A Minnesota Tudor Style House Melds a Classic Shape With Contemporary Style

A classic Tudor silhouette combines with modern stylish interiors, coming together in a fabulous Minnesota home that is equal parts charm and high style. Located in Crocus Hill, a historic area of Saint Paul, Minnesota, this 5,000-square foot residence comprises five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms and living space galore. Clean lines and comfortable design distinguish the interiors of the home, which sits on an old-fashioned cobblestone street. In fact, this very walkable area of the city is known for its stately historic homes and small-town streets filled with shops, restaurants and small businesses.

The home was designed by Charlie & Co Design and brings the Tudor style into the new millennium with a unique blend of architectural features that incorporate old-world details and new, contemporary elements. Large windows, along with some uniquely shaped ones, flood the interior with natural light that is further emphasized by the high ceilings found through parts of the house

Tudor House historic Crocus Hill exterior landscape

The exterior of this Tudor style cottage home features some very interesting roof lines along with unexpected curves at the side of the house and around the covered front porch. The shake shingle roof adds charm while the dark gray trim emphasizes the architectural features. There’s a lot of curb appeal for this home, which stays true to the style and scale of the neighborhood yet still manages to look contemporary. Easy care plantings surround the front and a row of native grasses on the entryway level lends a little extra privacy to the main floor window.

Tudor House historic Crocus Hill exterior landscape
Tudor House historic Crocus Hill exterior landscape

The same goes for the backyard, where a spacious patio is surrounded by the lawn and a minimum of plantings, which will mean little upkeep and even less fuss. This view also provides a good look at the covered back patio, which can be joined to the interior by opening up the large sliding doors. All that glass also lets in maximum light, which can be a challenge to get when the porch is covered. In general, the back yard is private, stylish and relaxed.

Tudor House historic Crocus Hill exterior landscape
Tudor House historic Crocus Hill exterior landscape

Inside, it’s a whole different story, with architectural detailing like the window framing and the staircase railing playing a large role in the overall look. It’s a bit minimalist, but still carries plenty of warmth thanks to the wood and great light entering from the Marvin Integrity windows throughout the house.

Tudor House historic Crocus Hill exterior landscape

Just as in any other home, the kitchen is the central hub for the family and as such, it’s spacious, convenient and comfortable. The kitchen cabinetry was painted white using Benjamin Moore cc-20 Decorator’s White with a high gloss finish. The lighting fixtures hanging over the spacious island with breakfast bar are Hudson Valley Altamont pendants. On the back wall, the stovetop is paired with a marble backsplash and a wooden feature wall in the same horizontally clad style as the island’s base. Concealed behind the wood above the stove is the ventilation hood by Vent-A-Hood. Throughout the kitchen, as well as the rest of the house, the flooring is rift and quartered white oak.

Tudor House historic Crocus Hill exterior landscape

An alcove adjacent to the kitchen holds the dining table. which features seating as well as a built-in banquette. This is a stylish option that is easy to deal with and very family-friendly. An added plus is that the alcove looks out over the lovely backyard. Above the modern dining table, Lindsey Adelman’s 5-Globe Branching Chandelier is suspended for overhead light. State-of-the-art appliances round out the kitchen, along with a super-useful pot filler tap by the stovetop.

 

Tudor House historic Crocus Hill exterior landscape
Tudor House historic Crocus Hill exterior landscape

Throughout the house, there are some unexpected profiles, like this stylized arch that frames the entry to the living room. At the other end, the modern fireplace is the Heirloom Series from Fireside Hearth and Home, while the surround, which runs all the way to the ceiling, is done in a smooth style of stucco by the same firm that did the exterior stucco work. The lack of a mantle emphasizes the contemporary nature of the space. Wood shelving and a spot for the television on the sides complete the focal point of the room. The Driftwood Coffee Table from Crate & Barrel adds a natural element to the room.

Tudor House historic Crocus Hill exterior landscape
Tudor House historic Crocus Hill exterior landscape

Spacious but not overwhelming, the comfortable master bedroom features another natural wood table alongside a Barcelona couch design by legendary Mies Van der Rohe. This is a great example of how iconic designs can fit into many types of decor. The palette is serene and creates a very cozy space.

Tudor House historic Crocus Hill exterior landscape

In the master bathroom, custom cabinets by Designed & Made Custom Woodworking feature an outline similar to the custom archway into the living room downstairs. It frames the drawers and adds a major design element to the double sink alcove. The grand bathroom features gray tile in an elongated herringbone design, a marvelous standalone bathtub and a roomy glassed-in shower.

Tudor House historic Crocus Hill exterior landscape

Even though this home totals a very spacious 5,000 square feet, the footprint doesn’t seem overwhelming. Moreover,  it manages to pack a huge amount of relaxed luxury into its very creatively designed Tudor frame.