Introducing the London Road Lake House

Hey all! I’m introducing a new project to you all today… Introducing the London Road Lake House!!!

This house is on a historic road (London Road) in Duluth, Minnesota. The house also sits on a Lake Superior with a beautiful stone beach! Duluth is where my mom grew up, my parents met and married, and where I was born. It’s always held a special place in our hearts.

You might be confused, because a few months ago didn’t I reveal the London Road Fixer Upper?? Yep! The London Road Lake House is a different house, just down the street that my parents just purchased to renovate and live in! I get my inspiration, drive and love of homes and DIY projects from my parents. Growing up they were always improving homes and since “retiring” they’ve flipped a number of houses. This home is no flip though, this is the home that will host many holidays, family gatherings, and hopefully someday even a wedding or Great Grandkids!

The London Road Lake House was built in 1915 for William McKay, his wife, housekeeper and seven children. Eventually it was called the “Lakeshore Manor Guest House”. Later it was turned into an assisted living facility.

Over the years some pretty terrible additions were added to the home, and my parents are in the process of tearing those off and restoring the home to it’s original beauty! I’m not going to go into a ton of detail, but here’s a little sneak peek of all the rooms and how they all started!

Living Room

This is the real gem of the home! Isn’t the woodwork stunning? It spans the width of the house with windows out the front and back!

Dining Room

Can’t you imagine big family dinners here? My mom has been working hard and removing this dingy wallpaper. Also… that built in china cabinet?!?

Sunroom

Currently, we use the sunroom as a passthrough into the addition. Soon though, that green room will be gone and these french doors will look straight at the Lake!

Den

This will be an office/library. I’m imagining dark cabinetry, a few club chairs, and floor to ceiling bookshelves!

Kitchen

Sometime in the 50’s, this kitchen was installed. My mom is a genius though and the new kitchen will be stunning for sure. Imagine white cabinets with inset doors, a gorgeous range, and maybe a coffee bar?!

Main floor Bathroom

Lake views while you use the loo? Yes please! This shower will get demo’ed making this a main floor half bathroom.

Master Suite

A big bathroom, a sitting room, and a large bedroom make up the Master Suite! Imagine retreating here at the end of the day while watching the sunset over the lake!

Second Floor

These bedrooms and bathrooms are all pretty plain. Thankfully there’s enough of them that our ENTIRE extended family will be able to stay here all together!

Third Floor

Eventually the third floor will house a kids bunk room, a pool table, a bar, and large entertaining space! I’ve got so many ideas for the rooms up here, but they will be renovating these rooms last.

Now you see why I was so excited to share this post with you… introducing the London road lake house! As fellow home lovers I know you guys are seeing the potential too! Doesn’t it have great light, great bones, and beautiful woodwork? I’m excited to be able to help my parents with this project, and share the entire home with you along the way! Thank you so much for reading and following along!