Lake&Home Magazine Jan/Feb '18

Lake Home & Cabin Show • Windows are Important • Focal Walls • Choosing a Boat S u b s c r i b e b y v i s i t i n g w w w.l a ke a n d h o m e m a g o n l i n e.c o m

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

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LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018 LakeAndHomeMagOnline.com

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CONTENTS

56 VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 1 • JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018 LakeAndHomeMagOnline.com

10 From the Office

by Erin Hintz

12 Lake Home and Cabin Show Show map on page 16

Interior Design 18 Windows are Important: Why do we Neglect Them?

by Robert M. Brown

FEATURED HOME

48 Worth the Wait

Lake Ida Dream Home Completes a Vision

by Angela Garvin

FEATURED HOME

Home Sweet Home 56

on Cross Lake

by Patrice Peterson

Lake Gifts 26 Gifts for the Lake Lover

FEATURED HOME

Interior Design 28 Focal Walls

by Tyler Wirth

Designer Portfolio 88 Grand Log Homes

by Danielle Brewer

Service Directory 94 Find the Right Professional

for Your Next Project Featured Lake 98 Maple Lake

Teamwork Polishes 68 Maple Lake Gem

by Patrice Peterson

Home Experts 36 Your Questions Answered by Our Panel of Experts

On the Water 38 How to Find the Best Boat For You

by Alicia Underlee Nelson

Cover photo by Kip Johnson See story on page 68

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LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

Volume 20, Issue 1 • JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018 PUBLISHER Kip Johnson Lic. #BC520694

EDITOR Brent Rogness CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kip Johnson ADVERTISING/MARKETING CONSULTANT John Burns LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE – ADVERTISING SALES Erin Hintz • 218-205-2120 erin@lakeandhomemagazine.com Jerry Shea • 218-205-7454 jerry@lakeandhomemagazine.com Trista Larson • 218-731-0255 trista@lakeandhomemagazine.com

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LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE Published bimonthly by Compass Media PO Box 9761, Fargo, ND 58106 (218) 205-2706 lakeandhomemagonline­­.com artwork@lakeandhomemagazine.com Unless previously agreed, all rights remain the sole property of Lake and Home Magazine. ©2016 Compass Media Except for purposes of review, material contained herein may not be reproduced without prior written consent.

Printed by LSC Communications, Long Prairie, MN, USA

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FROM THE OFFICE

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From the Office

ike many Minnesota kids, I grew up with what I believe was an incredible luxury–spending many dreamy summer days at “the cabin.” What I doubt most people who aren’t from Minnesota realize is that in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, “the cabin” could be one of many lake places within “the family.” In my family, my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and my mom and dad each had their own little slice of Minnesota paradise. Summer weekends were spent making irreplaceable memories with the whole family together, tubing, fishing, skiing, jetskiing, having cannonball contests off the pontoon and playing card games with cousins on sunset rides.

Not only did many family members have their own lake places, but different kinds of boats were dispersed throughout the family as well. My grandpa had a fishing boat that really only served the purpose of fishing. My brother and my dad are avid skiers so we had a speed boat. My aunts and uncles had pontoons. “Back in the day” we went to different lakes, or trailered boats around depending on what type of boat would suit our lake plans.

This is no longer the case. You don’t have to spend much time on the lake to see people pulling skiers and tubers, fishing and lounging all out of the same boat or pontoon. They’re built now to suit a wide variety of needs and finding one boat to meet all of your family’s desires is no longer a challenge. Isn’t that how it should be? Lake time is family time and what better way to enjoy the lake than to pile everyone into one watercraft to spend the day on the water, with many entertainment options.

If you’re in the market for a boat that will accommodate a variety of lake activities, the “On the Water” article in this issue will be one you won’t want to miss.

Another excellent avenue for exploring boat options is the Lake Home & Cabin Show in Minneapolis. But the opportunities at the show don’t stop there! Whether it’s watercraft or waterfront products and services, you’ll find everything you need and more.

Building or remodeling? They’ve got you covered. With numerous experts at the show, you’ll come away with ideas galore.

You’ll have no trouble finding contractors you can trust with your projects.

Looking for unique home decor or furniture? The options are endless. Plan to spend the better part of at least one day walking through the show. You’ll be glad you did!

In this issue, you’ll find more information on the Lake Home & Cabin Show, as well as a map of the venue, identifying the booths of the professionals who contribute to Lake and Home Magazine.

Be sure to also stop by Lake and Home Magazine’s booth, #631! We hope to see you all there February 23-25!

Erin Hintz Advertising Sales

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ave you ever wanted to remodel your lake home, but have no idea where to start? Perhaps you have always wanted to own one, but you cannot find the right one for you.

Whether you are located near Minneapolis, or are the type to pack up your car and take a road trip, the Lake Home & Cabin Show is on February 2325 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Take a weekend away from your busy life to start planning your future second home. Â How did this show come about?

According to the founder, Dave Greer: “I was working for a sport show company... this is how I got introduced to the show business. I wanted to create and come up with my own idea. I was sitting outside at

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12 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

a home on a lake and was daydreaming and listening to all the laughter, the boats going by, kids having fun, people running on docks and it hit me right there.”

In that moment, Greer realized he was listening to the sights and sounds of an untapped market.

“No one is talking to this audience; no one is talking specifically to this group of people. The lakes are huge for everyone, it is their passion, and it is what they want to do. They work all week long and want to get away and this is where they want to go and enjoy doing with their weekends,” he says. “I used to think, people that had projects or work to do on the house, they were welcome to do it at the cabin

and would run up to the cabin and do it, but when it was at home, they would get around to it maybe in the next year.

Everyone was always so anxious to get to the lake and live that lifestyle.”

Building the plan for a successful Lake Home & Cabin Show has always revolved that enthusiasm people have for life on the water… the home away from home.

“When people come into the show they are in such a good mood. It is unlike a home and garden show where you can find new gutters. We really have tried to create a nice entrance, we have music playing and it is fully carpeted that is easy to walk on and is bright and cheery with

legitimate booths. There is a lot to see, to do, and to show as well.”

To welcome you into the show, you hear the music of Neal Topliff, a pianist that has been around this show since it started.

The best part about the Lake Home and Cabin Show is that it is the only show in Minnesota for second homes. This show is not just another show, it is a lifestyle, one that will offer thousands of ideas to help you plan your future second home or help you make decisions about remodeling your already second home.

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The Lake Home & Cabin Show is an annual public event entering its 14th year. According to the show organizers, “About 15-18,000 people attend this show every year. The show is a one-stop shop event for ideas and products.

This lifestyle show will have more than 250 exhibitors showcasing everything you need and want for your lake home, cottage or cabin.�

What will I find at the show?

A glimpse of what will be found at the Lake Home and Cabin Show includes rustic furniture and furnishings, architects, builders, and remodelers, sporting gear, outdoor equipment, landscaping, custom products, and much more. How-to seminars and demonstrations also highlight the event. These are free to attend and include special features such as Pollinators Live with Rob Mies, cooking demonstrations with Chef Patrick Moore,

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and educational seminars with author/ architect, Dale Mulfinger, who recently wrote the book, “The Family Cabin.”

The exhibitor list features some of the biggest and most trusted names in the industry. The Lake Home and Cabin Show typically showcases the best of the best, as they share their products and plans. Some of the companies attending include Golden Eagle Log Homes, Cedar Creek, Nor-son Custom Builders, Viking Log Furniture, Custom Timber Frames, and more.

