Home Dreamy Lake Minnetonka Boathouse Renovation Summer on Minnesota’s Lake Minnetonka is full of watershed moments, thanks to dozens of lovingly reinvented boathouses and other historic structures like this one on Grandview Point. By Gary Thompson Gary Thompson Gary Thompson is senior staff writer at Midwest Living and Dotdash Meredith Travel, where he gets paid to play with words while writing about all sorts of interesting people, places and things in the Midwest and beyond. Not bad for a shy kid who was born in Kansas and grew up in Davenport, Iowa, reading his Dad's newspapers and his Mom's "women's" magazines. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in journalism from Drake University and been writing professionally for more than 30 years. When he's not wordsmithing, he's running or walking, watching sports or Jeopardy, and doing the New York Times crossword puzzle (or Spelling Bee). Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Published on April 7, 2021 Photo: Karen Melvin A boathouse houses a boat. Simple, right? But many a so-named structure on Lake Minnetonka does much more. For years, families on this sprawling lake near Minneapolis have punctuated their enviable waterfront homes with charming architectural exclamation points. (Some quirkier versions stand more like question marks.) The boathouses offer amenities like decks, screen porches, sitting rooms and dining areas. "They embody life on the lake," writes Chris Lee in the foreword to Boathouses of Lake Minnetonka, a coffee-table book photographed by Karen Melvin and researched and written by Melinda Nelson. A fine example graces Grandview Point in Deephaven. When Chris and Diahann Potter built a new home there, they renovated the existing boathouse, a local icon. Diahann, a designer, re-envisioned it as a spot for gatherings. Like its neighbors, the place stashes a boat and gear, but it also delivers chic style—and unbeatable views of life on the lake. Grandview Boathouse in Minnesota. Karen Melvin The furniture is classic, but painting the window frames and doors black ensures the space feels modern and snappy, not stuffy. Traditional elements like a fireplace, white beadboard and a paneled ceiling tie the space to its past. Rattan chairs and a sleeper sofa are comfy and practical. Grandview Point Boathouse. Karen Melvin The makeover of the building included restoring the original wooden Grandview sign, with its vintage rail depot-style lettering. The Potters built out the platform for more outdoor living and dining space. Favorite European boutique hotels inspired the black, white and gray color palette. Patterned pillows add pop and personality. Courtesy of Karen Melvin What you see today evolved from this pump house, captured in a circa 1890 photo. Back then, the estate on Grandview Point was known as Cresthaven, and the belvedere on top afforded views of sailboat races. Karen Melvin A covered dining area shelters guests at summer dinner parties. The natural wood table and the chairs warm up the color scheme and echo the landscape. Get the look You don't need a boat—but maybe a house—to channel the lakeside lifestyle. Indoor-Outdoor Light Fixture. PERRYTON PENDANT Inspired by carriage lanterns, Sea Gull Lighting's damp-rated indoor-outdoor fixture brightens a covered porch or patio. $149. lowes.com Cerca Striped Collection. CERCA STRIPED COLLECTION This armless lounge chair can stand alone or be mixed with ottomans and right or left end pieces to build an outdoor sectional. $699. crateandbarrel.com Turkish Tassel Towels. TURKISH TASSEL TOWELS Dry off with lighter-than-terry organic cotton bath towels that get softer when washed. $30. westelm.com Buy the book By Karen Melvin and Melinda Nelson. Karen Melvin Karen Melvin's photos and Melinda Nelson's writing showcase nearly three dozen Lake Minnetonka boathouses, each with a distinct style and story. There are more than 400 around the lake in all, mostly historic. They preserve remnants of another era, legacies of owners across generations, and the close connection between the lake and its residents ($50, Big Picture Press). Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit