Skip to content

Revamped Minnesota Lake House Adopts Californian Aesthetic Origins of West Coast Family

Fashion designer and family transform a Minnesota lake house, infusing it with vibrant California-inspired ambiance.

California's West Coast style living transplanted to a Minnesota lake home by the family.
California's West Coast style living transplanted to a Minnesota lake home by the family.

Revamped Minnesota Lake House Adopts Californian Aesthetic Origins of West Coast Family

In a remarkable transformation, a century-old lake house in Wayzata, Minnesota, has been brought into the 21st century by the architecture firm Wittman Estes. The project, known as the Lake Lydiad Estate, is a stunning example of blending historic character with modern design, creating a spacious and light-filled home that seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor spaces[1][3].

The California-based family, who recently moved to Minnesota, purchased the 3-acre country estate and set out to breathe new life into the disjointed home, which had undergone five previous renovations[4]. Wittman Estes was tasked with the challenge of opening up the home, making it feel more cohesive, and imbuing it with a relaxed sense of Golden State cool[2].

One of the most significant changes was the redesign of the kitchen, now featuring a single, bilevel island with an integrated snack bar, white oak casework, and white marble counters and backsplashes with black flowing veining[1][3]. The statement staircase was also reworked into a sculptural feature, adding a touch of modern elegance to the historic home.

To emphasize the indoor-outdoor connection, doors and windows were widened and raised closer to the ceiling, offering breathtaking views of the lake. The exterior was brightened up with a white oak entry door and a steel and cedar trellis overlooking the lake. Warm neutrals and pops of color were used inside the home, while terrazzo tile flooring was installed as a modern contrast to the elegant herringbone wood floorboards[3].

The plaster fireplace with a precast concrete hearth replaced a 1990s brick version, adding a touch of sophistication to the living room. The fashion designer's family can now enjoy their new Minnesota home, a perfect blend of historic preservation and contemporary living[1][3].

Read also:

Latest