Multiple vendors are available to not only help you build and create an outstanding

lake home, but also furnish and decorate it as well. A fun fact is that all of these exhibitors come from the Midwest, providing a friendly, relatable, and relevant atmosphere for many attendees.

This year, the show slogan is “Life Should Always Be This Fun.” Take a weekend away to relax, unwind, and have a blast with your family and friends. What better way to “get away” this winter than to attend this three-day event to help you get settled in your lake home or start looking for ideas in a second home. ~L&H

WHAT: The 14th Annual Lake Home and Cabin Show WHEN: Friday, February 23 2 pm – 8 pm Saturday, February 24 10 am – 6 pm Sunday, February 25 10 am – 4 pm WHERE: This show will be located at the Minneapolis Convention Center at the address of 1301 Second Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

ADMISSION: Tickets for adults are $12, Youth ages 5-15 are $5 and children under 5 are free.

If you would like to save $2 off of your adult admission, coupons are available at lakehomeandcabinshow.com

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330

631

621 119 120

245 246

748 749

151 105

851

251 252 254 655 302 358 401

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Exhibitor Booth Locations:

Check out these quality exhibitors at this year’s Lake Home & Cabin Show. Use the map to the left to find booth locations.

• Alexandria Homes Booth #655

See our ad on page 13

• Amazing EZ Screen Porch Windows Booth #245/246

See our ad on page 79

• Baratto Bros Booth #251/252

See our ad on page 17

• Blue Ox Timber Frames Booth #358

See our ad on page 73

• Boat Lift Helper Booth #621

See our ad on page 12

• Capital Granite Booth #254

See our ad on page 81

• Enercept, Inc. Booth #851

See our ad on page 73

• Floe Booth #151

See our ad on page 14

• Great Furniture Gallery Booth #330

See our ad on page 97

• HighPoint Homes Booth #401

See our ad on page 71

• Hillside Lifts Booth #119/120

See our ad on page 12

• Lake & Home Magazine Booth #631 • Screen Area Enclosures Booth #105

See our ad on page 21

• Sharp Edge Hardwoods Booth #302

See our ad on page 15

• Wes Hanson Builders Booth #748,749

See our ad on the Back Cover

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INTERIOR DESIGN

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When it comes to our homes, whether it is in the suburbs, the middle of a city or at the lakeside out in open country, we love to get everything perfect. From remodeling the kitchen to the color of the bathroom walls, we are very particular about where we call home. But even with all of that care, we often forget our windows, or rather, we don’t really forget them, but take our windows for granted. Yet the windows of our homes and the window treatments, are really important, not just from a decorative point of view, but for the home itself.

There are many ways that windows, and window treatments, are important, and this is especially true for homes in the country, at lakeside or anywhere more open to the elements. There are obvious functions windows do, they let in light, and if yours don’t, you need to speak to your contractor today because something has gone terribly wrong! They also provide ventilation, and both of these things are complimented by the kind of window treatments added to them.

The reason this means something is not because we don’t like sitting in the dark at midday, but because letting in light also gives our homes warmth. The natural heat

from the sun can be an important source of heat on a cool, crisp fall day, and that is not all. Ventilation is also important, a cool breeze on a warm day is nice, but ventilation is more than that, giving your home the air it needs to breath, preventing condensation and other problems stale air can cause.

However, today as energy costs rise ever upwards, it is the energy efficiency of windows that can make a real difference, and one that we should all pay attention too. Whether heating or cooling our homes, the energy required to do either is most likely the biggest expense you have for running costs, so anything we can do to keep that cost as low as possible has to be a good thing. That is where window

efficiency comes in, and why it is often a very cost-effective thing to do to replace old windows with new, energy efficient ones.

Modern vinyl-framed windows are available in so many different styles to match almost any existing windows, but they come with many benefits. Because the vinyl frame has great thermal performance itself, the window overall has incredibly high insulating abilities. Whether you have the heating or air conditioning on, less heat travels through the window.

Your unit does not have to work so hard, which saves energy and can even mean less maintenance is needed.

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Vector Windows makes a standard double-pane, LoE coated glass that is also considered double-strength glass. In winter, these are designed to dramatically reduce window heat loss, protecting homes as temperatures dip. In summer months, the windows transfer less heat because the sun is filtered and reflected back outdoors. The result? Savings on energy and a lighter monthly bill.

Modern windows have other benefits.

The frames are in all practical ways, inert. That means they don’t rot, they resist mold and mildew, they don’t flake and you won’t find a colony of termites setting up home in them either! Just an occasional wipe down with a damp cloth is all that is needed to keep them looking factory fresh. Now, less work to do around the home? That is surely interesting to everyone.

But windows are more than just the frame and glass, there are also the treatments we add inside, which are also important in their own right, but also form part of your interior design as well, so functional and decorative at the same time.

In the last couple of years, Minnkota Windows has seen an increase in exterior color options. The company has eight standard colors for the exterior of a window, with the majority of sales being white. However, recent trends have been turning to other colors: brown, bronze and other earth tones predominantly.

However, frequent customization and requests for red, blue and black are also popular. Minnkota will take any color sample from soffit, fascia or even a metal roof sample and match it for window exterior color or even just a brickmould color for trim accents.

Many will say the decorative aspects are the most important, but what they do to compliment the qualities of the window itself should matter just as much.

For instance, on a really sunny day, we may need the windows to be open for ventilation, but prefer to block out much of the light. Blinds are great for that, and

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stopping the home from heating too much through natural light can save money on cooling too.

Some window treatments are better for that than others, but whether you choose blinds shades, shutters or draperies, beyond the decorative looks that enhance your room, they are important as they add options for controlling light, ventilation and heat that come through the window. Which is best is a question that has been asked many, many times, and the truth is there is no ‘best’ type of window treatment, they all have benefits, they just take different approaches that have different visual appeal.

One thing they have in common is privacy. Closing drapes, shades, blinds and shutters gives your home privacy,

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and while this can be important in a city, for homes that spend time empty, such as a lakeside home you visit seasonally, it can make a real difference. With closed window treatments, the interior of your lakeside home is completely private when you are not there, and for many of us that extra peace of mind is one of the most important aspects of having window treatments. Knowing that the day you leave, everything is locked up and out of sight is just somehow more comforting than leaving the windows uncovered with the inside of the home open for anyone to see.

The idea of leaving a home, whether going to work during the day or a lakeside home you bid farewell to for the winter, also brings us onto the final aspect of windows that is incredibly important today, and that is security. The latest windows have high security locks and are incredibly strong thanks to their construction. This makes them a real boost to home security. Wherever your home is, being more secure when you are away is incredibly useful, not just from a practical perspective, but for peace of mind, and in some cases, upgrading old windows to new ones with high security

locks can even have an effect on home insurance premiums, saving money long term.

It is those second homes that we leave empty for several months of the year that get the most benefit from modern windows when it comes to security though. Tough frames and glass, secure locks and solid construction make them a burglar’s nightmare, and while a home that is out of sight and empty is always a little vulnerable, the risk is much less when the window security matches the rest of the home.

We take our windows for granted, but a window today, with its rot proof frames, advanced glass and high security locks, is very different from windows made even 20 years ago. No matter where your home is, new windows can add a lot, but for those of us with homes out by the lake, modern vinyl windows are the perfect choice. ~L&H

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INTERIOR DESIGN

photo provided by Bladow & Sons Construction

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Whether building a new home, remodeling a current space, or simply updating a tired room,

kitchens baths cabinetry countertops flooring tile

design decisions can be overwhelming, and so can the design style.

