Set on a hill overlooking a quiet lake near Wayzata, Minnesota, this 1948 mid-century home began with a strong connection to place, even if the interior no longer supported it. Originally designed by Thorshov & Cerny, the house had the proportions and character the new owners were drawn to, but its layout kept daily life from engaging fully with the lakefront setting.
Peterssen/Keller Architecture approached the renovation by working with the house’s existing spirit rather than replacing it. The main move was to flip the kitchen and living room, allowing the most used spaces to take better advantage of the view and the slope of the site. This shift changed how the house is experienced without erasing its original mid-century character.
The plan now feels more aligned with the landscape. The living areas open toward the lake, while the kitchen becomes a more connected part of the home’s daily rhythm. Instead of an inward-facing arrangement, the house now directs movement and attention outward. It is a small planning decision with a large effect, bringing light, views, and circulation into a clearer relationship.
A new dining space adds another layer to the renovation. Filled with natural light, it creates a point of connection between the main interior spaces and the lake beyond. The addition does not overwhelm the original house. It works as part of the existing composition, extending the way the home is used while keeping its scale and character intact.
The lakeside façade was also opened up through the use of lift-and-slide doors. This gives the house a more direct relationship with the outdoors, allowing the main rooms to connect easily with the site. When open, the doors reduce the boundary between interior and exterior. When closed, they still keep the view present across the living spaces.
The renovation was led by a design team including Kristine Anderson, Gabriel Keller, and Tommy Everson, with interior styling by Jay Nuhring. Landscape architecture by Nathan Anderson and Ground One, construction by Streeter Homes, and photography by Steve Henke also contributed to the project’s final character.
