from CITY STREETS to a W O O D E D R E T R E AT A COUPLE CREATES THEIR FOREVER HOME IN NORTH OAKS. WRITTEN BY RACHEL SCHUEHLE
Homes. And once partnered with Amy Leferink, owner of Interior Impressions in Woodbury, they got to work on every detail, big and small. While Kate shares that she never plans to retire (Todd is retired), the pair built this home to serve them through the years. “We designed it for first floor living, so we could live here for the rest of our lives,” she says. The size? That’s an investment, Kate asserts, for themselves and their family today—and for those to come. “We made it with the idea of the family that will live here after us,” she says. The details of the home—from the layout to each knob and light fixture—provide an ambiance of warmth and serenity. The unique character of every room is meant to be savored, but each contributes to the house’s overarching aesthetic. The design elements have been so thoughtfully curated that this home will certainly stand the test of time, beloved for many years to come. “Even now, when I drive into North Oaks, a sense of peace comes over me. You’re in the wilderness, out here with nature, and it’s just so peaceful and calming. And that’s just how I feel every day,” Kate says. Photo: xxxxxxxxx
We all dream of what life might look like when retirement comes—a vacation across the globe, a sparkling new motorcycle or perhaps an in-ground pool with endless refreshments. For one Minnesota couple, the dream for their later years is an outlier from what one might consider typical. After many wonderful years spent in the Twin Cities, the pair uprooted and moved to a custom home in North Oaks. And while their move isn’t out of the ordinary—upsizing is extraordinary. Homeowners Kate and Todd were intentional in their decision, which is evident in every nook and cranny of their tranquil wooded retreat. Kate still recalls driving out to North Oaks with Todd in the early days of their relationship, now 30 years ago, and reveling in the serenity of the area. And while they chose to settle in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, North Oaks was always in the back of their minds. “I would get the itch over the years to relocate,” Kate says. “I grew up in Iowa; I like being in the woods, in peaceful areas.” One day, they drove to North Oaks and noticed lots for sale. The timing lined up, and, before long, they were creating their forever home with the help of Hudson, Wisconsin-based builder Divine Custom
PHOTOS BY JILL HAMILTON
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March/April 2024
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