Traditional or modern?

Country or contemporary?

Industrial or rustic?

While many homeowners discover their personal likes and dislikes, and keep a consistent style theme throughout the home, there is also a growing trend to occasionally mix it up and make a statement. One straightforward and uncomplicated design choice is a focal wall, which can create a powerful, dramatic, and even “edgy” effect if used correctly.

“Sometimes people want to express themselves in a new and different way, but are hesitant to implement that expression across an entire room,” says Paula Boehm, of Paul Davis Design in Detroit Lakes, Minn.

“With a focal wall, they can think outside the box by painting that wall with a contrasting color, or using an additional material like wood or tile, or by adding a different texture to the drywall.”

Jamie Wallace, CKD

Full Service Interior Design

Calla Lily Designs 218.998.3889 1215 N. Union Ave. | Fergus Falls, MN www.callalilydesigns.com callalilydesigns10@gmail.com

photo provided by Paul Davis

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A focal wall, or accent wall as they are sometimes called, can be described simply as a wall that has a design somewhat different from the design of the other walls in the room. It’s a deliberate attempt to take the emphasis off the pattern created by those other walls and focus attention on the wall that is different.

“This type of feature draws your eye to that one wall,” says Boehm. “Depending on the traffic flow of the home and how you enter each room, you always want that first impression to be an ‘Ahhhh’ moment, and a focal wall is a great way to achieve that.”

photo provided by Ravnik & Co.

Wallpaper Making a Comeback A focal wall can also add impact and interest to a home – and even a little drama, according to Ruth Grundman of Ravnik & Company Interior Design in Alexandria, Minn.

“Some homeowners like to mix different styles together for more of a transitional look, like adding some modern to vintage or throwing a few industrial elements into

photo provided by Paul Davis 30 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

traditional,” she says. “Besides using a different color of paint, we’re seeing other materials used on these focal walls, including wallpaper – especially natural and textured wallpapers.”

A number of different types of grass cloth wallpaper are available, and putting it on one wall can take a room from a casual to a more formal setting. Grundman adds that texture can also add dimension to a room that needs more than painted walls and simple lines.

Wood on the Walls Tiffany Bladow of Bladow & Sons in Battle Lake, Minn., isn’t sure if she would call this renewed interest in focal walls a trend… yet. She says there do seem to be more homeowners who are looking for different ways to highlight special features or walls in new ways. Since they’re only putting a dramatic idea on that one focal wall, it’s a way for them to accent a room in a new way without covering all four of the walls.

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photo provided by Paul Davis

photo provided by Ravnik & Co.

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“Painting one wall a different color or putting tile on a wall were generally the most common ways to accent a singular wall, but now we’re seeing more and more interest in reclaimed wood, old barn wood, even old pallet wood,” she says. “In my basement I used raw wood that was just cut off the pallet. It’s a neat look, a more rustic look, but it also can come out to be less expensive, too.”

Add Some Stone The classic look of brick or stone on an entire wall can make a statement of sorts, whether it’s an extension of a natural

fireplace – or the wall behind a headboard in the bedroom. Natural brick or a stone like marble or slate have a beauty that comes in many shapes, colors and sizes. The cost can be prohibitive for many homeowners, but Grundman notes there are currently some new products on the market that are actually micro-thin slices of genuine slate and can be applied to any number of surfaces for an attractive, natural look.

photo provided by Bladow & Sons Construction

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“It’s lightweight, it’s durable, and also very functional,” she says, “and it can be a less expensive way to achieve the impact desired from a focal wall made of stone.”

So Many Options There are as many different ways to design a focal wall as there are people who desire them, and Boehm says designing a focal wall can also be meaningful to everyone involved.

“When we had to demolish a 100-year-old lake home, we collected some of the original home’s exterior siding, along with birch trees from the property, and created a special ‘nook’ for the new home,” she explains.

“This built-in cabinetry not only draws attention to that wall, but it has special meaning as a sentimental focal point for the homeowners.”

Sometimes it takes courage to move ahead with a creative idea that could possibly be extraordinary. In one home where a bathroom wall has horizontal wood on it, an old-

photos provided by Tiffany Sass / TEM Photography

photo provided by Paul Davis

photo provided by Ravnik & Co.

fashioned boathouse sign seems to hang on that wall. Upon closer inspection, it is actually a painting right onto the wood.

Boehm recalls another property with a full-sized outdoor scene that seems to be a part of the entire wall. A local artist created the work of art by “freestyle painting” the drywall when it was wet mud, and it dried into a textured masterpiece, creating an extremely personal area in the home.

“These focal walls are something that can represent you on a special level,” Boehm adds. “We encourage people that if they want a focal wall, they should dig deep for the kinds of concepts and ideas that will represent who they are, and sing to their soul.” ~L&H

Making the Decision As with many aspects of interior design, there aren’t any specific rules for focal walls. The key is they should only be considered when it’s the right time and the right place in the home – not when you run out of other ideas and can’t think of a different way to make a room less boring.

Some of the questions to ask yourself: • Why do I want to emphasize this

particular wall?

• Is there a logical reason for emphasizing this wall?

• Is there an existing feature on this

wall that I want to highlight?

• Do I need a design element to break up this large room?

• Do I need to define an area within

a larger space?

• Do I want to define a space in a

multi-purpose room?

• Would textured wallpaper add

dimension to the flat walls?

• Will my color choice for the focal wall make the room appear smaller – or larger?

• Will the colors complement each

other – or work against each other?

• Have I considered alternative

options – like adding color to the ceiling?

• How would the mood of the room change if I added wood to the wall? Or brick? Or stone? Or tile?

•

photo provided by Paul Davis

photo (middle) provided by Tiffany Sass / TEM Photography

Is this focal wall intended as a permanent change? Or is it a more temporary whim?

Your Questions

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Answered By Our Panel Of Experts

HOME EXPERTS

Question:

What are some creative wall décor options aside from the usual prints and photos?

Answer: Betty Ravnik Ravnik and Co.

I love this question. Almost anything can be used to decorate walls. Very easy alternatives are mirrors and clocks. The trend is toward jumbo sized but if you have a collection you can do a collage of small ones. A designer I know in Minneapolis collected clock faces and used those as art. The most beautiful display I have witnessed was a collection of paperweights where I could get up close to see the individual beauty of each one.

Items I’ve personally used in my own home consist of a collection of my grandmother’s hats and decorative plates. Anything that tells a story

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA

can be used such as clothing, textile fragments, baskets or antique tools. Keep in mind, small items need to be kept compact versus spread out across a wall. A collection needs to appear as one statement. A creative way to corral a small collection like spoons is to hang an empty picture frame around them. Even empty frames can become a collection!

Two keys to success with wall art are the height it is hung and the size of wall/art balance. Keep

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA

“My clients who have worked with American Federal for their construction loans have appreciated the welcoming environment and professional advice provided by Chris Marvel. The entire staff at American Federal is committed to making the financing process stress free.”

- Dave Erwin, Dave Erwin Construction, Inc.

117 South Mill Street Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218.739.3377 888.389.3377 36 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

the center of the collection or art piece at approximately five feet above the floor.

