A major renovation reimagines a historic country estate in Minnesota. A new floorplan layout and interiors modernize the home with a contemporary look and flow for a young California family.
The sprawling, serially remodeled historic house on the shore of Lake Lydiard had dim, disconnected interiors that blocked the sightlines between rooms. The mismatched styles of five successive renovations over the last century left the expansive house feeling small and dark. Disjointed remodels included one for the art collection of the editor of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. A 1980s postmodern exterior overhaul layered on thickened trim, oversize square posts and a smoked glass half-round port cochere. The 1990s kitchen remodel added heavy dark surfaces and trim and multiple small islands.
Fashion designer Melanie Owen, her husband Matt, and their two children were originally from California and accustomed to indoor outdoor living. They bought the Lake Lydiard estate and needed to adapt their warm California lifestyle to the cold Minnesota climate. Used to sunshine and surf culture, Melanie was new to the snow and ice and uncomfortable with the dark inward emphasis of the new house. Melanie called on architect Matt Wittman, whose firm Wittman Estes designed two previous houses for the Owen family in Seattle.
Wittman Estes based the new design on natural beauty surrounding the house, opening views to the lake and forest. In the foyer, a blocky central stairwell was replaced with a sculptural curving stair. New expanded windows and doors open onto an outdoor terrace with new trellis. A new white oak entry door and steel and cedar trellis bring a California vibe to the quiet classic façade, -- weaving together old and new.
In the entertainment room, a plaster fireplace with precast concrete hearth replaced the 1990s brick. New wood soffits and terrazzo tile floors add warmth and texture to the room. Expanded doors and windows were raised closer to the ceiling to bring in lake views. Kitchen walls were opened up to connect sightlines to the foyer and stairway. The architects removed the small islands and simplified into a single, central bi-level island. Dark stained maple and black granite counters were replaced with white oak casework and marble countertops.
Having worked together for over ten years, the collaboration between architect and fashion designer yielded a fresh style rooted in a historic house and a common passion for outdoor living. The formerly inconsistent spaces are now connected, enabling the Owen family to enjoy outdoor decks, pool, and the lake through the seasons. Entertaining both small and large groups are made easy with the new flow through the house.
