There is something special about enjoying Minnesota lake living during the summer. It can be peaceful and tranquil, and also be a place for endless activities and adventures. One of the best things about living near a lake is exploring the water by kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply relaxing to soak up the sun on the dock.
The changing weather during a Minnesota summer can be its own adventure. You can enjoy watching a storm brew across the lake as dark clouds roll in. Before you know it, thunder and lightning will be putting on a show. While enjoying Minnesota lake living, it can go from stormy to sunny in a matter of minutes. This means it’s a good idea to have options on how you want to spend your day. It’s typical to spend a few hours on an outdoor project in the humidity and then take a plunge into the lake to cool down. Lake water is the perfect escape from the fleeting summer heat. Then, of course – followed up with an iced drink on the patio.
Let’s take a look at this lake home featuring beautiful landscaping, a patio to enjoy lakeside views, and a newly updated kitchen that complements the waterfront location.
Outdoor Minnesota Lake Living
One of the best things about living on a lake is the ever-changing activities. From busily entertaining guests on the weekends, to enjoying quiet mornings with a cup of coffee – lake living adjusts to whatever the vibe is. Because many lake homes have smaller yards, homeowners often showcase detailed landscaping.
A walkway of florals and greenery guides your way to the front door. Many homeowners enjoy spending time attending their flowers and keeping the landscaping to keep it in gorgeous shape. The entrance is original to the home and the current homeowner has personalized the porch with chairs and decor. The craftsmanship front door is solid wood with pillars and three glass windows to let light in, while still remaining private.
The back patio is a comfortable space to share conversations with guests, or just relax in solitude. This patio mainly serves as an evening gathering place, while the lake is where most of the afternoon activities happen.
On the patio, a moveable fire pit is constructed of a heavy iron bowl with feet that are held in place with cement footings. Weatherproof Lands End chairs that have been around prior to the purchase of the home. They are also able to take a beating from weekend bonfires and kids wet from the lake crawling on them.
As you head down a set of stairs from the patio toward the lake, you see multiple bird feeders, offering unlimited birdwatching in a personal nature preserve. Baltimore orioles, hummingbirds, and cardinals provide daily entertainment. At times the feeders can attract more than birds. Chipmunks and squirrels love visiting and pick up leftovers that have fallen from the feeders. Nature is the main attraction when living on a lake. Recently, the homeowner saw a family of raccoons hanging out on their dock.
Waterfront Kitchen Update
When you’re living on the lake during the summer, one of the most central places is the kitchen. This kitchen saw a recent upgrade, including Cambria countertops and a striking blue wall color to bring the lake palette inside. The space is centered around an island, creating a perfect landing space for breakfast and the daily news.
The kitchen underwent a major transformation from dated green walls and granite countertops, to a freshened palette with quartz surfaces, which offer a durable and stain-resistant surface. The homeowners frequently have family with small children visiting, so the ease of soap and water for countertop cleanups is definitely a plus. The family also uses natural Norwex cleaning supplies to limit chemical use throughout their home.
This homeowner liked the existing kitchen flow, but wanted a style refresh that made sense for how they used the space. A challenge was making the two-toned cabinetry work with new paint and countertops. The homeowners loved the detail in the custom cabinetry, which boasts exceptional craftsmanship. The floors, cabinets and appliances were in great condition and did not need updates.
Highly Recommend Lake Life
Design elements can vary from one lake neighborhood to another, but one thing stays true, and that is the sense of community a lake living provides. From community bike rides, yoga clubs and fishing, to catching up with a neighbor on the dock. Cheers to the activities that take place and memories made (with more to come!) in this lovely lake home.
