There are perhaps few places in America where urbanism and the serenity of lake living meld together so seamlessly as along the west side of Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis. It is this paradox that makes the residence at 2740 West Lake of the Isles Parkway so intriguing.

Architecturally, the home is the epitome of elegance, from the Carlo Brioschi stonework exterior to the beautifully coiffed gardens. Take a look across the lake, and the Minneapolis skyline beckons. But that's just an outsider's point of view. Step inside this home and you step back in time to a bygone, opulent era that has been preserved, yet updated, with today's modern conveniences.

This is lake living with a regal twist.

Location, location, location

In 1916, architect Carl Gage was commissioned by Morrell & Nichols, the landscape architects of the Minnesota Capitol Mall and the University of Minnesota Mall, to design a residential project for Frank Boutin, Jr., a French lumber baron from Wisconsin.

Chateau Boutin was built along the shores of Lake of the Isles, which, along with Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet to the south, comprises Minneapolis' famed Chain of Lakes. At that time, the prestigious homes cropping up in the newly-developed Lake District signaled a departure of the wealthy population of Minneapolis from Park Avenue, where many of the city's original mansions were built from 1880 to 1910. Lake of the Isles was considered the crown jewel of the Chain of Lakes. Furthermore, it was positioned in the Kenwood section, one of the city's most affluent and sought-after neighborhoods.

The Charles Gates mansion, built in 1914 and reputed to be the largest mansion in Minneapolis history, was among those erected on Lake of the Isles. While Gates staked his claim on the east side of the lake, Gage decided to concentrate his residential projects on the west side of Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun. There is speculation that he wanted his designs to bask in the beautiful sunrises and benefit from the full warmth of the sun during the winter.

Whatever his reasons, Gage's decision to go west proved fortuitous. A decade later, Wilbur Foshay built what is credited as the first skyscraper west of the Mississippi River. Today, the west side of Lake of the Isles enjoys panoramic views of the Minneapolis skyline.

History in the making 

Chateau Boutin was Gage's first major architectural project. He fashioned a classic Georgian Revival that suited Boutin's European roots. As is typical with Georgian style, symmetry and balance were enriched with classical detail. Gage incorporated exquisite millwork, leaded glass, red brick and stone, symmetrically placed chimneys and dormers, and a central entrance emphasized by a portico.

Gage also added distinctively Italian elements, such as an iron grill in the main entrance. He echoed the stonework of the home's exterior with terrazzo floors and a limestone mantle and stone carvings by Italian sculptor Brioschi, whose carvings also adorn the State Capitol. 

The landscaped grounds and gardens laid out by Morell & Nichols included a trellised terrace, limestone carvings and a separate carriage house. Every room was designed to enjoy a garden view.

Chateau Boutin proved to be Gage's big break by landing him on the pages of the September 1918 edition of The Western Architect. From there, Gage's prominence skyrocketed as he worked for several high profile clients over the following decade, including William Goodfellow, with whom he designed West Winds mansion, today's Bakken Library and Museum.

That was then, this is now

What would Gage think if he walked through the doors of 2740 West Lake of the Isles today? Much of the original layout and detailing has been preserved. The main level is anchored by a gracious, baronial central foyer with original mahogany wainscoting and a grand English staircase.

The rest of the main level offers both grand and intimate spaces for entertaining. A banquetsized formal dining room includes original leaded doors and wall sconces, topped off by a panoramic view of the lake. One can only imagine the lavish dinner parties and entertaining this room has hosted over the span of more than a century. The dining room leads into the kitchen by way of a circular bayed breakfast room designed for informal family dining.

Sitting light years beyond Gage's world is the gourmet kitchen. Remodeled in 1998, it is fully equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, including a Thermador range and oven, Sub-Zero refrigerator and double dishwashers. The remodeled center island is topped with granite countertops and lit with recessed lighting. Deep cherry cabinets blend with the dignified styling of the architecture.

The formal living room with its limestone fireplace and the wainscoted library once again beckon visitors to a classical era. All of the home's fireplaces are original structures, although they have been converted to gas. The addition of central air conditioning by the current owners was another nod to modern conveniences. The second floor includes five bedrooms, four baths and an office/sunroom adjoining the master suite. Up another flight of steps, the third floor includes three additional bedrooms and a full bath, small sitting room and kitchenette.

During the era the home was built, this top floor was generally reserved as the servants' quarters. In the case of Boutin, it was simply used as additional space for his eight children. Rounding out the home, the finished lower level features a family room with aquarium, billiards room, wine grotto, playroom, sewing room and mini-kitchen.

Thanks to the decorating sense of current owners Todd and Jodi Peterson, the furnishings throughout the house could be described as eclectic, each appropriate for their spaces - some grand, some intimate. Rooms such as the office/sunroom and lower-level family room have a distinctively whimsical feel, while the formal living and dining areas are furnished with antiques and traditional art.

Throughout the home, original sketches and floor plans adorn the walls, providing a glimpse of the home's origins. A love for art continues outside, as well. A unique sculpture given to the Petersons as a wedding gift stands in the garden off of the sunroom. Of course, the stunning view of the lake can be considered art in its truest form.

Back to the future

The Petersons bought the Lake of the Isles home in 1996 with the intention of living there forever. But, as is often the case, life led the family of five in a different direction and they have put the home on the market. There are things Todd Peterson will miss about living here, such as "waking up to the daily sunrise across the lake and the islands," which he describes as "just beautiful." "On a great morning, there will be an eagle perched in one of the trees sharing the same view," he continues. "And then you can turn your head just a little bit and see the downtown skyline, just five minutes away." In a nutshell, Peterson describes the home as "the best of both worlds." The architect Gage would be happy to know that some things never change.

By Nancy Pias