LEECH LAKE RETREAT

BOY RIVER, MINNESOTA

Set along the wooded shores of Leech Lake, this new retreat replaces a beloved family cabin that had been passed down for generations. The owners sought a home that would honor the memory of the original while embracing modern comfort and sustainability.

Designed with a carefully angled plan to capture views of both the lake and the family’s private harbor, the home sits low and quiet in the landscape. Inside, natural materials, handcrafted details, and a warm palette of wood, plaid, and earth tones recall the nostalgia of the past while supporting family life for years to come.

Entry hall with shiplap walls, a navy blue glass-panel door, slate floor, and a built-in bench with buffalo check cushion in a Leech Lake retreat in Boy River, Minnesota
Staircase framed by timber posts and beams with a fieldstone wall, curved oak handrail, metal balusters, and shiplap walls in a northern Minnesota lake home
Great room with a vaulted shiplap ceiling, exposed timber beams, iron ring chandelier, fieldstone fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Leech Lake
Fieldstone fireplace with a slate hearth and firewood storage below, framed by timber posts and beams, with the staircase and a custom wood credenza beyond
Open kitchen, dining, and living area under a vaulted timber ceiling with lake views through tall windows, a fieldstone fireplace, and an iron ring chandelier at a Leech Lake retreat
Kitchen with natural wood cabinetry, a soapstone island with dramatic veining, black cone pendants, timber beam framing, and lake views through wood-framed windows
Bright kitchen featuring custom cabinetry and millwork, black marble countertops, wooden cabinets, large windows framing a scenic view of trees and water, plus a bowl of fruit and utensils on the counter.
Primary bedroom with plaid bedding, beadboard ceiling, a built-in dresser with glass-front cabinets, and Leech Lake views through the trees in Boy River, Minnesota
Bathroom with a wood vanity, soapstone counter, beadboard walls and ceiling, built-in linen shelves, a soaking tub with soapstone surround, and tree views
Upper-level sitting area with a built-in wood bookshelf holding vintage toys, shiplap walls, a plaid wingback chair, and views of the woods at a Leech Lake retreat
Bedroom tucked under the gable with plaid bedding, a built-in window seat with yellow pillows, a navy dresser, and Leech Lake views through casement windows
A dark-colored house with large windows is lit up at dusk, surrounded by green grass, rocks, and trees under a clear blue sky, showcasing custom cabinetry and millwork that highlight natural materials throughout the custom home design.
A lake home kitchen with timeless interior design features custom cabinetry and millwork, green cabinets, a black marble countertop with fresh vegetables, pendant lighting, and large windows overlooking the water. A dining table appears in the background.
PROJECT TYPE

New construction retreat home

PROJECT TEAM

Todd Hansen, AIA

Jenny Seim, Associate AIA

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Sarah Hughes, Allied ASID

BUILDER

Lake Region Builders

PHOTOGRAPHY

Corey Gaffer Photography

A person walks up wooden stairs with a railing toward a cozy sitting area featuring a rocking chair and large windows; natural materials like a stone accent wall and chandelier enhance this timeless interior design in the lake home.
OF NOTE

  • 112-degree layout maximizes views and privacy

  • Wood-clad walls, stained alder doors, and pine sashes carry warmth throughout

  • Lower-level bath reinterprets the original cabin’s knotty pine and scalloped trim

  • Secondary kitchen, built-in daybeds, and flexible gathering spaces support large family events

  • Passive House–inspired Smart Enclosure system for insulation and air-tightness

  • Geothermal and radiant heating ensure efficient, year-round comfort