A Nantucket inspired Minnesota lake house on the shores of White Bear Lake

Nantucket-style shingle lake house exterior with multiple gables and stone accents

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Nestled on White Bear Lake, this stunning retreat blends classic Nantucket charm with modern comfort, designed by TEA2 Architects and built by Kootenia Homes, to weather Minnesota winters while welcoming generations of extended family. This custom home replaces a prior structure on the lot while honoring the historical spirit of the lake’s southeast shore.

Designed as a forever home, the project called for a delicate balance: a space suited to everyday family living, yet flexible enough to host large gatherings. Working closely with Interior Impressions, the design team crafted every space to reflect the homeowners’ lifestyle, down to the smallest details. Continue below to see the rest of this beautiful lake house tour…

DESIGN DETAILS

ARCHITECT TEA2 Architects
BUILDER Kootenia Homes
INTERIOR DESIGNER Interior Impressions

Front view of shingle-style home with circular windows and attached garage

Architectural Integrity & Exterior Design

Side exterior view showing shingle siding, stone base, and cupola detail

The exterior establishes an East Coast aesthetic tailored to modern Midwestern living:
• Timeless Façade: Features a soft, warm gray exterior color scheme accented by crisp white trim, natural stone, and painted shakes.
• Nautical Accents: Includes custom arched and circular windows, topped with a copper weathervane for a definitive Cape Cod character.
• Lakeside Entertaining: The lake-facing side features an expansive second-story balcony—noted by the owners as the prime spot for watching sunsets—alongside a built-in outdoor grilling deck with stone surrounds, integrated hood vent, and storage for beach essentials.
• Shoreline Integration: A structural stone wall elegantly transitions the lush lakeside lawn to the sandy shore of White Bear Lake.

Front facade with covered porch, round windows, and double entry doors

Nantucket-Style Lake House Exterior on White Bear Lake

Close-up of covered entry porch with stone columns and round windows

Above: Offering glimpses of the lake, the broad, glass entry invites family and friends inside.

Main Floor Layout & Interior Finishes

Open living and dining area with coffered ceiling and French doors

• The Great Room: Stepping through the front doors offers an immediate, unobstructed view of the water. The main living room features classic white coffered ceilings, extensive custom millwork, and dark wood floors that ground the light-filled space.
• The Sunroom: A favorite space of the design team, this four-season porch features a full-height stone fireplace and panoramic windows to observe local lake wildlife year-round.
• Gourmet Kitchen: An airy, open-concept kitchen blends into the dining space, highlighting white cabinetry, high-end stainless-steel appliances, and premium stone countertops optimized for hosting.
• Sophisticated Office: Tucked away on the main floor, the home office features custom-built-in cabinetry and deep gray-blue millwork, providing a quiet, productive workspace.

Open Concept Great Room With Panoramic Lake Views

Living and dining space with lake view through glass doors

Above: An open living and dining area offers a more expansive lake view. Staying true to traditional Nantucket-style architecture, floor-to-ceiling glass doors bring in abundant natural light and create a modern sense of openness.

Great room with fireplace, TV, and panoramic lake views

What We Love About This Home

We love how the airy, sun-filled kitchen flows effortlessly into a cozy living room anchored by a statement fireplace, creating a natural gathering spot for family and friends. The spa-like owners’ retreat and thoughtfully designed bathrooms bring a sense of calm to everyday life, while the upstairs rec room and bar offer just as much elegance as the rest of the home. From the sunroom’s year-round charm to the well-appointed mudroom, every detail here reflects a balance of warmth, function, and lakeside beauty.

Tell Us: Which space in this Nantucket-style retreat would you spend the most time in: the sunroom, the owners’ private retreat, or the upstairs rec room and bar? Let us know in the comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign by the builders of this home, Kootenia Homes: Step inside this Minnesota luxury home with stunning curb appeal and This Minnesota dream home in the St. Croix Valley has beautiful design details.

Sunroom seating area with lake and dock views through glass doors

Living room with stone fireplace and mounted TV facing lake

Above: Divided lights mounted high on the windows introduce texture without detracting from the view. Built-ins, shelves, and a natural-wood mantel that are integrated into the cabinetry contribute warmth and richness to this layered, welcoming space.

Fireplace wall with built-in shelving and wood mantel

Wide view of living room with sectional sofas and fireplace

Living room built-ins with decorative shelf styling

Close-up of built-in shelving with nautical decor accents

Foyer niche with round window, pendant light, and carved accent cabinet

Coastal-Inspired Kitchen Design With White Cabinetry

Open kitchen and dining area with white cabinetry and dark wood table

Dining table with lake views and wood-toned kitchen island

Above: Framed within a wide nook adjacent to the living space, the kitchen feels cozy. Its texture and depth complement the rich fireplace wall, offering an inviting contrast to the home’s open layout and the expansive view of the sun porch and lake.

