Project: Lake Lydiard Estate
Architecture: Wittman Estes
Team: Matt Wittman, Hayley Snider, Angela Yang
Structural Engineer:Â Align Structural
Builder: Nor-Son Custom Builders, Aspect Design/Build
Location: Wayzata, Minnesota, United States
Area: 8945 ft2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Daniel Jenkins
Lake Lydiard Estate by Wittman Estes is a major renovation that reimagines a 3-acre historic property in Minnesota for a young California family. The 8,945-square-foot home, once weighed down by mismatched remodels, has been transformed into a light-filled residence that embraces contemporary indoor-outdoor living while honoring its heritage.
From Dark and Disjointed to Open and Bright
Over the past century, Lake Lydiard Estate underwent five separate remodels, each adding its own style. The result was a house that felt dark, cluttered, and disconnected. Heavy surfaces, blocked sightlines, and outdated trim contributed to a space that no longer matched the needs of a modern family. Wittman Estes stripped away these layers, replacing the disjointed interiors with an open plan that emphasizes flow, connection, and natural light.
Adapting a California Lifestyle to Minnesota
The new homeowners, originally from California, wanted a home that reflected their love for sunshine and seamless transitions between indoors and outdoors. Although new to Minnesota’s snow and ice, they sought a design that could bring the openness of the West Coast into a northern setting. Wittman Estes responded by opening views to the lake and forest, while adding expanded windows, doors, and terraces that maintain a visual link to nature throughout the year.
Architectural Interventions with a Modern Touch
Key interventions give the Lake Lydiard Estate a fresh identity. In the foyer, a blocky stairwell was replaced with a sculptural curving staircase that adds elegance and flow. A new white oak entry door, paired with a steel and cedar trellis, introduces a contemporary California-inspired look while maintaining the estate’s quiet classic façade. Expanded windows and doors frame the surrounding lake, bringing in warmth and light.
Interiors Reimagined for Comfort and Function
Inside, the entertainment room now features a plaster fireplace with a precast concrete hearth, terrazzo tile floors, and wood soffits that add both texture and warmth. The kitchen was completely rethought: walls were opened to improve sightlines, while dark maple cabinetry and granite counters were replaced with light oak casework and marble surfaces. Multiple small kitchen islands were simplified into one central, bi-level island, making the space more functional and cohesive.
A Long-Term Collaboration Between Architect and Client
The renovation of Lake Lydiard Estate reflects more than just architectural skill—it is the result of a decade-long collaboration between Wittman Estes and the homeowner, a fashion designer. Their shared passion for outdoor living and modern style created a home that is cohesive, elegant, and highly livable. The redesigned estate now flows effortlessly from indoor spaces to outdoor decks, pool areas, and the lakeside setting, accommodating both intimate family moments and large gatherings.
Lake Lydiard Estate as a Modern Minnesota Retreat
Ultimately, Lake Lydiard Estate is a story of transformation—turning a fragmented historic property into a harmonious, contemporary retreat. With expanded views, lighter interiors, and fluid connections to the landscape, Wittman Estes has created a home that bridges California lifestyle ideals with Minnesota’s natural beauty. The result is a residence that feels timeless, vibrant, and deeply personal.
