Designed by Chicago architect Hugh Garden and advertised as a “tear-down,” this 1905 Craftsman-style lakefront retreat boasted sweeping porches, idyllic views of Lake Minnetonka, and moments of leisurely reprieve. Falling in love with these features our client purchased the house, saving it from the wrecking ball. Intent on restoring the house, she knew truly caring for the house meant making it viable into the future.

The project consists of a large addition and extensive remodeling of the basement, first, and second floors. In accordance with preservation principles, the building’s character has not been compromised.

Even with the addition of 2,855 livable square feet, the building keeps consistent human scale and is both expansive and enveloping. Carefully considered site lines through the building means spectacular views of the lake can be experienced from many vantage points—including the back of house.

Her ideal kitchen needed to accommodate a dozen cooks for her Sunday Supper gatherings, yet be intimate enough for daily use. Within the new kitchen is a work space designed for one, which connects to multiple prep areas able to expand in scope depending on the number of occupants.

Additionally, the site has a new boathouse built in the location of an existing one. Treated as an extension of the house, it’s a vital component of the lake experience and serves as both front and back door within its context. The structure draws on precedent from the main residence with authentic rafter tails to unify the character of the property.