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At Lake Country Builders, we believe true luxury lies in thoughtful design. The Birch Bluff Modern Cottage, our 2024 Artisan Home, embodies that philosophy at every turn. Designed in collaboration with architect Ryan Smolik and O’Hara Interiors, this home reflects the values that define our work as Minnesota luxury home builders: craftsmanship, collaboration, and care.

Trust and Intentionality

From the very beginning, this home was guided by trust. The homeowners had seen one of our past remodels and approached us to create a home that respected the neighborhood’s established charm while taking full advantage of a corner lot and sweeping views of Lake Minnetonka.

Rather than build up and dominate the site, the team chose to follow the land’s natural contours during the building process. We created a low-profile, timeless home grounded in its surroundings. Every elevation and orientation decision was made to strengthen the connection between home, lake, and landscape.

A Flow That Feels Effortless

Designed for single-level living, the Birch Bluff custom home prioritizes ease, comfort, and long-term livability. We laid out the entire main floor for smooth flow and accessibility. Wide hallways and multi-panel doors create a sense of openness, while expansive windows welcome natural light from every direction.

From the moment you step inside, the home design feels intuitive: each space leading seamlessly into the next.

To learn more about aging in place, check out this blog!

Architectural Highlights That Define the Space

Every detail of the Artisan Home celebrates connection to nature, light, and craftsmanship. The architecture embraces the site’s natural grade and preserves mature trees. Meanwhile, a four-season sunroom, with its tray-vault ceiling and walls of glass, offers a light-filled retreat that transforms with Minnesota’s changing seasons. 

The primary suite is stunning, combining spa-inspired finishes, a curbless shower, and wide doorways for both elegance and accessibility. Outside, a seamless transition to the patio creates a space idea for entertaining. And with its Certified MN Green Path designation and a HERS score of 46, the home proves that sustainability and luxury can live beautifully in harmony.

The Art of Material Selection

We intentionally chose every finish  for warmth, sophistication, and timelessness. The exterior’s Natural Cream siding and trim complement the Swiss Coffee walls inside, creating a natural flow from room to room.

In the kitchen, honed Taj Mahal quartz countertops with a dupont edge set the tone for elevated craftsmanship. Custom cabinetry, classic molding, and a balance of texture and tone add richness to the space. Throughout the home, details like a floating reeded vanity with bronze hardware, vintage Turkish rugs, and handcrafted mango wood chandeliers bring character and individuality.

The palette feels cohesive, intentional, and collected: a perfect blend of artistry and comfort.

Preservation with Minnesota Luxury Home Builders

Building on a corner lot near Lake Minnetonka presented unique opportunities for the homebuilding process. Privacy, scale, and natural preservation were key priorities. Working closely with the architect and city planners, we relocated the driveway to a shared entrance: a decision that not only softened the home but also enhanced lake views and pedestrian access.

Our team also partnered with an arborist to preserve healthy trees and restore the surrounding landscape with native prairie grasses, which improves water quality and supports local pollinators. 

A Home That Fits

This artisan home honors its setting, embraces natural beauty, and celebrates the artistry of intentional living. For us at Lake Country Builders, that’s what luxury truly means: homes built to endure, inspire, and connect.