When Rachel Livingston watches the 4th of July festivities from her home on Lake Minnewashta, she sees more than a fireworks show; it's as if she is revisiting her childhood.

"I grew up on this lake," says Rachel, "and couldn't wait to return." In fact, when the property on the north shore became available, she realized she was buying a memory, as it had once belonged to her childhood friend's grandmother. "I have memories of playing in this house," she says, adding that she relishes sharing this part of her past with her kids, Emily, 13, Abby, 10, and twin boys, Josh and Adam, 7.

But purchasing the property was not all warm-fuzzies, as both the home and yard needed loads of work. "It held the memories, but it also held a few undesirables, including mold and bats," she laughs, adding that she never intended on living in the home, but planned on tearing it down and starting over.

Choices and Challenges

Not too long after purchasing the home Rachel's life took an unexpected turn that included a divorce. With that, the option of tearing down and rebuilding was no longer possible. Her new budget dictated that she could only do a remodel and it would require her to work creatively to get what she needed from the project. She called her longtime friend, Bill Worms of Baycliffe Homes and he put her mind at ease reassuring her that he would help her through each step of the remodeling process. He advised her on how to make the most of the space, where to make cutbacks, and he had the vision and foresight to help get Rachel to her end goal.

Built in the early 1970s, the home had all the earmarks of the era, complete with orange countertops. "Bill did an amazing job of taking a really unusual layout of an old house and creating great new space; making it look brand new in every way," says Rachel.

Though the split-level layout held a catwalk which connected the two levels, Worms was able to take it down to the studs. He also took on the colossal job of moving the kitchen upstairs. "Moving the kitchen upstairs was the biggest challenge just from a utility standpoint," says Worms. "Once we resolved that, the house just started to flow better." The upper level also holds an eat-in area/family room, powder room, master bedroom and master bath. But the most significant impact to the upper level was the dramatic views of the lake that would now be seen from the kitchen, one of Rachel's favorite elements of the house. It was just one of the many details that Bill helped Rachel take advantage of.

Relocating the kitchen upstairs freed up space on the downstairs level for the kids' bedrooms, a bathroom and a family room. "I let the kids pick their colors for their rooms," says Rachel, adding that both girls went with pink, while the boys chose along more neutral tones. "I have my own space upstairs, so I thought it was important for them to have theirs."

Staying within the budget was another challenge Livingston faced. "It was top priority, but still a challenge to save money wherever we could," she says, emphasizing that relying on her builder's advice was key. "I trusted every decision he made whether it concerned architecture, design, or materials."

Doing the decorating herself enabled her to take shortcuts such as staining her own hardwood floors; turning to sources such as Architectural Antiques in downtown  Minneapolis helped her save on items like light fixtures, as well as adding a little more history to the house. "From a school in Minnesota to a bar in Milwaukee, every piece I purchased at Architectural Antiques had a story," she laughs.

"We cut corners where we could," agrees Worms, identifying details like using asphalt shingles on the roof instead of slate, modular instead of custom made for the kitchen cabinets, and granite on the center island while using Formica on the remaining countertops. Purchasing stainless steel appliances at a "scratch and dent" store was another way Worms recommended that Rachel save money, since any eyesores were hidden once the appliances were mounted.

Though some areas of remodeling allow for budget cuts, there are areas you just can't skimp, stresses Worms. "With the Minnesota winters being what they are, we knew we didn't want to hold back on windows and insulation. If you don't properly protect your home from the winter cold, you could end up spending more money in the long run."

Rachel concurs, citing not only heat efficiency, but also maximum views as reasons to go with closer to top of the line windows.

Year-Round Usage

While the house was expanded from 1,700 to 2,200 square feet, the property itself remained about an acre down the north shore, and Rachel wanted to ensure year-round usage. "We built a beach by having sand brought in and using big fieldstone rocks to protect the lakeshore," she says. A storage shed installed near the shore helps with functionality by holding skis and summer toys.

Maximizing year-round usage is getting both sides right; that is, making both sides functional. "There are two sides to every lake home," says Worms, "the lake side and street side, and a lot of details to figure out about both."

On the lake side, figuring out the logistics of food, water toys and equipment, and making the egress and ingress from lake into the family room a more public zone are issues to be considered. "As far as street side, addressing kids getting home from school, mud room issues, and separating kids and noise from upper level were important factors," says Worms, who feels fortunate that his company does so many homes on the water. "A healthy, anesthetically pleasing functional lake home is always the goal."

As for Rachel, if she ever entertains any doubts about the rightness of returning to her roots, the July 4 festivities sweep them away. "I admit I have questioned why I did this; I mean, why come back to where you grew up?" she says, "but so many of us who skied on this lake together as kids have come back." In fact, her best friend, another girlfriend and her parents all live down the street. And her brothers are also in the same town.

The ski show and boat parade she remembers from childhood have also returned, complete with the same emcee over the loudspeaker. "Waking up on July 4th listening to my friend's mom on the loudspeaker again is like going back to childhood. I know I am right back home, and that is exactly where I should be."

By Judith Stock