This stately full-brick home, located in Saint Paul’s prestigious Summit Hill neighborhood, is rich in history and charm. Once the residence of celebrity food writer Lynne Rossetto Kasper and later a nunnery, this historic property blends classic character with modern updates. Featuring elegant Art Deco architectural elements, leaded glass windows, and gleaming hardwood floors, the house offers four spacious bedrooms, including a luxurious primary suite. Recent renovations include a new roof, electrical system, and boiler. Situated on an oversized double lot with a rare four-car garage and EV charging, this home is listed for $1,000,000, perfectly combining historical significance, style, and contemporary living.
Historic Home
A stately brick home with classic architectural details stands prominently on a slightly elevated lot. The house features a wide front porch area with recessed lighting, framed by a sturdy front staircase and handrail. Windows are large and symmetrically aligned, allowing warm interior light to spill out in the early evening. A steeply pitched roof with ornate white wood trim highlights the upper gable. Tall, mature evergreen trees flank one side, lending privacy and greenery to the setting. The driveway runs alongside the house to a detached garage, complementing the historic yet inviting ambiance of the property.
Home Exterior
A large, early 20th-century two-story brick home sits elevated on a grassy hill adjacent to a sidewalk. Its steep gable roof and dormer window create a classic, timeless roofline with intricate wooden trim accents beneath the eaves, adding charm. Warm interior lights glow through large, rectangular windows, highlighting the inviting porch area with simple columns and a small set of steps leading to the entrance. Mature trees frame the home on one side, while neighboring houses with varied architectural styles complete the serene residential street scene at sunset, emphasizing a peaceful suburban atmosphere.
Rear Porch and Entry
The space includes a modest covered porch with white wooden railings and stairs, leading up to a black door with window panes. The porch is supported by white painted wooden posts showing some wear, giving it a rustic charm. Adjacent to the porch is a walkway flanked by walls finished in textured ochre stucco, accented with window planter boxes under two windows. The pathway runs alongside a detached garage with a white door and ends at a white privacy fence, enclosing the area. The mix of earth tones and white highlights evoke a warm, historic American home atmosphere.
Garage Exterior
A single-car garage with a white paneled door is situated off a concrete driveway marked by visible cracks and weathering. The garage exterior is coated in textured, earth-toned stucco, complementing the adjacent brick wall of the home. A small rectangular window with a flower box sits to the left of the garage door, next to a dark-colored door with divided glass panes and a lower diagonal wooden panel. Two modern HVAC units rest side by side on the concrete pad near the house, framed by light beige vinyl fencing and partially obscured leafless trees, casting soft shadows on a sunny day.
Cozy Sitting Area
A warm, inviting room with polished hardwood floors and soft beige walls. A round marble-top table with black angled legs stands in the center atop a large brown animal hide rug. The curved wooden fireplace surround adds a smooth, modern touch, with a glass-screened fire glowing inside. Above the fireplace hangs a framed landscape painting featuring a serene field and trees. Light streams in from tall windows with white trim and decorative radiator covers beneath. A brass-toned modern chandelier overhead balances classic and contemporary elements, enhancing the room’s understated elegance.
Living Room Details
Spacious living room with a neutral beige carpet and light cream-colored walls creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A large gray sectional sofa sits on a patterned area rug with black and white geometric designs, centered around a wooden coffee table. To the left, a vintage-style wooden credenza holds books and decor next to a tall, ornate gold-framed mirror, adding elegance. A deep burgundy armchair contrasts with the lighter tones. Large windows flood the room with natural light while a corner plant adds subtle greenery. The room includes recessed ceiling lights and features classic radiators beneath the windows. French doors with glass panels lead into the space, enhancing the airy feel.
Living Room Seating Area
Soft beige walls create a warm, neutral background for this living space. A large, plush sectional sofa in dark charcoal velvet anchors the room and faces a classic wooden coffee table adorned with books and a small floral arrangement. The floor lamp beside a rich plum armchair with matching pillow adds a touch of vintage charm. Along the wall, a sleek wooden sideboard with natural grain and tapered legs supports a tall arched mirror with a gold frame, amplifying the room’s light and depth. The creamy, patterned area rug adds texture and comfort underfoot, complementing the wood-toned floor visible through the open French door.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room with soft beige walls and ceiling painted in crisp white creates a bright, airy atmosphere. Recessed lighting fixtures are set symmetrically across the ceiling, enhancing the room’s modern feel. A large, dark charcoal sectional sofa anchors the room, set against a plush white and black geometric area rug that adds texture and pattern. A vintage wooden coffee table with ornate carved details sits centrally, adorned with books and decorative items. A wide wooden sideboard with brass handles stands beneath a tall, rounded gold-framed mirror, reflecting light and expanding the space. Adjoining rooms are visible through open doorways and French doors, revealing a glimpse of a formal dining area with classic furnishings and a chandelier. Natural light flows in through a generous window overlooking the outdoors, blending modern and traditional design seamlessly.
