It’s their H initial, of course. But that’s not why architect David O’Brien Wagner chose it. The H shape makes the most of the Horsches’ special lot - a wedge-shaped slice of land overlooking Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis. click here, click here
Each wing of the “Lake>City>House” is one room wide, offering panoramic views of the lake and its bustling parkway. Connecting the two wings is “the bridge,” a glassy, light-drenched center structure that contains the entry, dining room and central walkway. click here, click here
The Horsches’ distinctive dwelling is a stark contrast to the mostly traditional older homes around it. click here, click here
“In the summer time, the porch is wonderful!” Mary enthused. “We have more interaction with neighbors.” click here, click here
They’d lived near Lake of the Isles for more than 30 years, in one of those formal, traditional homes - “a typical south Minneapolis foursquare,” said Mary. “We raised our daughter there, and it was a wonderful house.” Now empty nesters, the couple decided that it was time to move to one-level living because of health issues. But they didn’t want to leave their beloved neighborhood. click here, click here
So they found a midcentury split-level rambler, just a block away from their foursquare. In addition to its prime location facing the lake, it had a magnolia tree in the front yard that Mary had been noticing for years. “It’s the first tree to bloom in spring, with magnificent white flowers,” she said. click here, click here
“We didn’t want a great room; we wanted a separate living and dining room,” Mary said. “I love having large family gatherings, and I like the dining table to be in a separate room. I don’t want the mess of cooking in the same room.” click here, click here
Also on their wish list: a first-floor owners’ suite, plus a first-floor TV/media room with plenty of separation, so that Mary could enjoy peace and quiet in their bedroom when Russ was watching sports. “There are only two of us in the house, and we have separate viewing habits,” she said. click here, click here
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