Grand 1900 Hilltop Residence in Minneapolis With a Library Room, Private Sauna and Artist-Crafted Installations

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

Situated in a historic Minneapolis neighborhood, this exquisite century home exemplifies timeless craftsmanship and architectural charm. Built over a century ago, it boasts original wood floors, soaring ceilings, and abundant windows creating a natural light-filled ambiance. The 4,600+ sq ft residence features five bedrooms, including a newly added versatile library, a spacious primary suite, and an attic transformed for multi-use. A reimagined summer kitchen and a sauna add both character and comfort. Priced at $650,000, the home offers peaceful seclusion atop a private hill with easy access to urban amenities, bike trails, and lakes, blending historic artistry with contemporary convenience in one of Minneapolis’ most walkable, culturally rich settings.

Outdoor Patio Seating

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

The patio area features a rustic stone floor with a black metal dining table surrounded by six woven rattan chairs. Adjacent to the dining set is a comfortable outdoor lounge setup with black metal-framed sofas and white cushions. A small wooden side table and a low coffee table complement the seating arrangement. The house’s exterior siding is painted a deep charcoal gray with white window trim, and a bold red door provides a striking focal point. String lights crisscross above, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere beneath leafless trees, perfect for gatherings and relaxation in cooler seasons.

Backyard Shed and Deck

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

A rustic wooden shed with weathered cedar shake siding and a simple pitched roof stands at the back of a serene outdoor space. The shed features small rectangular windows and a wooden door, all framed in aged wood. A wide wooden deck extends from the shed, constructed with evenly spaced light brown planks. Minimalist outdoor furniture includes a white string-wrapped bench and a slatted wooden lounge chair positioned on the deck. Surrounding the area are leafless trees and a wooden fence on one side, giving the space a natural, tranquil atmosphere blending with the rustic charm of the shed.

Backyard Patio

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

A cozy backyard patio area with a charming mix of natural stone steps leading to a paved seating space furnished with a modern outdoor table and matching chairs. The focal point is a small detached structure painted in dark gray siding contrasted by a bold red door with white trim. The wooden privacy fence surrounding the patio provides a rustic feel, complemented by leafless trees and string lights hanging above, suggesting year-round usability. A small planter and simple landscaping add subtle greenery, enhancing the inviting and casual ambiance of this outdoor living space.

Garage and Backyard Entrance

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

A detached garage with a gray paneled door and white trim stands prominently at the rear of the property. The driveway is concrete, showing slight wear and cracking that hints at age and frequent use. The home’s exterior siding is a dark charcoal color contrasted by white window trim, contributing to a modern yet historic aesthetic. A wooden fence encloses a small backyard area with a gate for entry. Bare winter trees frame the scene under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, while utility wires run overhead, adding to the neighborhood environment.

Historic Home Exterior

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

A stately dark blue historic home with distinctive Victorian architectural elements stands centrally on a spacious, slightly elevated lot. The house features steeply pitched gables, white trim around windows, and a striking red front door. A stone pathway guides from a gated entrance at the lower part of the property through landscaped bushes and up a set of stairs to the front porch. Surrounding trees, mostly barren likely indicating late fall or early spring, mingle with the natural stone retaining walls and fencing. The urban skyline and neighboring homes provide a contrasting backdrop of modern and traditional aesthetics.

Living Room with Fireplace

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

Bright and airy living room featuring large window overlooking bare trees and blue sky, flooding the space with natural light. White walls and trim frame classic architectural details like wide baseboards and window casings. A modern black fireplace with a simple white mantel holds small decorative items and a portrait above highlighted by a soft pink arch painted on the wall. Hardwood floors add warmth beneath a striped rug supporting a large gray sectional sofa and ottoman accented by mustard yellow and rust-colored pillows. A flat-screen TV sits atop a minimalist wood cabinet, while green plants bring freshness to this cozy yet contemporary room.