With that said don’t be afraid of adding art in unusual places like above a door frame, high cabinet or headboard. The key is art needs to be grounded by something other than the floor if you vary off the typical 5-foot rule.

A big trend in art is metal art. It introduces sculpture to the wall which can create needed texture and dimension to a room.

Maps are also trending strong because they come in colors, black and white and

a variety of sizes. An unusual trend is live plants which help filter the air and bring nature indoors, something valued in Minnesota winters. Moss and succulents can be used in containers on the wall because they need little to no attention.

Wallpaper, murals and even stencils can add interest without hanging objects to the wall.

You see, there is no limit to the ideas... except your imagination. ~L&H

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA

DOUGLAS COUNTY, MINNESOTA

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ON THE WATER

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Don’t think you have to win the lottery before you start looking: “Affordability is the number one concern,” said Lee Bakken, manager of Frontier Power Sports in Fergus Falls. “For first time boat owners, I think there’s a lot of misconceptions out there that it’s expensive to own a boat.” It’s not, he insists.

The statistics back him up. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the leading trade organization for recreational boating in the U.S., reports that 72% of boat owners reported an annual household income of less than $100,000.

There’s a boat for every budget, from small fishing boats to tricked out pleasure crafts built for speed and everything in between. And getting a loan you can afford might not be as hard as you think.

“With boats, there’s a lot of banks that will stretch those payments out,” explained Bakken. “The reason they’ll finance them longer is a boat doesn’t depreciate as rapidly as some other products. So you can make it very affordable.”

Once the papers are signed, maintenance and expenses for upkeep are minimal for most users. “The new engines are very fuel efficient,” said Bakken. “Most people in our part of the country change oil once a year and add gasoline as needed.”

TOP: Avalon pontoon photo provided by U Motors BOTTOM: Alumacraft / Yamaha boat photo provided by Frontier Marine & Powersports

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So come in with a budget and idea of what you can realistically afford to pay per month. Remember that you want the best possible boat for your money,

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018 LakeAndHomeMagOnline.com 41

but you don’t want to be so stressed out about overspending that you can’t get out and enjoy it.

Involve co-buyers from the start: “You get it a lot,” explains Brian Cain, marine salesman at Outlet Recreation in Fargo. “Maybe the wife is here, or the husband is scouting first.” Cain and his colleagues will take the time to learn what the customer needs, answer questions and show them some great options. Then the customer will explain that they’d love to buy – they just need to get their partner to come in first. When they do, the entire process starts over. And the buyer who made initial contact has to listen as the second buyer asks the same questions they themselves asked just a few days before.

“In reality,” Cain said, “it would be nice if both decision makers were here.”

Cain added that he’s happy to take as much time as both partners need to feel confident in their purchase. But working together on the project from the start

TOP & BOTTOM: Supra and Supreme boat photos provided by U Motors

is a much more efficient use of both buyers’ time. If you’re already planning a visit together, take a few extra minutes to sketch out a budget and write down any questions in advance. You’ll be on the same page and mentally prepared so you can focus on browsing the showroom instead of figuring out what to ask on the fly.

Know how you’ll use your boat: When you walk into the showroom or a boat show, be ready to answer a few key questions. (Don’t worry, you already know the answers.)

“When people come in, we ask them ‘Where are you going to use your boat?’” said Bakken. “What size of a lake? Are

you going to fish? Are you going to ski?

How many people are going to be in it? Are you going to be towing a skier or kneeboarder?

Salespeople aren’t being nosy – they’re being practical. “If they’re on a super small lake, putting them on a 25-foot boat isn’t really feasible,” Cain explained.

“It can’t even get to top speed. And some (lakes) have length restrictions. So usually, it’s going to be size first, and then we go to floor plan.” Motor size is the last piece of the puzzle.

Marine dealers are in the business of matching customers with the perfect boat for their needs, so be honest. If it’s just the two of you now, but you’re expecting

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twins and want to take them (and a bevy of their cousins) out for a pontoon cruise in a few months time, say so. If you dream of water skiing, but haven’t actually tried it yet, mention that too. A professional will help you make the best choice for both your current and ideal boat ownership scenarios.

Decide which conveniences are wants and which are needs: If you’re new to boat ownership or haven’t shopped around in a while, the electronic bells and whistles can seem overwhelming. “From trolling motors and depth finders, everything is going Bluetooth,” said Bakken. “The technology is endless.”

The advances in technology help to make boating safer and more convenient for users. And that’s a benefit for everyone.

“All of the new boats are loaded with the latest technology,” added Nate Harms, general manager of U Motors in Fargo.

“From GPS to cruise control, the amenities focus on ease of use that both new and seasoned boat owners can appreciate.”

Some new improvements are less flashy, but no less popular. Towing covers are pre-fitted, without the snaps of yesteryear, which saves customers time and energy.

And interiors have been re-tooled too.

“Flooring in fishing boats is going away from carpet and into vinyl floors just

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because of ease of maintenance and cleaning,” explained Bakken.

The towboat market has also followed a similar trend. “The introduction of synthetic flooring options to the marine industry in the past couple of years has been huge,” explained Harms. “It is less maintenance, more durable, and looks great.”

None of these advantages are strictly necessary, of course. But they do make using your boat more convenient, which means more fun on the water.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a lake place: A lack of waterfront property doesn’t mean a boat is out of reach. “Today’s boats are easier than ever to transport, unload and enjoy,” explained Harms.

BOTTOM: Nautique boat photo provided by U Motors LEFT: Bennington pontoon and Alumacraft / Yamaha boat photo provided by Frontier Marine & Powersports

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“With Fargo being only 35 minutes from some excellent boating lakes, anyone can load up the family, hitch up the boat and enjoy a weeknight on the water.”

“Trailers have gotten better so they’re easier for a person that doesn’t a have cabin to get a nice bunk trailer and pull it back and forth,” added Cain. Numerous Minnesota lakes and river-based state water trails offer public access for hours of boating fun. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers downloadable, county by county guides at dnr.state. mn.us/water _ access/counties.html.

Consider usage before buying an extended warranty: “Most manufacturers have a standard three year warranty on outboard engines,” said Bakken. That’s adequate for most people in the Midwest, who will only be

using their boats for a few hours a day on the weekends. But if you live on the water all year, you want to take a sunset cruise every night or if you want to triple the time you spend fishing, it might be worth asking your sales rep about extended warranties.

For boat owners who spend more time on the water than the average user, the extra investment is well worth it. An extended warranty can cover unexpected expenses and provide extra peace of mind. “It’s like health insurance for your boat motor,” said Bakken.

Find a dealership you click with: “At the end of the day, it’s not only about the boat, it’s also about the dealership,” said Harms. He and all the dealers interviewed for this article indicated that a dealership and a salesperson should be willing (and excited) to go above and

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beyond the basics to make a customer feel comfortable, both on and off the water.

So don’t be afraid to take the contact information your sales rep offers and don’t be shy about asking questions. Inquire about services that the dealer offers – from winterization to conveniences like a delivery option. If you’re a new boat owner, it can be very reassuring to have an experienced employee actually get out on the water with you and walk you through everything you need to know.

The right dealership for you is the one that will walk you through the process, answer your questions and be available for follow-up and service. A true professional knows that helping you find the right boat for you is important. But helping you make memories on the water for years to come is the real goal. ~L&H

BOTTOM: Alumacraft / Yamaha boat photo provided by Frontier Marine & Powersports

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F

FEATURE HOME

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T

he journey to their dream home on the lake took longer than expected, but Tom and Deb Hertzog truly found their own special corner of the world on Lake Ida, near Alexandria, Minn.

