This Minnetrista Retreat Is a Love Letter to Lakeside Living

Set on a quiet peninsula in Minnetrista, Minnesota, this newly built retreat manages to feel like it’s been there forever. Designed by PKA Architecture with interiors by Brooke Wagner Design, the home was crafted for laid-back lakeside living, blending reclaimed wood beams, soapstone countertops, and breezy indoor-outdoor flow. Rustic materials meet refined finishes in a space designed for connection and comfort—from the cozy bunkroom to the custom steel stair rail.

Architecture: PKA Architecture | Design: Brooke Wagner | Photography: Margaret Frances

General Contractor: John Kraemer & Sons | Structural Engineer: Align Structural

A Peninsula Site Worth Pivoting For

Originally planned as a renovation on another lakeside lot, the project shifted course when the clients discovered a rare peninsula property with sweeping views. The design team quickly reworked their plans to respond to the sloped landscape, using a classic, coastal-inspired architectural language to create a home that felt grounded in its surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows by Marvin and Brombal flood the interior with natural light, framing the lake from nearly every angle.

Warm Materials, Thoughtful Layers

The interiors balance refined simplicity with rugged charm, using natural materials to create warmth throughout. A mix of soapstone and Calacatta marble countertops adds quiet contrast in the kitchen, while reclaimed barnwood cabinetry and rustic beams nod to the surrounding landscape. Subtle paint choices from Farrow & Ball, such as “Shaded White” on paneled walls and trim, and “Mole’s Breath” on interior doors, add a sense of depth to each room. In the pantry and mudroom, “Plummett” cabinetry offers a more saturated, moody take on the home’s otherwise soft palette.

Spaces Designed for Gathering

From the start, the layout prioritized flow and connection. The open kitchen, dining area, and great room work together as the heart of the home, while details like a tucked-away mini bar, cozy office, and expansive mudroom add functionality without sacrificing style.

Custom cabinetry by Galloping Cabinets and stone sinks from NVR Surfaces bring a bespoke touch to utility-driven spaces. Upstairs, a dedicated bunkroom adds a playful energy, designed for sleepovers and family weekends at the lake.

Built for All Seasons

This home was designed with year-round living in mind. Durable materials like hardwood floors and stone tile make for easy transitions between indoor and outdoor living, while features like a custom steel stair rail and blackened steel shelving bring structure and edge. Orijin Stone is used throughout, from the exterior walls to the fireplace surrounds, tying the architectural shell to the landscape. In every detail, the home reflects the clients’ vision of a place to gather, unwind, and enjoy the lake in every season.

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