Dining Room

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

An inviting dining area with rich hardwood floors that add warmth to the predominantly white walls and trim. The space benefits from ample natural light streaming through multiple tall windows, highlighting the clean, crisp architectural details around the frames. A sleek, modern wooden dining table is paired with understated gray chairs, blending contemporary comfort with classic elegance. Decorative elements include a vintage-style mirror and a tall green plant that adds a touch of nature. Artwork and a globe on a side table contribute eclectic charm, while a simple circular ceiling light fixture softly illuminates the space. An open doorway leads seamlessly into a bright, cozy adjacent room.

Dining Room Details

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

A spacious dining area with a smooth, natural wood table with rounded edges anchors the space, surrounded by modern gray chairs with wooden legs. The floors are polished hardwood, complementing the table’s tone. Walls painted bright white create a clean backdrop for various framed art pieces and decorative objects, including a pair of colorful paddles mounted on one wall. A vintage wooden cabinet with glass doors displays ceramics and small collectibles. The room opens into another space featuring built-in shelving and a leather lounge chair, adding depth and a cozy reading nook. A large drum pendant light hangs centrally, offering soft, diffused illumination, blending contemporary elements with classic architectural details like wide baseboards and door trim.

Interior Doorway

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

Double French doors with multiple glass panes offer a clear view into an adjoining room, allowing natural light to flow through. The doors are framed by classic white molding with ornamental corner medallions, enhancing the historic charm. Warm-toned hardwood floors with a distinct grain pattern add character and warmth to the space. To the left, a wooden mid-century modern display cabinet with tapered metal legs holds decorative items and books, crowned by a glowing spherical lamp and a small painting. On the right, two colorful wooden paddles hang vertically on the white wall, adding a playful, rustic accent.

Library with Built-In Shelves

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

Expansive built-in bookshelves painted in a deep teal hue dominate one wall, flanking a doorway that leads to a bright, tiled bathroom. The shelves are filled with books arranged mostly by color, along with assorted decorative objects like sculptures, framed art, and vintage plates, all illuminated by subtle recessed lighting. The room boasts rich hardwood flooring with intricate inlaid borders, creating a warm contrast to the cool-toned walls and shelving. A modern, light grey armchair with a matching lumbar pillow faces a rustic wooden coffee table, inviting relaxation and reading near a large window framed with classic white trim.

Living Room Seating Area

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

A room with deep teal walls and matching doorframes painted in a glossy, darker teal adds rich contrast to the warm honey-toned hardwood floors. A modern gray sofa sits against one wall, accented with textured and colorful throw pillows in muted earth tones. Centered in front, a rustic wooden coffee table on small caster wheels adds a vintage touch to the space. Above the couch, three black-and-white photographic portraits hang in clean, minimalist frames. Large windows with cream-colored trim let in natural daylight, while a potted green plant adds freshness. The space is an inviting blend of historic architectural details and contemporary furnishings.

Sunroom with Plants

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

Bright natural light pours in through large multi-pane windows spanning an exterior wall, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. Warm-toned wide plank wooden floors provide a rich, rustic foundation. A variety of lush green plants in pots and planters add vibrant life and texture throughout the space, emphasizing a biophilic design element. The white walls and ceiling contrast crisply with the wood tones and greenery. A cozy armchair with a patterned zebra cushion and a small wood and cane sideboard enhance the casual, eclectic feel. Doorway trim with vintage-style woodwork leads to an adjacent dining room, connecting the two areas gracefully.

Sitting Area Details

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

Light-filled sitting area with warm, rich hardwood flooring contrasting crisp white walls and trim. Two white wooden chairs sit against the walls, one adorned with a vibrant striped blanket and patterned cushion, the other decorated with colorful embroidered pillows and a deep red patterned throw. A small round wooden side table with a clear glass vase holding dried grasses adds organic warmth. Two dark-framed photos hang neatly on the wall above one chair, with an acoustic guitar mounted between them. Classic paneled white doors and traditional trim with rosette corner blocks enhance the historic charm.

Kitchen Workspace

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

The kitchen has a bright and clean atmosphere with white walls and cabinetry contrasted by rich, warm wooden flooring. A large stainless steel double-door refrigerator stands prominently beside white cabinets featuring classic simple handles. A substantial butcher block island with a thick wooden surface and a metal frame with a bottom rack occupies the center, providing a functional workspace. Countertops are granite with subtle patterns, supporting a modern toaster oven. Natural light flows through a large window, illuminating a small dining area with a wooden table and chairs, accented by green potted plants, producing a cozy and welcoming vibe.

