Architecture Wednesday: Minnesota Manor House

This one is something else, as it has architectural styles that span the Arts & Crafts movement, Storybook design and Victorian styles, especially noted in its “cat-slide” porte-cochère. This wonderful 140-year-old gem sits on just over an acre on top of Historic Ramsey Hill was originally built in 1882, but has been expanded, preserved and cherished over the years.

Now, at approximately 8,500 finished square feet this 7-bedroom 8-bathroom home is both grand and comfortable. With 10-foot ceilings and abundant natural light, the layout is compelling and full of delights such as built-in cabinets, bay windows, ornamental carved plaster ceilings, six fireplaces, and numerous porches and balconies that look out upon the surrounding formal gardens.

The third floor has 2 apartments, perfect for guests or tenants, while the garden, or basement, level contains a gym, a cedar sauna and steam shower and another apartment.

It’s big … it’s too big, but I love it. I love the porches and the porte-cochère; the music room, the study, the office, the quite livable and comfortable kitchen and family room; I need a full-time staff. And then the gardens and outdoor entertainment spaces; I need a full-time gardener. I may have to ask Maddie where she gets all her house boys, because I’m gonna need quite a few.

Dwell