This historic turn-of-the-century Minnetonka Beach lake home has been lovingly owned and maintained by the same family since 1949. Designed by William Channing Whitney, this summer home-turned year round residence captures the essence of lake living with a timeless design featuring split shake siding over a stucco first floor, an expansive screened porch, and diamond pane windows throughout the home.

Inside, the gracious public rooms and large lake-side screen porch begs for a reason to host a soiree. The foyer welcomes you and leads you to the living room, the focal point of the home with beamed ceilings, a brick fireplace surrounded by bookshelves and a big view through the screen porch. The massive four foot wide door to the porch stays open all summer, along with both sets of French doors in the adjoining dining room, welcoming the lake breeze into the home. The dining room features a bay window as does the opposite wall in the living room - both retain their original zinc planters along the exterior.

The tasteful updates to the kitchen bring 21st century convenience to the original space, all while retaining the original character (and some of the cabinetry). A granite center island, double ovens, commercial refrigerator, plentiful counter and cabinet space plus a walk-in storage pantry highlight the features - this doesn't even mention butler's pantry complete with a second dishwasher, sink and ice-maker.

Throughout the home, the hardwood floors have retained their luster, 8" mop boards are the norm, significant door and window trim with fully trimmed passages and chair rails are consistent throughout the home - accentuating the quality of thought that went into the millwork to create the overall feel of the home. Most of the door and window hardware is original while many light fixtures are original - including the original gas & electric lights in the master bathroom. The diamond pane windows and doors give the home an individual character while adding depth and texture to the spaces. For energy efficiency and to protect the windows themselves, each window has a custom built storm window.

The master suite comprises three rooms and attaches to the East bathroom on the second level. The sitting room includes a (now finished) sleeping porch and a bay window with spectacular views. With all the built-in amenities, the master suite dressing room is a wonderfully surprising time-capsule in the overall evolution of closet progress through the last century. The actual bedroom itself includes a fireplace and a view! The original service call buttons have been retained but are long-since disconnected along with the Whitney standard "intercom" system. Each of the four other bedrooms on the second floor has a character all its own.

The third floor is currently a separate residence with a very nicely updated kitchen (guest suite, rental unit or in-law/nanny suite). A standard stair case brings you up another level - not a steep or tight staircase like many 3rd floors). The simple turn of a key will integrate this space with the main house again.

The second floor ¾ bath and the main floor ¾ bath have been recently updated to a modern standard with historically accurate fixtures. Both bathrooms include in-floor heating.

Much of the structure has been evaluated and found to be over-built - 18" thick granite foundation walls. The support piers for the lake-side porch were recently re-built to ensure another century of lakeside fun. The spacious yard space, front and back, with ample space for a pool and another secondary building (garage, shop, pool house, etc.) to go along with the existing play house that was once used as a kids music room!

All mechanical systems have been updated - includes central-air. Roof is perfectly maintained and consistently inspected. This home is a rare gem - well kept original features with many many livability upgrades and updates.

Grounds: The Southern exposure and gradual slope to 135 feet of Lafayette Bay lakeshore highlight the setting. A 1.4 acre lot offers a large buffer and privacy from the neighbors while providing spacious yards, front and back, for games and entertaining. The play house/ garden shed has a storied history and was once used as a music practice room for the Truesdale girls piano lessons (original owners). The original 4 car garage is still very stable; contact listing agents to discuss new garage options, closer to the house.

Enjoy the convenience of a short walk to Lafayette Club or the Dakota trail and Navarre and be sure to take advantage of the wonderful charm and character of the Village of Minnetonka Beach – a neighborhood community that is difficult to find anywhere on Lake Minnetonka. The rich history of The Beach can be found here: http://www.ci.minnetonka-beach.mn.us/index.asp?SEC=6D8D6F1F-C64B-49A7-A2C0-90676446E0B2&Type=B_BASIC