Recreational Living Area

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

High vaulted ceilings with exposed white beams create an open and airy atmosphere enhanced by a skylight. The flooring is a worn, painted wood in muted gray tones, contributing to a rustic and utilitarian aesthetic. A cozy black wood stove with a metal chimney pipe adds warmth and character. The room is furnished with a mix of simple wooden chairs, a leather bench with cushions, and bright patterned rugs in earthy reds and grays. Walls are decorated with framed western-themed art and a variety of hats, alongside quirky vintage signage and string lights hanging from the ceiling, adding personal charm. A bicycle mounted vertically on the wall highlights practical storage within this multifunctional space.

Casual Sitting Area

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

High vaulted ceilings with exposed beams painted white create a spacious and airy feel in this casual sitting area. Crisp white walls and ceiling contrast with the worn blue-gray wooden floor, emphasizing a minimalist, vintage aesthetic. A tufted brown leather sofa with colorful throw pillows anchors one wall, paired with two light wooden chairs upholstered in patterned fabric on a bold red geometric rug. Additional elements include string lights hanging from the beams, eclectic framed wall art, a vintage cuckoo clock, and a small wooden side table. An open door leads into a warm-toned kitchen, with a wooden shoe rack and a patterned beige runner rug adding functional, rustic charm.

Staircase Detail

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

White-painted wooden staircase with delicately carved balusters and decorative cutouts along the railing. The newel post is topped with an ornate finial, featuring carved floral motifs and fluted detailing. The stair treads are covered with a patterned runner in black, white, and grey tones, adding contrast and texture against the crisp white wood. The wall behind the stair is also white, accentuating the intricate woodworking. A classic paneled door with dark hardware can be seen in the background, emphasizing the historic character and timeless elegance of this American home.

Bedroom Corner

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

Wooden flooring with a subtle sheen complements a large blue area rug anchoring a king-sized bed. The bed is dressed in a gray quilted comforter and a variety of pillows with warm tones, set against a soft pastel pink upholstered headboard. On the left, twin brass wall sconces provide gentle lighting beside a minimalist nightstand. Black and white graphic art on the adjacent wall adds a modern touch. Large windows with classic white trim and roman shades fill the room with abundant natural light. A dark gray dresser beneath an arched window adds contrast and functionality.

Dressing Area

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

Deep charcoal-gray built-in wardrobes with paneled doors and sleek gold handles dominate this compact dressing area. The elegant, dark finish contrasts with the warm wood floor beneath. A small vanity nook is inset against a wall covered in striking black wallpaper adorned with a repeated gold leopard pattern, adding an artistic and exotic flair. A rectangular mirror is flanked by a single brass and frosted glass sconce, enhancing the intimate glow. The high-back taupe barstool complements the muted yet sophisticated color scheme. Visible through the doorway is a glimpse of a lighter, airy adjacent room that contrasts with this cozy, moody space.

Bathroom Shower and Vanity

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

Bright bathroom with floor-to-ceiling marble walls and large light gray tiles that extend into a walk-in shower area. The shower has a glass divider and a luxury rainfall gold showerhead. A narrow horizontal window above the shower brings natural light and views of blue sky and trees. The vanity includes a white modern sink with a black and gold metal frame supporting it. A sleek, illuminated mirror adds a contemporary touch. Matte black fixtures, towel hooks, and a striped towel enhance the room’s sophisticated contrast. The overall effect is elegant and serene with a mix of classic marble and modern finishes.

Children’s Bedroom Corner

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

Light hardwood floors extend throughout this cozy children’s bedroom corner, highlighted by a deep blue ceiling adorned with a crescent moon and starry constellation pattern. The walls are white, with a mural of detailed green foliage adding a natural element along one side. A small wooden toddler bed with a space-themed blanket and white cubed shelving holds toys and books. An inviting teal armchair with a stuffed bear sits near a set of bay windows that allow abundant sunlight. Near the white sofa with playful dolls, a wall-mounted book rack displays colorful children’s books, creating a bright, whimsical, and serene atmosphere.