Dining table facing kitchen with glass pendant lighting

Kitchen island with cane counter stools and hallway to butler's pantry

Wide view of kitchen and dining room with glass-front cabinetry

Galley kitchen with gas range and glass doors to lake patio

White curved range hood over gas cooktop with red knobs

Marble backsplash behind red-knobbed range with hood detail

Close-up of Wolf gas range with red knobs and marble backsplash

Kitchen wall with paneled refrigerator, double ovens, and pendant lights

Above: Traditional flush-inset cabinetry anchors the kitchen. Appliances are efficiently organized to maintain an open view of the lake. A buffet-style cabinet, crafted as a piece of furniture, connects the kitchen and dining area while screening the view from the entry.

Close-up of ribbed glass cabinet doors and patterned tile backsplash

Farmhouse sink with patterned backsplash and window view

Farmhouse sink faucet detail with patterned tile backsplash

Laundry Room Design With Marble Countertops

Laundry room nook with woven basket and floral wall art

Laundry sink with subway tile backsplash and soap dispensers

Hallway with dark wood floors leading to bedroom with sailboat art

Stone fireplace with mounted TV and built-in shelving

Close-up of stone fireplace with gas logs and cane accent chair

Cane armchair by window with lake view and fireplace

Nautical Mudroom Design With Custom Storage

Mudroom bench with sailboat art and nautical throw pillow

Mudroom hooks with vintage wooden fishing buoys and woven tote

Home Office Features Custom Built-In Cabinetry

Gray built-in bookshelves styled with books and decor

Leather armchair beside gray built-in shelving in study

Upper Level & Private Spaces

Primary bathroom with soaking tub, marble tile, and vanity

The upper-level transitions from a private family sanctuary into a dynamic entertainment hub:
• Primary Suite: Designed as a spa-like retreat, the primary bedroom features large windows overlooking the water, connected to a luxury primary bathroom and an upper-level laundry room.
• Recreation Room & Bar: A massive second-floor bonus room acts as a central hub for visiting family and friends, complete with a dedicated wet bar and lounge seating.
• Guest Quarters: Three additional bedrooms are thoughtfully spread across the upper level to give guests privacy and comfort.

Spa-Like Bathroom With Marble Finishes

Double vanity with marble countertop and linen cabinet

Bathroom vanity sink with mirror and pendant lighting

Close-up of vanity faucet and towel ring detail

Soaking tub with marble surround under crystal chandelier

Marble-clad tub with chandelier and glass shower nearby

Tub deck with marble tile and chrome fixtures

Close-up of tub faucet with candles and floral accent

Corner of soaking tub with framed art and marble tile

White subway tile shower with marble bench and niche

Shower tile detail with marble mosaic niche and towels

Close-up of marble leaf-pattern tile niche with plant

Walk-in closet with built-in vanity desk and woven chair

Powder room with pebble tile wall and round woven mirror

Pebble tile accent wall with wood vanity and pendant lights

Close-up of round mirror and pebble tile in powder room

Private Home Sauna and Spa Retreat

Glass shower with wood-look tile beside cedar sauna doorway

Wood-paneled sauna entrance next to marble-topped locker bench

Cedar sauna door and built-in wardrobe with hanging towel

Wooden bowl with sea salt on stone bench in spa area

Cedar sauna benches with towels, eucalyptus, and bucket

Close-up of lit sauna benches with lavender and bucket

Grand Staircase Design With Iron Railings

Open staircase with iron balusters and wood handrail

Staircase detail with cane bench and potted plant below

Foyer bench beneath staircase with round window and art

Overhead view of carpeted staircase with wood floors below

Aerial view of switchback staircase and foyer below

Upstairs Rec Room Designed for Entertaining

Vaulted family room with pool table, sectional, and window seat

Family room seating area with stone fireplace and wheel chandelier

Family room sofa facing lake through sliding glass doors

Wide view of family room with fireplace and lake views

Stone fireplace wall with wheel chandelier in family room

Close-up of stone fireplace and seating in family room

Family room with pool table, wet bar, and lake-view doors

Above: Above: Since there is no basement, the family rec room was situated upstairs to meet the homeowners’ desire for multiple living spaces that overlook the lake. Equipped with a kitchenette and pool table, this expansive retreat is perfect for multigenerational gatherings and cozy winter weekends.

Wide view of family room with pool table and wet bar

Above: The ceiling of this rec room features purlins and tongue-and-groove boards, creating an intimate, nautical atmosphere. Full-height glass panels and transoms follow the roofline, allowing plenty of light to fill the room. Sliding doors and a stone fireplace contribute a cozy, relaxed vibe.

Pool table and window seat in vaulted family room