Anyone who lives or drives around Minneapolis has had the pleasure of viewing some of the most iconic structures in the area – the Mushroom houses, or as they’re also known, Gnome homes and Hobbit houses. These cottage-inspired structures, with their mushroom cap-styled roofs, were designed to blend into their surrounding landscapes. Master Builder Earl Young was the designer behind many of the homes in the area, which bring interesting character and a sense of whimsy to the neighborhoods where they’re located.
Recently, two of these unique homes went on the market, which is a rare opportunity for buyers. “These iconic homes are so desirable and people sort of covet them,” says Ellyn Wolfenson, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty in Minneapolis. “We're just so honored to represent them.”
The first one, located in the desirable neighborhood of Kenwood Parkway and priced at $1,075,000, is like something out of a fairy tale. “To me, it's like a gingerbread house,” she says. “You follow the breadcrumbs to this home and all of a sudden there’s this complete treasure at the end. It's the most charming character-laden home I have ever been in.”
Adds her colleague, Realtor Matt Baker, “It's a country estate, and the romance and excitement begins well before you walk into the home. It's a double lot and it's on a parcel that's extensive without proximity to neighbors. You're in this remarkable location where you can walk to the sculpture garden or brunch at the Walker. And you have these outdoor spaces, probably four to five distinct patios, decks, and a porte-cochère. When you look at the entryway of the home with its table, it's like you're in Tuscany. People just so enjoy the inside and the outside of the home.”
Another aspect that makes this home special is a renovated carriage house with a full kitchen. It can be an office, a studio, a gym, apartment or anything the buyer wants it to be. It can even be used as a rental property.
The second home, offered at $4,599,000, is much larger, and oozes luxury, but its historic details have been lovingly preserved in keeping with its landmark status. “In my opinion, this is probably the most iconic home in the Lake of the Isles area,” says Ellyn. “I remember this home when I was a little girl, but since then it has been completely redone. They managed to keep the integrity of the home since its inception and it’s absolutely beautiful in every way. It's the most design-forward home while keeping the integrity of the home that I've ever seen.”
“I would just put an exclamation point on what Ellyn said,” says Matt. “I don't think there’s another home in Lake of the Isles of that vintage. They didn't try to make it something that it isn't, but they spared no expense whatsoever mechanically or structurally. It’s truly better than new and that's really significant. There's a profound investment in every aspect. It's just enchanting.”
It has a magnificent backyard space with glimpses of the lake as well. “There's also an English-inspired screened four-season porch that's just stunning,” says Ellyn. “With its chaise lounges, you can just imagine yourself falling asleep there or watching the world go by.” A stone fire pit area and covered patio add even more charm.
The two homes are at very different price points, so there’s an opportunity for buyers who may want to stay at a somewhat lower budget to those who prefer to purchase bigger at a higher-end price.
The Kenwood Parkway house, explains Ellyn, is the sister house of the Lake of the Isles home, so there's a relationship between the homes. They were both built in the very early 1920s.
“Everyone is so excited and impressed with these homes,” says Matt.
By the time this article is published, these charming and captivating homes may be off the market, but if not, Ellyn and Matt look forward to giving prospective buyers a tour of one or both.
“These are really gifts to the community and to the neighborhoods,” says Matt. “There's such an artistic element there.”
To contact the two agents about these or other homes on the market, call Ellyn at 612-644-3033 or Matt at 612-860-4222. They both enjoy working with Coldwell Banker and can assist buyers and sellers all throughout the Twin Cities area.
Coldwell Banker’s mission is to create and promote: positive experiences for its customers and communities; opportunities for personal growth; change and innovation; and a fun, fulfilling, and respectful environment. Services include the professional coordination of the home search, property marketing, negotiation of purchase or sale and details of closing. The Coldwell team strives to deliver a positive experience for every customer. This is accomplished through the collaborative efforts of all members who are dedicated to the success of every housing transaction. They’ve been getting high marks from their home buying and selling customers in Minnesota and western Wisconsin since they opened for business in the 1970s. It is their plan to continue this tradition. coldwellbanker.com.
Kenwood
Address: 735 Kenwood Pkwy
The Details
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Four bedrooms - two primary suites on separate levels with new fireplaces and baths; a third bedroom features a playroom tucked behind 18th-century carved doors.
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Four new bathrooms.
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Marble kitchen.
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Expansive living room/dining room featuring hand-carved marble fireplace leading to a Parisian-like bistro.
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Finished lower level with 850 square feet that has been freshly painted and carpeted.
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Four updated gas-burning fireplaces.
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New French oak hardwood floors.
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Designer light fixtures.
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New HVAC system.
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Private double lot with winding driveway to a park-like backyard.
Lake of the Isles
Address: 2388 W. Lake of the Isles Pkwy
The Details
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Light-filled interiors.
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Open-concept kitchen.
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Luxurious bedroom suites with spa baths.
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Extraordinary skyway family room with circular library and hidden flex-space.
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Refined sophistication throughout the home.
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Panoramic vistas.
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An extensive 2020 renovation that includes new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
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Magnificent waterfront views.
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Integrated modern-day sensibilities and irreplaceable style.
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Curved, wrap-around wood shake roof.