The availability of this historic property provides an opportunity to own a piece of Minnesota’s heritage. Dominated by towering pines, surrounded by gardens and ponds secluded behind gates and fences, this home has had a colorful history during its 110 years of existence.
For 27 years, from its dedication in 1899 through 1926, this historic house was the site of the Lutheran Social Services Vasa Children’s Home. The organization that cared for orphaned children was one of the first private institutions of its kind in Minnesota. When the group moved to the junction of U.S. Highway 61 and State Highway 19, the structure became a private residence.
During the 1930’s, the former children’s home underwent some changes including the removal of the small infirmary, school house, and second dormitory. At one point the property was even used for grain storage by local farmers. By the 1960’s, the historic property was in need of a facelift.
In 1968, the previous owners purchased the property and expansive renovations were made. The completed project was a transformation and the home was significantly upgraded both structurally and cosmetically. They installed new electrical wiring, plumbing, insulation, siding, and roofing, essentially updating the entire structure. The second level now has four bedrooms with two baths. The third level, formerly an attic, has one bathroom and three large bedrooms with sloped ceilings and oak random plank pegged flooring.
The main level of the home was remodeled to include spacious rooms, large windows, 12 foot ceilings and a country styled kitchen with full brick wall fireplace. Wood salvaged from a silo was used as paneling for the ceiling, with timbers from the barn used as beams. A formal living room was created to the left of the foyer across the spacious hall from the kitchen. Adjacent to the living room and across from the kitchen is a formal dining room with paneled wainscoting.
In 1974, the current owners purchased the property and began placing their own imprint upon the home. They transformed the pleasant country home into a country estate, starting with enhancing the ground and the approach to the home. Stone entrance pillars were built to secure a wrought iron gate that is activated by an electronic code. White maintenance-free fencing separates the property from the road. Pine trees that are over 100-years-old at the rear of the property and drive were joined by additional evergreens located strategically throughout the acreage.
The land surrounding the home is extensively landscaped. Perennial gardens, strawberry patches and asparagus beds abound. A sunken garden surrounds a pond that includes a waterfall. An on-site orchard contains apple and pear trees. The original cupola from the dismantled barn was converted into a garden house, complete with running water. A custom designed wrought iron gazebo was also installed.
During this time, the outbuildings were also being restored and repurposed. The remaining barn, built in 1920, was resided and reroofed in 1999.The chicken coop became a guest cottage. A heated six car garage was built with adjoining green house. What had been a bunk house became a three car garage, which is currently used as a painting and potters studio, with a guest apartment on the top level. The self-sufficient, cedar paneled suite is complete with full kitchen and bath and comfortable living room with a Murphy bed.
Improvements were also happening to the home itself. A hand split shake roof, clear redwood siding and double hung windows have given the home an exterior facelift. The interior was completely redecorated and closets were added. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, with commercial grade appliances, including a Haussler bread oven, a six burner gas Wolf range, and commercial refrigerator and freezer. The former living room became a handsome library complete with a ladder, paneled in cherry and entered through a pair of antique walnut doors.
Fully updated and restored, the new steward of this Neo Classic style home can also just sit back, relax, and enjoy the efforts of the previous owners. With only a 50 minute drive to St. Paul via Highway 52, the property could serve as a wonderful family residence or a weekend retreat. Located in the heart of the Cannon River Valley, the pastoral setting is sure to bring unlimited happiness to whoever decides to call this house home.