Living Room Seating Area
Expansive living room with beige walls and matching carpet create a warm, neutral backdrop. A large, dark charcoal sectional sofa anchors the space, paired with a wooden coffee table sitting atop a white and black geometric patterned rug for texture and contrast. Multiple recessed ceiling lights enhance brightness, while windows along the back wall bring natural light and outdoor views. A piano in the corner adds a classic touch. The room opens into a formal dining area and includes accents like framed paintings, a bust on a side table, and small decorative elements for a cozy yet elegant ambiance.
Cozy Dining Nook
A small, intimate dining nook with a light wood rectangular table paired with two simple black chairs and a pale gray upholstered ottoman. Cream-colored walls and matching neutral carpet create a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by multiple tall, white-framed windows that allow abundant natural light and greenery views. Radiator covers underneath the windows add a classic touch, while a framed floral painting adds a subtle pop of color to the calm, understated decor. The space is minimalistic but functional, perfect for casual meals or quiet reading moments.
Bathroom Vanity Area
Compact bathroom space with beige walls and white accents provides a clean, neutral palette. A small, wall-mounted white porcelain sink with exposed plumbing sits below a large frameless mirror which spans almost the entire wall, amplifying the light and space. Adjacent to the sink is a floating white vanity drawer with silver handle, topped by built-in open shelving featuring a small potted plant and decorative items adding a touch of greenery. Beige tiled floor transitions into a different room visible through a doorway, revealing warm wood flooring and modern light fixtures, suggesting a cozy, elegant interior beyond.
Room Details
Six cushioned dining chairs surround a dark wooden rectangular table, contrasting with the light beige walls and natural wood flooring. Four large, mullioned windows with white trim allow abundant natural light, enhancing the airy feel. A classic radiator cover beneath the windows maintains a period-appropriate charm. A traditional sideboard in dark wood sits against one wall, topped with a lamp that emits warm light, and above hangs a muted landscape painting. The ceiling boasts a minimalist brass chandelier with exposed bulbs, blending modernity with historic character, creating an inviting, elegant dining space.
Dining Room
A modest dining area with warm wood tones dominates the room, featuring a rectangular wooden dining table paired with six matching chairs that have vertical slatted backrests. A woven rattan pendant light hangs centered above the table, adding a natural texture and soft illumination. The walls are painted a soothing beige, contrasting gently with the rich wood floors. Two large, side-by-side windows provide ample natural light and a view of a quiet neighborhood. Against one wall is a black sideboard with metallic hardware, topped with a small lamp and a framed landscape painting, giving the space a touch of vintage charm. A light-toned area rug under the table softens the space while grounding the furniture arrangement.
Seating Area
A bright and airy living room with two large windows letting in natural light flank a neutral taupe sofa adorned with a variety of pillows, including a textured cream one and a pop of mustard yellow. Opposite the sofa are two deep blue armchairs, one accented with a soft beige throw. A large, plush off-white rug anchors the seating group. A tufted ottoman with a black base doubles as a coffee table, topped with a woven tray. The walls are light gray and unadorned except for a framed impressionist painting above the sofa. A tall leafy green plant adds a touch of nature and freshness.
Living Room
Bright, airy living room with crisp white walls and ceiling, accentuating the natural light from two large windows. Hardwood floors contrast with a plush white area rug that anchors the main seating area. Seating includes a gray tufted sofa adorned with patterned and textured pillows in soft blues and a bold yellow, alongside blue armchairs framed by clean lines. A black coffee table with tufted fabric and lower slatted shelf holds a woven tray for added texture. Minimalist black media console beneath a flat-screen TV adds functional storage with woven baskets and decorative items. A simple floor lamp with a white shade provides soft lighting, enhancing the calm and modern aesthetic. A framed impressionist-style painting in a gold frame introduces subtle color and a touch of classic art to the contemporary design.