The Hertzogs started their adventure in Freeport, Minn. They decided early in their marriage that living on the lake was the ultimate goal for them, so they set out searching for the perfect home. The couple scouted many towns, including Brainerd and Walker, as well as Big Birch Lake and Little Birch Lake near Grey Eagle and St. Rosa.

They considered buying a few different lake homes, but couldn’t quite find what they were looking for. Eventually, they decided that maybe it was time to start looking for the perfect lake lot.

Five years after they purchased their lot in the association, a fantastic land lot came up for sale, one that Tom and Deb had walked past many times during their Saturday morning strolls during the summer. However, the price was higher than they felt comfortable with, so they decided not to buy.

During their search for a permanent place on the lake, they came across an available lot in the Big Horn Cove Association on Lake Ida and decided to invest. They placed a trailer on their lot and spent nine summers enjoying their seasonal spot and acquainting themselves with the lake.

The lot went off the market for a while, and two years later it became available again at half the price. After talking it over with a realtor and a contractor, they decided it was time to buy. With a deep ravine down to the lake, it was the perfect spot to build a two-story home with many lake-facing windows; a must-have for the couple.

“Every place that came up for sale, I can guarantee you, we looked at it,” Tom said.

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After closing on the property, Tom and Deb took a small table and two lawn chairs, walked through the woods and down the ravine to the shoreline. They opened a bottle of wine and waved at the boaters passing by as they celebrated their new adventure together.

“We worked hard to get to the water, and once we gave up and said, ‘okay God, maybe we aren’t going to do this,’ it happened,” Deb said.

“It was just meant to be.”

The sale of their house in Freeport and their lot in the association took longer than anticipated, but the couple persisted with their plan to live on the lake and eventually sold each property.

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“We work hard to put a personal touch on each of the homes we build for our customers.

We design for them.�

Jim Hiltner

Hiltner Construction, Inc. Even though the house was still under construction at the time, the Hertzogs moved into their lake home in December of 2014.

With a toaster on a makeshift countertop, one functioning bathroom and a camp stove set up in their garage, they made it work.

The house was fully completed in January 2015.

The 2,800 square foot home is striking from the road, with its hand-hewn log siding, residential steel roof, and stonework on the lower portion of the outside of the structure.

Walking in the front door, you are immediately struck by the large windows in the great room and the fabulous view of the lake in front of you.

A noteworthy touch by the architect, Jody Wehlage from Kraemer Lumber out of Melrose, is the continuation of the hickory wood ceiling from

the inside of the great room to the overhang on the outside of the home, as well as the overhang over the front door. That detail extends the room and makes it feel even more spacious. Another focal point in the room is the stone fireplace done by Alex Brick and Stone, and Fireside Hearth and Home - that leads your eyes all the way up to the vaulted ceilings and gorgeous light fixtures.

Off to the right, is the dining area and kitchen, beautifully mixed with different materials, old and new. In their dining room sits a hutch and table setting that was in their home in Freeport. A sliding door leads to the maintenance free deck and steps leading down to the backyard that features much of the landscaping done by Bob Brickweg of Colorful Seasons.

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In addition to helping the Hertzogs select the best flooring for their home, Genie from Traditional Floors assisted Deb in locating the breathtaking granite countertop for the kitchen island with its mix of shades of black, grey, copper and brown. She also helped the homeowners by selecting the matching backsplash and finding the right paint colors for the rooms.

Furthermore, she guided them

through the process of determining which walls would receive certain colors.

Walking back through the great room you find the master bedroom and bathroom. Like most of the rooms in the house, the master suite has a fantastic view of the lake, which was exactly what the homeowners wanted.

Heading over to the garage you walk through what they refer to as the mudroom, passing a half bathroom and laundry room.

Over their three-car garage is a fully completed bonus room that could be used for a man cave or game room. This effective use of space, that is often not utilized, was a suggestion made by their contractor Jim Hiltner,

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of Hiltner Construction, Inc., based out of Freeport. For now, they are using it for extra storage.

Hiltner is someone the couple has known for many years. They’ve come to trust him for his expertise. “He finishes projects well and is meticulous about the details.” Deb continued, “He communicates well and uses high-quality materials. We enjoyed working with him.”

“We work hard to put a personal touch on each of the homes we build for our customers,” said Hiltner. “We design for them.”

Off the main entryway is a staircase with a small window at the bottom, facing the road. On the windowsill there are signs that their beloved dog, Molly, has chosen her favorite spot in the home. A few precious nail scratchings mark where

she eagerly watches for delivery men that stop by occasionally.

Up the stairs is a charming loft space which overlooks the great room and dining area and has a stunning view of the lake. The open and airy feel makes it a wonderful place for Deb to have her home office, a suggestion made by their architect. “She talked us through the process and presented her ideas well,”

“We get to come home to this every day after work, not for just a week or two during the summer. We are very blessed. I hope we get to stay here for 30 years.”

Deb Hertzog Homeowner

Deb stated of Wehlage. “She gave us samples and options to make the best decisions we could.”

Wehlage enjoyed working with the couple. “They did build themselves a gorgeous house,” she commented, “but I believe they made it an even more beautiful home with their awesome personalities - both inside and out.”

The lower floor includes two bedrooms and a full bath, as well as a family room area with a walk out to the backyard. They decided to put in a wet bar for the lower level, a feature of the home that has been enjoyed by the many visitors they have had, including their children and Deb’s sisters. Having a space just for guests has been beneficial, allowing them to have some privacy while they visit.

The lower level also has a workout room overlooking the lake, with its main features being a cork floor and an infrared sauna.

Another special part is the tuck under garage that is level with the lake.

Although they are not able to use it for their boat like they originally planned, it has become an additional space for storage as well as a great spot for hosting get-togethers during the summer.

The couple has enjoyed the community on the lake even more so since they built on the peninsula.

Deb runs a 5k each weekend with a friend nearby and is part of a book club that meets occasionally. “The neighbors are fabulous people, and fun to be around.”

Since building their home, the couple has been hosting get-togethers with family and friends, starting with a housewarming party with 70 people in attendance.

The Hertzogs are looking forward to spending Christmas with their children, their spouses, and their five grandchildren, who are all between the ages of five and seven.

Tom said, “We are appreciative that we have had this opportunity. We worked really hard to get here.”

“We get to come home to this every day after work, not for just a week or two during the summer,” Deb added.

“We are very blessed. I hope we get to stay here for 30 years.”

Though the journey to their dream home took more years than they anticipated, it is clear when you talk to Tom and Deb that it was worth the effort and the wait. ~L&H

Deb has hosted a cousin get together, which included 30 people just from her father’s side of the family.

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F

FEATURE HOME

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F

amily cabins are usually considered summer retreats that are beautiful, wild and rustic, especially for those families who pass them down to be enjoyed by future generations. When it comes time to update or rebuild a tired or worn-out cabin, though, memories and traditions tend to combine with conventional ideas and values when it comes to style.

“It’s common for many lake homeowners to yearn for the warmth and feel they’ve become accustomed to over the years,” says Matt Schmidt, the in-house architectural designer for Wes Hanson Builders, a family-owned business in Crosslake, Minn. “The traditional rustic cabin look with plenty of stained wood,

continues to be very beautiful and very appealing.”

