Home

Doug and Karen Paape lived on the shores of Lake Washington near Mankato, Minnesota but when they saw an eight acre property for sale just down the road, they decided it was time to build their dream home. “The property was all woods with a trailer parked on it,” Karen says, “I guess you could say we saw the possibility in it.” After clearing out the property and doing some landscaping, the couple started a year-and-a-half-long process of building their new home.

They began by meeting with contractor Mark Deichman of Deichman Construction. “Since this was a custom home, there were a lot of decisions to make,” Karen says. “At our initial meeting, the first thing we had to pick out was plumbing fixtures, followed by windows.” Multiple fireplaces were on Karen’s wish list, along with a big kitchen for entertaining. “I also wanted to use a combination of dark and light woods,” she says. “We accomplished that by having light woods upstairs and dark downstairs.”

Her wish list was met, along with many other custom touches including handcrafted cabinetry throughout the home. All the cabinetry, in the kitchen and throughout the house, was designed and made by Denny Jahnz from Lewisville, Minnesota. “Denny is a very talented person,” Karen says. The Paape’s also enlisted the help of interior designer Jamie Sorensen from Town and Country Interiors. “She helped me with everything and had all sorts of ideas that we incorporated into the home.”

Doug and Karen now have their dream home on the shore of Lake Washington. “We love entertaining in our new home. This house has become a dream come true,” Karen says. “We can’t wait to celebrate the holidays in our warm, cozy home. We love it here.”

KITCHEN

When designing their home, Karen paid special attention to the kitchen. “My other kitchen was a galley and not many people could fit in it,” she says. “I wanted my new kitchen to be big so we’d have plenty of room for entertaining.” The kitchen has custom cabinetry, three ovens, Cambria countertops and, most importantly, room for people to gather. “It’s my favorite room in the house.”

Next to the kitchen is an informal eating area, formal living room and a double fireplace that leads into a sitting room. “This is a cozy little spot just for the two of us.” The sitting room overlooks the backyard and the beautiful view of the lake.

The home’s mud room is adjacent to the kitchen along with a walk-in pantry followed by a butler’s pantry that has glass-front cabinets. “I wanted a place to display my dishes.” Her favorite Blue Danube pattern is on display along with her collection of Jadite.

OUTSIDE

Not only does the Paape home overlook a lake, there is a pond and outdoor entertaining areas to take in. A spiral staircase leads guests from the deck down to ground level where there is an outdoor kitchen.

DINING ROOM

In the formal dining room, a torn wallpaper treatment gives the walls and ceiling a look of copper.

MASTER BEDROOM AND BATH

The spacious master bedroom overlooks the lake and has an attached master bathroom with a walk-in shower, tub and his and her closets. An island stands in the middle of the master bath, with sinks on either side, creating a unique his and hers effect. “My cabinetmaker designed this idea so we could have our own space, yet still share.”

LIGHTING

“When I went to pick out light fixtures, I loved all these chandeliers but wondered if they’d fit with what I wanted in our home. They seem to tie it all together.”

DOWNSTAIRS

A sign that reads “Club Paape” hangs on the downstairs wall and that’s exactly how the space feels – like a fun, hangout for the Paape family and their friends. Complete with a pool table, bar and movie room, the downstairs is a gathering place. “The theater screen is wonderful for when we have company over and it works great for Vikings games,” Karen says. There are also three guest rooms on the lower level along with a special wine room that’s tucked behind a beautiful wood door with iron accents.