West Coast family imbues Minneсоtа Lake House with Californiа's laid-back style

In the picturesque town of Wayzata, Minnesota, a century-old country estate along Lake Lydiard has undergone a remarkable transformation. A fashion designer and their family, who previously resided in sunny California, have moved into this charming abode, seeking to experience the natural warmth of the Midwest.

The architectural group Wittman Estes was called upon to breathe new life into the Lake Lydiard Estate. Their directive was to open up the home, make it feel more cohesive, and imbue it with a relaxed sense of Golden State cool.

The exterior of the house has been brightened up with a white oak entry door and a steel and cedar trellis over a brick patio. The statement staircase in the home has been reworked and serves as a sculptural heart of the house, with fluted details mimicking its curvature.

One of the most striking changes can be seen in the doors and windows, which have been widened and raised closer to the ceiling to allow for more expansive views of the lake. This alteration emphasises the seamless unification of indoor and outdoor spaces, a feature that the family cherished in their former Golden State home.

Inside, warm neutrals provide the base for eye-catching pops of colour. The kitchen, for instance, features a single, bilevel island with an integrated snack bar, white oak casework, and white marble counters and backsplashes with black flowing veining. A plaster fireplace with a precast concrete hearth has been installed where a 1990s brick version once stood, adding a touch of elegance and charm.

The residence had undergone five different renovations prior to the family's ownership. Yet, it is Wittman Estes' redesign that has truly breathed new life into this historic estate, transforming it into a contemporary haven that seamlessly blends the charm of the past with the sophistication of the present.

For a closer look at this stunning transformation, you can view the Minnesota lake house's photos online. Tori Latham, a digital staff writer at our website, has penned an insightful article detailing the family's journey and the metamorphosis of the Lake Lydiard Estate. Tori, who previously worked as a copy editor at The Atlantic and has written for publications including The Cut and The Hollywood Reporter, brings her keen eye and eloquent prose to this captivating tale.