Arts and Craft Cottage

Autumn Drafts, The Lakestyle Featured Home

By Joni Danzl Mon, Aug 10, 2009

Arts and craft cottage on Lake Minnetonka combines quality, style, and charm.

Sven Gustafson of Stonewood Design Build looked forward to the challenge when he began this building project (with design by Sharratt Design) on Lake Minnetonka in Shorewood. The beautiful wooded lot sloped down to the shore and offered spectacular views, but how to go about taking full advantage of it was the task at hand. With a 1/3 acre lot, and 95 ft. of lake frontage, the owners wanted to maximize lake access and lake views. They also wanted to include a 3-car garage without allowing it to overpower the house. What resulted, with clever design, careful planning, and expert craftsmanship, was a charming 5,800 sq. ft. residence with easy lake access and lake views from nearly every room. Gustafson says, "The tight site was really a challenge. Also, we didn't want the house looking like a 'garage house'. The unique orientation we came up with keeps the garages from becoming the focal point, yet allows easy access. Two garages have their entrance from the sides. The third garage, tucked back from the street, has its entrance from the front, but the door is camouflaged with a cedar overlay.

Finished less than a year ago, the home looks well-established in its wooded setting. The exterior combines cedar shakes and natural stone with bold accent colors. Faux slate roofing combines low-maintenance with a traditional appearance. Copper gutters complete the luxurious cottage feel of the home's facade.

Concept Landscaping developed the outdoor design. There were challenges there, too. Local ordinances limit how much of the lot can be covered with hard surface, so these areas had to be strategically planned. Access down the slope to the lake was accomplished effectively with a combination of woodchips and granite steps.

A custom-designed plank-style door welcomes you into the foyer. The first thing you notice is the great room straight ahead, and down two wide stairs. Its expansive lake view is remarkable. A curved stairway off the left side of the foyer leads your eye to the upper floor.

The homeowners wanted to use warm earth tones and natural materials for a cozy and casual living space. Hand-scraped cherry floors are complemented with earthy colors, including touches of red. In the great room, upholstery fabrics in coordinating patterns lend interest and sophistication without overpowering the room. Antiqued chocolate brown leather chairs provide stylish seating and pick up the color in the custom draperies. These chairs, along with the charming and roomy sofa invite you to come in and visit, read a book, enjoy the lake views or a cozy fire. The area rug continues the earth-toned theme, picking up the chocolate brown and adding touches of brick red.

In the kitchen, hand-scraped cherry floors and custom cherry cabinetry continue the rich color scheme. Honed granite countertops in sandy taupes, grays, and golds, on an island with a custom Soapstone sink add style and luxury to the room. The commercial grade stove is built into an arts and crafts-styled alcove.

A 36" Sub-Zero refrigerator and 36" freezer are fully integrated and outfitted with custom, faux-painted cabinetry.

An artful mixing of patterns in the dining room brings the home's color- scheme to life. Coordinating area rug and patterned upholstery provide continuity between the great room on one side, and the four season porch on the other. There's plenty of room for entertaining large groups in here, or for small, cozy family dinners. Floor to ceiling windows provide more glorious views of lower Lake Minnetonka.

The home's upper level includes three bedrooms, three baths, office, laundry room, and plenty of storage! Each bedroom features custom-crafted built-in window seats with wide views of the lake and treetops. The master suite features a vaulted ceiling, spacious master bath, and walk- in closet with built-in dressers, benches and storage. The "bonus space" above the garage includes a 12' x 14' sewing room, storage closet and separate bathroom, all hidden behind a custom door that looks like a piece of furniture.

The lower level exercise room adjoins a 20' x 29' sport court, which can be used for basketball, volleyball, handball, or other sports. The theater, with plush reclining seats and acoustical wall, provides a unique movie-watching experience. The adjoining oversized bar makes entertaining a special treat for hosts and guests alike. A lower level guest bedroom and bath gives guest privacy and ample space to relax and rejuvenate.

The house was completed in January 2006 after approximately eight months of construction.