Children’s Bedroom with Nature Theme

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

The room has a warm wooden floor contrasted by clean white walls, with one wall adorned by an elaborate mural of green foliage and trees, giving the space a calming, natural atmosphere. A minimalist low wooden bed frame shaped like a little house sits near the mural, with colorful space-themed bedding adding a playful contrast. Opposite, a white dresser and a low shelving unit hold toys and books, adding practical storage. Mounted on one wall are soft animal heads for decoration. The ceiling is painted deep navy blue with constellation patterns, enhancing a whimsical and dreamy ambiance. A cozy futon with pillows and stuffed animals sits near the open door, reinforcing the child-friendly, imaginative vibe.

Nursery Room Corner

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

A dark wooden crib sits against a wall covered in a mural of lush green leaves and birds, lending a natural, serene atmosphere. The hardwood floor is polished to a warm honey tone, complemented by a light blue patterned area rug. A mid-century modern wooden dresser on the left holds a bright yellow plush lion and framed art, while a wooden shelf on the right displays a blue vase and colorful children’s toys. White-painted baseboards and window frames contrast softly with the mural and natural wood, creating a cozy and charming nursery space.

Home Office Space

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

Natural light floods the room from tall, narrow windows dressed with cream-colored curtains, enhancing the airy feel. A sleek black glass desk with minimalistic metal legs centers the space, paired with a modern ergonomic chair on wheels. Below, a bold blue area rug with white geometric patterns adds a vibrant touch while complementing the warm honey-toned hardwood floor with intricate inlaid borders. Along one wall, a set of horizontal wooden cabinets with a ribbed texture offers subtle storage. Floating shelves above are decorated with eclectic small art pieces, books, and vases, creating a balance between function and personal style.

Attic Workout Space

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

The angled wooden ceiling with a warm honey tone creates a cozy, rustic atmosphere enhanced by the scalloped wood shingle-covered walls in varied shades of brown. The black rubber floor mats offer durability and grip, ideal for workouts. A flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall, and nearby shelves hold exercise equipment like kettlebells. The room’s metal ductwork and exposed pipes add an industrial touch. Natural light filters in through small windows, and the white door contrasts subtly. The layout maximizes use of sloped walls, combining charm with functional fitness space.

Attic Exercise Space

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

Slanted wooden plank walls and ceiling create a cozy, rustic atmosphere within this attic room. Natural light filters through a set of small rectangular windows on one end, enhancing the warm tones of the exposed wood. The floor is partially covered with a black and gray checkered exercise mat alongside a yoga mat, defining the fitness area. A sleek, modern stationary bike stands centrally, contrasting with the rough-hewn wood surrounding it. The room feels uncluttered and functional, balancing historic charm with contemporary workout needs, making it a private, inviting space for exercise or stretching.

Bathroom with Clawfoot Tub

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

White-painted walls with subtle paneling create a clean and classic backdrop. The clawfoot tub, with its vintage elegance, rests on a dark hardwood floor that adds contrast and warmth. A small window above the toilet brings natural light into the space, brightening the room. The toilet and accompanying vanity are crisp white, blending seamlessly with the overall theme. A large, simple mirror above the sink reflects light and adds a sense of openness. Minimalist decor includes a small golden cup, soap dispenser, and a touch of greenery for freshness and balance.

Attic Office Space

Brittney Sullivan of Compass

Sloped ceilings and white walls define this cozy attic workspace. A dark gray sofa with patterned cushions sits against one wall, while a sleek desk faces three large windows that bring in ample natural light. The workspace includes a black mesh ergonomic chair and a computer monitor set atop the minimalist wooden desk. Floorboards painted dark gray form the base layer, partially covered by two contrasting rugs, a cream-colored woven rug beneath the desk and a vibrant red Persian-style rug nearby. A small wooden stool and a bulletin board filled with photos add personalized touches, creating a functional yet inviting atmosphere.

Listing Agent: Brittney Sullivan of Compass via Zillow 

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