Linwood Lake Rambler

Project Summary

From Decrepit Rambler to Prairie Classic. Green building principles and modern living guided the remodel of this 1969 Linwood Minnesota lake home.

The couple who bought this 1960’s rambler fell in love with the shoreline property and the spectacular view on Linwood lake. The home on the other hand, with all the charm of a fish cleaning shack, had to go. Murphy Bros. reduced the home to its foundation and transformed the entire property into a stylish lake home masterpiece. "It was the third home I designed and built," recalls John Murphy, owner of Murphy Bros. Design | Build | Remodel, "And by far the nicest. Fortunately, we completed it just before the great recession of 2008."

Exterior view front elevation of completed remodel.

Before

The scale and proportions of the house fit the lake front property perfectly, but lack of maintenance and dated materials called for a re-creation from the foundation up.

After

The main floor was lifted for higher ceilings, more light, and better lot presence. Electrolux kitchen appliances like the double ovens, and the high-capacity refrigerator, make this kitchen a chef’s dream. The island sink gives two cooks plenty of elbow room. A variety of natural woods, ceramic and stone finishes perfect for a Prairie Classic home decor. Details like lighting fixtures were selected complement architectural details, like the arched doorways.

Saving energy and reducing environmental impact was important to the family. The foundation was poured with energy-saving insulated concrete forms (ICF’s).