Photos Courtesy of Scott Amundson.
This rustic vacation cottage in northern Minnesota preserves the landmark of the lake surroundings and offers guests a warm welcome with the natural beauty of reclaimed wood. As an artist, the client wanted a natural backdrop to showcase her works of art. So, Nor-Son Custom Builders drew inspiration from the wooded landscape, using a combination of reclaimed pine, oak, and fir—complemented by Minnesota-native fieldstone—throughout the home. On the exterior, hand-hewn timber siding adds an Old World feel to the modern, energy-efficient structure.
Design details for the project evolved throughout the years, with a growing collection of inspiration photos guiding the way. One of the notable interior elements in the space is the daring red kitchen cabinetry, which adds a bold, playful touch to the casual environment. The cabinetry is complemented by a custom reclaimed wood range hood that was painted 50 years ago and now elegantly shows signs of its painted past.
In the great room, a two-story masonry wood-burning fireplace with a custom stone mantel captures attention, while crystal cabinets frame it with a custom hickory veneer edging.
Outside, a lakeside covered patio—clad in flagstone with a
fieldstone base—is the perfect spot for entertaining guests or cozying up with a book. The guest house and garage were remodeled to match the main home as well, and turf stone permeable pavers between the garage and front entrance were strategically placed to provide a porous and eco-friendly option for dropping off groceries without damaging the lawn.
Built in 2021 and 2022, the biggest challenge was sourcing the large amount of reclaimed timber and logs used throughout the home. However, by researching multiple sources in the upper Midwest to find materials, the team was able to use a combination of square timber and round logs to craft a cottage that mirrors the feel of a classic Minnesota cabin.
800-858-1722 | nor-soncustombuilders.com
2023 Midwest Home Design Awards | First Place Vacation Home in Minnesota