Beauty can be found in many different forms, however, and over the past few years, Schmidt has seen clients looking at the lakes area styles in a different way. It’s common for design styles to transition over the years (remember the contemporary look of the 1950s?), and new, unique lake homes with their own kinds of charms are reflecting a national shift in style.

In what Schmidt calls “a breath of fresh air,” one family lake home was recently rebuilt in a style that the homeowners call minimalistic, with a combination of East Coast Hampton and modern farmhouse.

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One Kind of Family Every family has a unique situation. In this case, the original owners continued to live in the cabin during the entire summer, and their four adult children (and grandchildren) visited often. Entire family gatherings took place each year around the Fourth of July and Christmas.

When it became apparent that the cabin they had owned and enjoyed for 30 years needed updating or rebuilding, they all knew and agreed they wanted to create a plan that would fit the dynamics of this family.

“ Besides the distinctive look of this home, it was also designed to be functional for a multi-generational family.”

IN-HOUSE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER FOR WES HANSON HOME BUILDERS

Matt Schmidt

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With more than 5,000 square feet, eight bedrooms and 5-and-a-half bathrooms, this new home turned out to be exactly what they wanted and needed. JW Luxe Designs out of Greenwich, Conn., helped provide the contemporary and personal touches throughout the home’s interior that made it their own.

How it Began Construction of the new home got started in the fall of 2016. The property also boasted an original boathouse, which was left standing and remains as a focal point of this charming property on Cross Lake that has a gradual slope down to the beach.

Another stipulation included their desire to work with the kind of company that could handle all aspects of the building process – everything from the beginning to the end. The homeowners had detailed ideas about all aspects of the design and specifically did not want to bring in an outside architect.

“Besides the distinctive look of this home, it was also designed to be functional for a multi-generational family,” says Schmidt.

“It’s built so that when only two people are living there, it’s cozy and quaint and doesn’t feel like an expansive mansion.

But when 20 people are there, it still feels cozy and quaint, but doesn’t feel crowded.”

“When the homeowners approached us about building a home in the fall of 2016, one of the most important stipulations was that it be totally completed by May of 2017,” says Schmidt. “This was going to remain a 100 percent family home, and they didn’t want to miss any part of the summer season.”

As the inhouse architect, Schmidt worked with the homeowners on all of those wants, needs and ideas, and came up with a custom plan that included everything from door styles to trim to windowsills to stair railings to layout and floor plan.

Although Wes Hanson Builders has a solid reputation as a premiere home builder in the lakes area, Schmidt and others at the company were excited to branch out and expand from building traditional

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“ It ’s built so that when only two people are living there, it ’s cozy and quaint and doesn ’t feel like an expansive mansion. But when 20 people are there, it still feels cozy and quaint, but doesn ’t feel crowded.”

IN-HOUSE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER FOR WES HANSON BUILDERS

Matt Schmidt

“ This is not the usual local lake home feel, and it also is not the usual suburban house feel, with a number of contemporary design elements.”

IN-HOUSE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER FOR WES HANSON BUILDERS

Matt Schmidt

lake homes to show their capabilities and design options in building a home that was “more modern than most.”

A Unique Style “This is not the usual local lake home feel, and it also is not the usual suburban house feel, with a number of contemporary design elements,” says Schmidt. “There is cable rail at the deck, a wrought iron stairway railing, antique glass in the

kitchen cabinets, a Greek Revival type trim, painted cabinets in shades of whites, blacks and grays, and a black accent on the white window and door trim both inside and out.”

Other innovative elements include pocket doors in the upstairs area. Designed specifically for extended family, there is an office, a long hallway and an “adult parent suite,” a smaller bedroom and a

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bathroom. When the entire family is there, these pocket doors can be closed to provide each family with privacy.

Shiplap – painted white wood on the walls – brings a bit of a beachy feel to the lake home’s mood. More bold color is added as an accent with furniture, pillows, window treatments and rugs.

Living Outside Stretching across the entire length of the house is a traditional element in this not-so-traditional home. A spacious deck faces the lake, with screened in porches on either side of it – one for dining and one for lounging.

Infrared heating is built into the ceilings of both porches, and an outdoor staircase leads to the lower patio below, where a beach shower is built in below the deck.

One of the original ideas in the design of the house was a tuck-under twocar garage. Although it couldn’t be incorporated because of the lot width, a smaller storage garage was added that faces the lake and holds all of the beach “toys” and snowmobiles.

Adirondack chairs surround the massive pebble stone fire pit in the yard leading from the deck to the lake, and another family tradition is building campfires almost every night.

An Amazing App With the homeowners out of town throughout the home’s construction, Wes Hanson Builders utilized a software app that allowed them to “be there without being there.” Each day a report was uploaded that noted which workers were on site and what they were doing, along with photos, and the ability to make choices and enter change orders.

“This is especially helpful when a client is far away – it keeps them active and involved and feeling that they know where we are every step of the way,” Schmidt says. “It’s a kind of a diary that tracks daily progress and reports it to the client. It also keeps a daily log for future reference and is a nice central hub and a way to keep track of things, especially for a builder of our size, with 50 employees.”

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“ There is a history and a previous legacy they hold on to. It ’s a special relationship with the place, the lot and the trees, and it creates an intimacy unlike any other that drives the entire process.”

IN-HOUSE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER FOR WES HANSON BUILDERS

Matt Schmidt

A Collaborative and Cooperative Effort Keeping in line with the hopes and wishes of the homeowners, this custom masterpiece was completed within the seven-to-eight-month time frame, and the family could all be together for the annual Fourth of July gathering. That’s the kind of “happy ending” that drew Schmidt into residential design in the lakes area.

Working in residential design and building homes in the lakes area has a different dynamic from other types of architecture and design, according to Schmidt.

“People have extraordinary connections with their cabins,” he adds. “There is a history and a previous legacy they hold on to. It’s a special relationship with the place, the lot and the trees, and it creates an intimacy unlike any other that drives the entire process.” ~L&H 66 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

Bringing the House Down When it came time in the fall of 2016 for the original home on Cross Lake to be torn down, the homeowners decided to go in a different direction. The local fire department burned the house down as a training exercise for firefighters throughout the area.

Starting on the second floor and working their way down to the basement, minor fires were started, and the trainees responded as though each one was an actual fire. Every aspect of firefighting was used for the training, including the length of reaction times, jumping through French doors, and breaking windows. It took an entire day to complete the valuable training process, and then the remaining house was excavated in the “normal� way.

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FEATURE HOME

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On 815-acre Maple Lake, a few minutes south of Alexandria, a recently-constructed gem of a home opened its doors to a tour.

From conceptual sketches to the finished product, many provided input and no stone was left unturned in exploring and delivering immaculate detail. With Maple Lake views spanning nearly three quarters of the compass, not only do the homeowners enjoy sunrise and sunsets like few can, the home itself is more than a sight to behold.

Acquired in the 90s, the property hosts many memories – swimming, fishing, learning to waterski – yet the original home encountered a time it could no longer meet the needs of the owners. It is beyond amazing to stand in today’s masterpiece and think in 2008 the owners were told “tear it down and put in a gazebo.” Down but not out, an uncharacteristically wet 2013 pumped new life into the idea of building and in 2014, the owners reached out to Jay Paulson at HighPoint Homes to start their creative venture.

