Streeter

When designing a new home, the focus is on balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal, and that begins with understanding the site. A narrow lot with limited frontage on Lake Minnetonka in the quaint community of Cottagewood presented both challenges and opportunities. This award-winning lake house establishes a strong sense of place, seamlessly blending with the neighboring homes and the traditional character of the community.

By opting for a traditional gabled form and cedar shake shingles, the home's exterior honors the charm of coastal cottages, while modern elements like blackened steel frames and glass panels add a contemporary touch. Inside, multifunctional spaces maximize the layout, with smart solutions like a tucked-away pantry and a glass-enclosed mudroom that feels like an enclosed breezeway connecting the kitchen and garage.

The home’s material palette is understated yet purposeful, featuring European oak floors with a matte oil finish and shou sugi ban wood paneling in the den. Richly textured interior details include Calacatta marble tile, rubbed bronze hardware, rolled steel doors, and handcrafted Italian plaster walls. Outside, wraparound ipe decking, a Brombal blackened-steel-and-glass entry door, and Loewen windows frame views of the lake and European-inspired landscaping.

Thoughtfully integrated spaces for art and ample outdoor living areas further enhance the functionality of this relaxed, beachy home. Every detail was executed with precision, making it not only visually striking but an easy, livable, and welcoming retreat.