This English cottage is steeped in tradition when it comes to finishes, details, and furnishings. At the same time, its design and conveniences are all about how active empty nesters live today and plan for aging in place tomorrow.
Above: Natural stone, cottage-style windows, and prominent gables give this home its English-countryside good looks.
These homeowners wanted the home they plan to live in after retirement to be a “small jewel box,” says Sven Gustafson of Stonewood, LLC. While its 5,581 square feet isn’t exactly cramped, everything they need is on the main level—not to mention an elevator near the secluded master wing, the upstairs office, and the lower-level family room.
The open floor plan of the public space gives them a modern spaciousness, while the bedrooms remain private. Superbly rendered details reinforce the home’s traditional styling and provide the ideal environment for the homeowners’ art collection. The distressed antique cabinetry in the kitchen, living room, and dining room sounds the same theme, as do the handcrafted timber trusses that line the great room and form the lintels over doorways throughout the house. Wide, character-grade hickory flooring with French-bleed, chamfered edges adds to the richness of the finishes, as does the leather–finished granite of the island.
The roomy living room features 9-foot 4-inch walls, and its peak reaches 18 feet. A Juliet balcony overlooks the room, adding a charming detail to the space. An adjoining sunroom shares the two-sided stone fireplace and makes a lovely spot to enjoy the changing seasons. Just outside is a small grilling patio with its own water feature.
The lower level includes two bedrooms that share a bath, plus a guest suite with its own. On balance, however, it’s a man cave. The homeowner’s dream of a golf simulator found a home there, and nearby a small bar topped with leather-finished granite will keep the golf party in food and drink. Other amusements nearby include a pool table and media center.
Every amenity and space in this house was chosen with an eye to simplicity and ease. And the location in Locust Hills includes access to Lake Minnetonka and no maintenance. All is ready for the perfect retirement.
By Chris Lee
Photos by Spacecrafting
This home was featured on Midwest Home’s 2015 Luxury Home Tour.
Architectural Designer: Stonewood, LLC
Interior: Studio M Interiors
Builder: Stonewood, LLC
Sponsors: ALL, Inc., Granite-Tops Stone Countertop Outlet, Hedberg Supply, Landscape & Masonry, Phantom Screens, Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.
