Their simple design and charming exteriors are loved by many.
Minnesota Modern homes contradict the stark, white, contemporary look of homes from the 1990s. These newer homes have a warm, modern flair with slanted and flat roof lines. Their warm and natural-looking exteriors are inviting.
Transitional design is a well-balanced blend of styles, combining elements of traditional and modern looks into a cohesive and welcoming space. This has really become popular in recent years due to its flexibility, says Scott.
Last but not least, Modern Farmhouse homes feature an intriguing blend of classic and contemporary aesthetics. Their comfortable yet sophisticated looks feature neutral colors, smooth lines, and modern accents.
When you drive through the neighborhoods around Lake Minnetonka, these architectural styles are prominent, and for good reason. They offer an eclectic mix of classic architecture with modern flairs. A similar statement describes the interior design elements of these homes.
“We’ve really seen a change in the last 20 years as far as the thoughtfulness that goes into the design of a lake home,” Scott says. Many of the current design elements you see in homes today are used to showcase the stunning setting/views that Lake Minnetonka provides year-round.
A few common elements include nine- to 10-foot-tall ceilings, open floor plans with luxury owner’s suites, wide plank white oak floors, high-end tile and bath fixture selections, well-thought-out light fixtures, indoor sports courts, and home theaters.
Fun paint colors and wallpaper are also starting to make their mark on today’s homes. Whether on walls or cabinets, homeowners are starting to see the value of adding some accent color back into their homes.
Outdoor spaces have become a major factor when building a lake home, and large glass windows or entire walls of glass can help bring the beauty of the lake into the home. Additionally, bifold-style doors in place of traditional patio doors have become very popular for creating seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor spaces.
Incorporating pools and outdoor hardscapes such as fire pits, patios, and outdoor kitchens are very popular these days as well. “In the recent past, utilizing outdoor spaces has become just as important as the inside to create outdoor living,” Scott notes.
As intriguing and beautiful as the architectural and design styles are, the atmosphere and amenities found around Lake Minnetonka are the cherry on top when it comes to choosing a place to settle down.
In addition to being the largest lake in the metro area with over 100 miles of shoreline, Lake Minnetonka also has several popular lakeside destinations for dining and entertainment. Local marinas and yacht clubs also provide great service for boaters of all types.
The walking and biking trails near the lake are well-maintained, and the school districts are very desirable, providing a truly great environment to raise a family. “Every community on and around Lake Minnetonka has its own special charm,” says Candi and Scott.
While architectural and design styles will continue to evolve, the current homes around Lake Minnetonka offer a little something for everyone in a community fit for anyone.