Photos by Corey Gaffer
“We are a different breed of builder, because we—the owners—are actually the ones building the home,” says Kate Hage, who co-owns Hage Homes with her husband, Kerry. This project, a dreamy Wayzata home with sweeping views of Ferndale Preserve and Lake Minnetonka, only reinforces her sentiment.
On a near 5-acre lot with mature trees and unique elevation above the preserve, a stone turn-around driveway welcomes you to this tucked-away house straight out of a fairytale. The client wanted their new home to look as if it had always been there, Hage says, which is why the Minneapolis-based builder’s strengths—craftsmanship and detail—made them the perfect fit for the job.
The pair’s commitment to quality is utterly apparent as you walk inside, where a basketweave floor design immediately pulls focus in the entryway. In fact, careful attention to custom finishes like this took precedence in every facet of the project. For example, antique flooring sourced from a tobacco farm in North Carolina is both historic in nature and beautiful in composition, while the sunroom’s tile work is delicately hand-painted. The kitchen cabinets and drawers, which feature dovetail joints and ornate detailing, are highly customized by the best craftspeople in the Twin Cities. A recurring floral motif carved into pullouts, vanities, and more makes thoughtful appearances throughout the home.
An emphasis on natural materials is also evident, seen in the stone, stucco, and cedar incorporated inside and out. Reclaimed timbers enhance the walls and ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows send natural light into the 28-foot-tall living room, a massive wood-base island grounds the spacious kitchen, and a stone fireplace with a custom limestone surround keeps everyone warm during cold winter months.
Other standout elements include a custom four-season conservatory with full irrigation capabilities, operational windows, and temperature control; a stone porch with automatic retractable screens, a wood-burning stone fireplace, and ceiling heaters; a steel-and-glass “window wall” that peeks into a green-accented garden room from the kitchen; and a three-story staircase often drenched in sunlight. Décor and art fill open shelves and glass-enclosed cabinets, and in many spaces, unique light fixtures suspend overhead. A lower-level bar area, wine cellar, and billiards table round out the home’s extensive offerings.
The result is a truly custom home with unsurpassed care for not only the homeowners’ vision, but every detail and finish along the way—exactly what Kate and Kerry Hage promise every Hage Homes client.