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Spearheading the tremendous build, HighPoint Homes teamed up with Woodland Home Design and Blue Ox Timber Frames to bring together the owner’s dream. The tour displayed incredibly detailed taste and innovations throughout the home, many revealing adventure in their origination, installation, or imagination. Paulson, owner of HighPoint, adds that while “…a lake home plan dealing with roughly an acre and salvaging part of an old foundation was especially challenging, the [owners’] long thought process, taste, and selections give a great feel and it was a fun project.” Along those same lines, Kim Green of Woodland Home Design recalls the planning and “…how you really have to coordinate well with everyone because with the timber frame, the lot lines, and the oak to save, it was a challenge to design but very fun to see how it all came together.”

“A lake home plan dealing with roughly an acre and salvaging part of an old foundation was especially challenging, The owners’ long thought process, taste, and selections give a great feel and it was a fun project.”

HighPoint Homes

Jay Paulson

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Upon moving forward, there were a few key tenets in play from start to finish. First, taking advantage of the wide spectrum of Maple Lake views was paramount. Second, the concept of an open home was crucial to accommodate several objectives. Last, and equally important, a motto of “no regrets” served as an umbrella protecting the build from rushed decisions.

The phrase “Framed in February” undoubtedly carries images of our frigid Minnesota winters, but serves as a fond memory the owners share of the home’s early building phase.

Building began the fall of 2016, with major construction wrapping up later that year with some of the owners’ hands-on adventures spanning well into 2017. Ashley Trousil, of HighPoint Homes, a chief interior designer, recalls “…it was a long thought process, but I was amazed with how well prepared the homeowners were and the myriad of good questions they asked.”

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Outdoors, the home has a clean, modernmeets-rustic feel as cedar timber frame components accent the Walnut LP SmartSide supplied by Hilltop Lumber. Minnesota Gutters adds to the overall look with colormatched gutters which are unobtrusive from both in and outdoors. Strategically placed outdoor lighting enhances the home further with both up and down light washing of the walls. Permeable pavers installed by Creative Landscaping tastefully comprise the driveway, sidewalk, and front porch.

Upon entry, even the small foyer provides proof of an open floorplan desire, and the kitchen catches the eye slightly to the right.

With a splendid view of Maple Lake through Andersen Windows supplied from Builders

Firstsource out of St. Cloud, Amazing EZ-Screens™ with wood frames serve their purpose well and amplify views throughout the main level.

Burton Forge, of Two Harbors, Minn., custom designed a light created to hang some 18-feet off the vault. It brings light to the kitchen where it spotlights an incredible center island of reclaimed long-leaf pine. With a natural patina finish and incredible wood grain, the island is finished by Swedberg Wood Products. Derek Swedberg added “…in order to keep the lake view open, they chose floating cabinets rather

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than traditional on the sink wall, and incorporated various wood species to blend nicely with the timber frame.”

He also noted that working with the owners and their design team “… was an absolute pleasure, from start to finish.” Soft-close doors on all drawers and cabinetry provides more small, yet important, detail to the owners’ “no regrets” approach. Sub-Zero appliances and a Wolf Gourmet range from Cullen’s Home Center round out the kitchen as “nice appliances” completes one of the owner’s nonnegotiable needs for the build.

Angling northeastern from the kitchen stretches a great room with the vaulted timber frame’s distinctive upward arc creating an iconic separation.

1800-era, Gettysburg Pennsylvania reclaimed Skip Sawn Oak flooring,

“In order to keep the lake view open, they chose floating cabinets rather than traditional on the sink wall, and incorporated various wood species to blend nicely with the timber frame.”

Swedberg Wood Products

Derek Swedberg 76 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

“It was a long thought process, but I was amazed with how well prepared the homeowners were and the myriad of good questions they asked.”

HighPoint Homes

Ashley Trousil

provided and installed by Ron Holstrom Antique Floors (Fergus Falls), holds a fond memory of the ambitious owners’ sweat-equity staining handiwork. Uniting the two types of wood, and truly defining the great room as such, is a crackling birch fire in a Rumford Fireplace by Alex Brick & Stone. Fireplace materials were provided by Alex Brick & Stone with work provided by Stonewall Masonry.

Pushing northwest off the great room toward the lake, a gas fireplace heats a 30-square foot porch with a floor of reclaimed corncrib boards which once resided in a barn on an owner’s childhood farm. Atop the fireplace rests a SunBrite TV™ designed for outdoor use and installed by Blue Collar Bobs.

The cedar timber frame ingenuity throughout the home is meticulous and eye catching. The homeowners reflected on how they “…spent a lot of time working with Ben, Ashley, Kim and the whole design team on the main part of the house,” and when they got to the great room, Ben had said, “well, how about if I surprise you here?” And that’s he did.

“This part of the design was a surprise, and we love it,� the owners declared. As the great room/porch wing of the home angles away from the rest of the home at roughly 30-degrees, there is a clear delineation in the ceiling frame as the horizontal beams arc gracefully upward and create a superb transition from the kitchen.

The reason the great room angles away from the lake is twofold. The owners desired to save the 100-year old oak tree on the roadside and accommodate the beach which carves inward on the shoreline. Both elements posed challenges in the design phase, yet were seen as unique opportunities not roadblocks. To the right of the beach, upon a small peninsula formed as the shoreline juts further inward, grows a blue spruce planted some 20-years ago by the owners.

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Opposite the great room and kitchen lies a dining room tastefully lit with walls of Grecian Ivory color by In & Out Painting, with a rustic dining room table focal point. Trim of mostly Douglas fir, provided by Sunridge Construction, ties together well the varying wood species, and much of that work was done with few other subcontractors present to heighten focus and let their exceptional work speak for itself.

A guest bedroom adjoining the dining room is a favorite of one owner’s parents and boasts one of the home’s closest points to the water. A bumped out window well increases the span of the level Maple Lake view. The guest bath shower features mahogany inset shelving to maximize space in the tiled shower. Arnquist CarpetsPlus COLORTILE provided tile work and carpeting throughout the home and notably dedicated additional time working with the owners to ensure both short and long-term goals were met.

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The hallway outside the bedroom leads from the dining room and front foyer to a well apportioned pantry, stairs to the second level, and a Swedberg cabinetadorned mud/laundry room with access to the garage. The pantry not only features well lit shelving, but is framed for the future possibility of an elevator. The 2-stall garage boasts a heated floor and is well-equipped with storage and drainage for varying possible needs from cleaning vehicles to outdoor socializing while watching a game on a wall-mounted flat screen.

Ashley Trousil of HighPoint notes that within the pleasure of designing the interior, “… one of her favorite details is the Hogwire stair railing that started with just a sketch.”

The ornate wrought iron was assembled and welded by Glenwood Welding and Fabrication. With extremely intricate mitering, the stair treads leading up are yet another element of high detail finishing by Ron Holstrom Antique Floors that offer an opportunity for discussion.

The second level of the home further accentuates the owners’ lake view priority and features two suites with a cozy loft overlooking the dining room, kitchen, and great room. The timber frame craftsmanship can truly be admired from the loft at eye-level as it follows the angle of the great room transition. With its own vault, the loft creates a sense of separation, yet still captures the stately feel of the timber frame.

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“…one of my favorite details is the Hogwire stair railing that started with just a sketch.”

