Stepping Into Lake Minnetonka Luxury

Built on the northern coast of Lake Minnetonka, the custom home nicknamed the ‘Wayzata Bay Coastal,’ designed by architect Kathryn Alexander of Alexander Design Group and constructed by builder John Kraemer & Sons, won a 2022 Best in American Living Award for its well-scaled design and comfortability. Even from its portico entryway, the special attention to detail to create a one-of-a-kind lake house is evident.

The home’s barrel-vaulted portico entryway is a recurring design element in Alexander’s portfolio, a work of classic Lake Minnetonka craftsmanship with a clean, coastal look executed by Kraemer that also delivers some unique custom features requested by the homeowners.

The portico entryway into this Lake Minnetonka home is surrounded by cedar siding, natural stone, and copper finishes. 

“The clients really wanted to go for an East Coast lake home look with stone accents, cedar siding, and a natural cedar roof. The exterior also has a lot of copper details that were important to the homeowner,” says Kraemer.

Framed on all sides by expansive windows, the entrance into the Wayzata Bay custom home is bright and inviting upon first glance from the motor court all the way up to its arched front door. Those soft curves are broken up by patterned finishes higher along the front facade, including an eye-catching strip of diamond-shaped siding.

“The entryway features soft rounded corners and some very cool siding details that the Alexander Design Group put into the plans and our craftspeople executed. On either side of the entryway, the siding includes a diamond pattern that catches your eye when you walk into the home.”

The home's siding surrounding the entryway features a striking diamond pattern that contrasts the soft curves of the main entrance.

But even from the front of the home, the most important consideration for Kraemer and Alexander was the striking lakefront view from the backside of the property. That view is central to the entire home’s design, which is why it’s visible even from the front door. 

“From the entrance, you can look straight through to the lake view in the back of the house,” says Kraemer.” That’s really what the home is designed to spotlight.”

Location: Deephaven, Minn.

Architect: Alexander Design Group, Wayzata, Minn.

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons, Wayzata

Interior designer: Redpath Constable Interior Design, Minneapolis

Photos: Spacecraft