A Minnesota Lake House Built on Legend

And this cozy dream house illustrates exactly what ails lakes throughout the Midwest and everywhere else outside a state or national park. Mow down the trees and native vegetation along the shoreline, to improve the view. Plant grass up the edge of the lake and spray it with chemicals to keep it free of pesky forest plants that shoreline animals need to survive.

A "Cabin Up North" is a family gathering place for generations of Minnesota's families--- not all of whom are in love with "knotty pine". While this pretty lake home keeps its occupants' eyes on the views outside and is clearly decorated for warm weather occupancy, all the elements of "cabin" gathering spaces are present. A sauna down by the lake would make it perfect. I wish Ellen Moses and her family many summers enjoying Minnesota's lake country and bringing inspiration for her ceramic projects back to New York. As a note for those considering renovations: It is a real project adding imported appliances to kitchens in small towns or at lake homes. The installation can go well, but any repairs in the future or needed parts can require long wait times and the right person to come from miles away. I loved my Miele cook tops and the Euro energy saving features of my Swedish washer/dryer but even in St.Paul (MN's capitol city) a certified repair person wasn't easy to find. Find one before you install is my advice.

To each his own - if we all liked the same thing it'd be pretty dull. That said, I guess it's just my taste (or lack of) but to me this lake house has all the warmth and charm of a surgical suite.

What happened to the animals?

Clicked on the link embedded in the slideshow to Ms Moses's website. Exquisite, original art work.

hmmmm ... two New Yorkers luck into a lake house in fly-over country with some pretty interesting quirks ... and proceed to spend a small fortune to strip it of anything of interest, turning it into something resembling a modern big city apartment. How nice for them.

Beautiful house. Minnesota is such a pretty state.

This is a nice story but I have to wonder if someone in this couple has a sizeable inheritance, unless their jobs are more lucrative than they sound. It seems like this sort of lavish renovation, plus an apartment in the west village, would be out of reach for most people.

I have to laugh. ... "it soon evolved into a full-blown gut renovation of both structures." In my experience there really is no other kind in an older home. Here at our "Cabin in the Sky" we have the bank balance to prove it;) Their project is nicely done. Good for them!

How nice for them.

What is the median income of a Times reader?

Love it !!! Exactly what I would love to live in as I am considering downsizing for my elder years. Best wishes for many years to come with your wonderful lake house.

Gorgeous house in a beautiful location. The guest house is a wonderful addition.