Lake Minnetonka retreat becomes permanent home
The family first bought the 1960s-era home on Lake Minnetonka nearly 20 years ago as a weekend escape. Back then, their four children were young, and the lake offered a place to unwind between soccer practices and school events. Over time, the house became more than a retreat—it hosted holidays, birthdays, and impromptu weeknight stays when schedules allowed.
Now, with their kids grown and grandchildren arriving, the owners decided it was time to rebuild. The original structure was torn down, and in its place, a full-time residence designed to blend lake-cottage charm with modern comfort. The project was led by Sharratt Design & Company for architecture, John Kraemer & Sons for construction, and Sarah Randolph of Randolph Interior Design.
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The goal was simple: maximize lake views, create spaces that worked for both adults and children, and ensure the home felt timeless. Randolph described the vision as “a classic lake cottage, approachable but still sophisticated.” Nautical blue accents were woven throughout the design to complement the water, while large windows and open layouts kept the focus on the outdoors.
The living room anchors the main floor, with a fireplace, built-in shelving, and easy access to the kitchen and sunroom. That sunroom, with its soaring cedar ceiling and stone fireplace, quickly became the owners’ favorite spot. It’s a place to read, watch a game, or chat without disrupting meal prep. French doors open to an raised stone patio, where guests can step outside and take in the lake.
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Upstairs, the primary suite and a guest bedroom offer privacy, while the walkout lower level is built for family gatherings. A custom bunk room—designed with grandchildren in mind—squeezes in sleeping space without sacrificing fun. Nearby, a recreation room includes a bar, gaming area, and a lake bath with a changing room for quick dips.
“The bunk room was a labor of love,” Randolph said. “We had to eke out every inch of space to get those bunks up above, but it ended up being one of the most fun spots in the house.”
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The owners, who had never built a home before, called the process seamless. “You could tell the entire team had a lot of mutual respect for each other,” one said. “They made everything go smoothly.”
For now, the house is no longer just a weekend getaway. It’s a place where holidays, summers, and spontaneous visits can unfold without the rush of packing up and leaving. The lake, once a backdrop for occasional escapes, is now part of daily life.
