Hans & Lauren's Craftsman Quest

Hans, Lauren & Kora just secured this amazing creekside bungalow.  A rather wild ride it was through the South Minneapolis spring buyers market.   They were as orgazined and as diligent as anyone we have ever worked with on the purchase side.  Kora is now six months old so she put the pressure on Mom and Dad for something with walkability, and plenty of neighborhood pals to run around with :) I would describe Hans as a 'super-buyer' and a true real estate enthusiast.   Throughout the several home tours Hans came very prepared with knowledge of foundation sizes, era of construction, and a natural sense of wading through the inventory to pounce on the cleanest properties.

Touching briefly on a couple moves that never surfaced, gave Hans and Lauren the knowledge and confidence to jump on 13th in Hale.

Built in 1929, the home offers the charm, character and build quality of the late 20's.  The major difference with this particular property was the amazing care and updating the previous owner endured during his 18 years of ownership.  It's extremely rare to see restorations and updates of this magnitude in South Minneapolis, typically when owner go to this extent with a home they aren't planning on moving.   The Soper's in this case, were not planning on taking an assignment at the Pentagon in the nations capital.

Below is a terrific and stately mediterranean on Lyndale just north of the creek.  Lauren & Hans walked this home and decided to pass on it, as the basement had severe moisture intrusion, and the bathroom arrangement needed major remodeling to make the floor-plan agile enough for family life in the city.

Often times, the enthusiasm to renovate a home is great, however it is rarely less expensive to purchase a project home that has lacked proper measures of maintenance for some years.  In this case Hans and Lauren realized, that while charming, Lyndale home would have pushed them way over budget when taking the renovations and maintenance needed to turn the space around.

Colfax was a nail biter!  Its 1924 craftsman originality pulled the heart strings of this passionate couple, and their broker.   Gleaming maple hardwoods popped under thick oak millwork and built-ins galore.

One lot south of the creekside homes in Lynnhurst, this bungalow had that cozy prowess that makes you want to stay awhile.  Another party dove head first at its attractive features, as they went well over asking price to secure a classic home, which apart from the honeymoon chemistry, this wasn't for the faint of heart: kitchen remodel, basement finish, and a nearly un-usable garage.

Following a close examination, while having all the moves, 1924 on Colfax was clearly the most expensive 350 anyone could have spent in 2014 summer market.

The winning home set the tone from the start.  The passion and care for the space was prefaced by the complete restoration to the front paneled door.   Stripped, stained and re-varnished in several coats.  Something many would walk past unnoticed, however classic homes with original doors are a thinning herd, and one we pay particular attention to.  

Layout issues are common in South Minneapolis living rooms.  Lauren will be working with J.Jorgensen to space plan the main floor and select proportions for lounge chairs and a couch that serves the dimensions of this craftsman living room.   The previous did complete a full AV installation throughout the main floor and upper level, filling the space with sound is something that gravitates the interest of any younger buyer.  The dining room had its original built-in removed at some point.   We are contacting our retired custom cabinet builder to spec out a narrow depth chest of drawers flanked by glass doors for china and glassware storage.The previous owner spared no expense in the kitchen.  Custom cabinetry with soft close and period appropriate oak.  Natural stone backsplash in subway size for the nod to classic era.  Honed black granite gives a timeless and classic look to the kitchen.  A terrific job was done in opening up the space into the main floor, as you can see all the way to the entrance from the kitchen, a rarity in Hale / Field homes.  The attic level is richly appointed with hardwoods, private deck, full custom bath, and built-in niches throughout the space.  This area offers flexibility to raise young children within the master space, and in later years it will be become a private space for them to enjoy relaxation time away from the exuberant children! The private deck overlooks the creek treetops and the yard below, complete with outdoor audio this will be a very social space for years to come.

The garage is spanking new, wide and deep for big family vehicles and storage throughout.  

It is imperative to be patient in this market in order to become educated to identify the best opportunities. Lauren and Hans epitomize the process of natural selection, sifting through the good homes and pouncing on a truly great one.  Congrats to you both, let the designing begin!