HighPoint Homes

Ashley Trousil

The lakeside suite continues a theme of forethought and detail by featuring its own vaulted ceiling, a wood-lined bumped out lake window, and a master bath. With walls of Labordite color, the lakeside suite and the master bath are exquisite in both functionality and comfort. The shower is floor-to-ceiling tile that took a week of labor alone by Paul Peterson from Arnquist.

With walls of Silverpointe color, the roadside suite takes in great natural light with an octagonal window designed for just this purpose. An iron barn door frame and door separate the master bath with a cast iron claw-foot antique bathtub as a unique anecdotal centerpiece (it was once orphaned and rusted prior to being rescued and restored by the owners).

Scattered about the home are a number of flat screen televisions and Sonos WiFi speakers provided by Cullens Home Center, with an LG OLED television over 84 LAKE AND HOME MAGAZINE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

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the great room fireplace. While being extremely modern, the electronics feel in no way intrusive. All is well protected via a security system and integrated cameras from Alextronics, while advanced WiFi functionality lies at the owners’ fingertips through mobile apps – the owners can even remotely open or close their Viking Garage Door or operate certain Lennes Electric-installed lighting.

Touring the home leaves one with a sense of awe and admiration of just how much thought, detail, and unique yet functional elements comprise this Maple Lake home. To say it is finely polished is an understatement as it is difficult for words to capture the entire beauty of this gem.

From framers shivering on scaffolding in February to designers working with the owners at all hours, it is the teamwork of

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all who makes this home shine so bright.

The owners would like to thank all those involved from concept to finish for their patience, perseverance, and dedication to working to create their dream home which serves them so well now and long into the future. ~L&H

D

DESIGNER PORTFOLIO

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ave you ever dreamed of owning a log home? Since 1992, Grand Log Homes in Grand Rapids, Minn., has been able to take the aspirations of 155 homeowners and turn them into reality.

What makes a Grand Log Home special?

The builders are known for creating beautiful homes that deliver a unique experience, inside and out, by using their original patent for Engineered Insulated Log Siding.

Over the last 25 years, Grand Log Homes has worked to create a better product than they originally created in 1992. They were never happy with how sterile the products looked, compared to the vision they had for what they were creating.

They knew there was a way to change it.

With constant research, they finally were able to create a product that combines beauty, authenticity, and impact strength of solid logs. It features less weight, less maintenance, less cost, and more energy efficiency for everyone involved.

Like every other company, Grand Log Homes experienced bumps along the way. “Because of 9/11, we lost our previous company due to working with largescale hospitality projects that were really impacted since the travels of people slowed down significantly.” Because of this, their small business wasn’t able to handle what was being thrown at them.

The team at Grand Log Homes felt this was the perfect time to create what they were really looking for in their technology.

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Today, Grand Log Homes is able to provide the best of both worlds with their new-patented log siding.

How did they develop this technology? To become successful at what they wanted to accomplish, it required an abundance of money, research, time, and development for them to create the right product. They got the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the University of Minnesota-

Duluth (UMD) Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) to help them create their current technology. For Grand Log Homes to become what they are today, it took about ten years for them to reach their goal and create what is now the newly patented Engineered Insulated Log Siding technology called the Grand Log. Even though it took all this time to create their masterpieces, Grand Log Homes remains in the same field because they still engineer large diameter log siding, but the new version just happens to make the logs prettier and more closely resemble nature.

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Where can you find Grand Log Homes?

“Our creations are found statewide and across North America.” Since their research has been finalized, they have currently finished three installations with their new and improved Engineered Insulated Log Siding or EILS. What is the process from here on out?

Grand Log Homes is currently in the process of raising capital to ramp up production. They just finished their research to create their beautiful log homes and are excited to finish their website and get the name of Grand Log Homes out there.

What makes Grand Log Homes stand out as a homebuilder?

Every company faces competitors. With all of the experience Grand Log Homes has in traveling North America and doing projects, their technology is extraordinary for remodeling and transforming an existing home into a beautiful high-end log home.

“Because of our hybrid EILS technology, it works well with standard framing techniques, or any type of wall system for that matter. There are NO design limits

for us.” You can get the home you have always wanted. If you aren’t looking to remodel the exterior of your house, their wood technology works equally well on the interior accent walls or log ceiling details.

The backstory to Grand Log Homes is incredible. One fun fact is that neither of the co-founders originally came from the log home industry. This fresh perspective from outside the industry allowed them to continually ask, “Why can’t you do that?”

Their love for log homes, which started in the early 1960s on northern Minnesota fishing trips, made them wonder, “Could there be a more environmentally correct way to produce a log home?”

What does the future hold for Grand Log Homes?

“For the future, our vision is to become the premier company in the world at transforming (recycling) any size structure into an heirloom-quality custom log building,” says Grand Log Homes cofounder Charlie Mizia.

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S E RV I C I N G FA RG O M O O R H E A D & T H E L A K E S A R E A

Also for future plans, they are going to slowly entwine partners into their business.

Their expertise is creating stunning curb appeal to the exterior of the house, but they are fully intending to partner with additional companies for other resources, such as interior designers. Currently, they are trying not to get too big too fast, as their main focus is on referral-based clients. They would love to expand to become so much more than just referrals while helping homeowners be in love with their beautiful log home.

From the outset, the team at Grand Log Homes has simply never given up trying to create a first-class log home for each customer. It starts with listening to what

the customer wants and building a plan that eventually leads to a breathtaking, unique result. ~L&H

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INSULATION

SENIOR LIVING

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

CUSTOM PRINTING

GUTTERS

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

TREE SERVICES

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

PLUMBING

MARINE / WATERCRAFT REPAIR

FLOORING

CABINETS

MARINE / WATERCRAFT REPAIR

FLOORING

CABINETS

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STONE COUNTERTOPS

SHOWERS

MASONRY

CABIN CARE

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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HOME SHOWCASE

| Products and Services for your Lake Lifestyle

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FEATURED LAKE Size: 830.87 Acres Max Depth: 16.1 ft.

County: Douglas Clarity: 20.6 ft.

Shore Length: 9.09 mi

Maple Lake Douglas County

Maple Lake is a moderate-sized (815 acres), clear water lake located approximately six miles south of Alexandria in Douglas County. The basin has a maximum depth of 78 feet and average depth of 16 feet.

Water quality is very good. Bottom soils are largely sand. Silt and sediment deposits occur in the back of bays. The lake supports a diversity of submergent plants. Due to clear water, plants have been found growing to a depth of 17 feet. Yellow water lilies occur in sheltered areas along the western shoreline. Highly valued hardstem bulrush is largely confined to undeveloped shoreline.

Maple Lake supports abundant panfish and northern pike populations. Bluegill sunfishes and black crappies comprise most of the panfish harvest. The fish community is top heavy with predators. Northern pike are too abundant. Largemouth bass are less abundant. Walleyes are stocked to satisfy demand for this popular fishery.

Yellow perch, preferred prey for bass, pike, and walleyes, are in short supply.

Maple Lake’s clear water, close proximity to Alexandria, Glenwood, and Forada, and extension of central sewer lines around the lake have stimulated accelerated shoreline development and increased recreational use.

Zebra mussels were found in Maple Lake in 2013. Property owners indicate this undesired invasive has successfully reproduced. Please drain boats, bait buckets, and other water containers when leaving the lake to reduce the risk of moving zebra mussels and other non-native organisms to uninfested waters.

Two improved public access sites are located on north and east shorelines. A handicapped accessible, floating fishing pier has been installed near the north boat launch for shorebased fishing experiences.