Kitchen Interior
Warm wooden cabinetry with a natural grain finish lines the walls, complemented by sleek stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher and gas stove with a vent hood. Polished granite countertops provide a glossy, durable workspace, highlighted by soft under-cabinet lighting against a classic white subway tile backsplash. A black kitchen island with a wood butcher block countertop offers added storage and prep area, breaking the continuity of the surrounding wood tones. Light beige walls and a large window above the sink fill the space with natural light, while a woven runner rug adds texture to the light hardwood floor.
Staircase and Hallway Entrance
Wide wooden staircase ascending to the upper level, featuring detailed turned spindles and a solid newel post finished in warm wood tones. The walls are painted a soft white that contrasts with the rich wood trim framing doorways and baseboards. A white paneled interior door, slightly ajar, opens into a bright adjoining room with wood flooring and traditional moldings. Natural light filters in through windows seen further inside. The overall aesthetic blends historic craftsmanship with clean, neutral surfaces, emphasizing the textured woodwork and classic architectural design.
Staircase and Hallway
Wooden stairs with white risers ascend to a landing where a beautiful stained-glass window adds historic charm and character. The stair railing is painted white to match the trim and wainscoting along the cream-colored walls, creating a bright, clean aesthetic. To the left, a door with a full-length glass pane reflects the space and contrasts with the warm wood floors. Moldings and baseboards are elegantly detailed, highlighting the home’s classic architectural elements. The traditional style is complemented by simple light fixtures that maintain a timeless, understated feel throughout this transitional area.
Bedroom with Loft Bed
Neutral beige walls complement the creamy white trim and molding around the window and doors, reflecting classic historic detail. A large, white loft bed with an integrated desk and shelves sits against the far wall, maximizing space and functionality. The room features a textured blue area rug over beige carpeting, adding contrast and warmth underfoot. Natural light filters through the single window, highlighting the vintage radiator positioned beneath it. The doorway opens into a hallway with warm hardwood flooring, enhancing the room’s balance of modern convenience and period charm. A sculptural pendant light adds a modern touch.
Bathroom and Adjacent Room
Small bathroom painted in a soft beige tone, complemented by white trim and hexagonal white floor tiles. A compact white porcelain sink with exposed plumbing sits above the floor next to a standard white toilet. Two wall sconces with frosted glass shades flank a white medicine cabinet with mirrored doors, mounted above the sink. A yellow and white striped towel hangs on a polished chrome towel bar. The bathroom window features decorative leaded glass panels. Through an open doorway, the adjacent room displays beige walls, a large textured dark rug on beige carpet, and a modern pendant light fixture casting soft light.
Exercise Room Corner
Light beige walls contrast with wide white trim around doors, baseboards, and built-in cabinetry, creating a classic yet understated color scheme. Natural hardwood flooring spans the room, adding warmth and texture. A sleek black treadmill dominates one side, positioned on a protective mat on the floor, indicating the room’s use for workouts or fitness activities. A framed black-and-white cityscape photograph brings a touch of modern urban art to the space. White framed glass panel door leads into an adjacent hallway, while a built-in cabinet with drawers and double doors maximizes storage in this quiet, functional corner of the home.
Cozy Sitting Area
The space consists of warm beige walls with crisp white trim around the window and baseboards, creating a soft, inviting atmosphere. A comfortable, beige corduroy armchair with oversized cushions sits adjacent to a matching ottoman, centered on a muted gray rug with a subtle geometric pattern that rests atop natural hardwood floors. Opposite the seating is a simple light wood dresser doubling as a media console, supporting a flat-screen television and a small decorative plant. The window allows natural light to filter in, adding brightness and a view of neighboring houses and bare tree branches. The ceiling light fixture is flush-mounted, providing even illumination while maintaining the room’s understated, cozy aesthetic.
Bedroom Ambiance
Soft beige walls contrast gently with white trim that frames two windows, allowing natural light to pour in and brighten the space. The focal point is a minimalist wooden bed with light gray-blue bedding and accent pillows adding subtle texture. A geometric gray area rug beneath the bed anchors the hardwood floors, enhancing warmth. The ceiling showcases a small, modern light fixture with a clear glass shade and metallic details. An open doorway reveals a glimpse of adjoining rooms, inviting continuity and openness in this serene and uncluttered bedroom retreat.
Bathroom Vanity Area
This bathroom presents a clean, vintage aesthetic with soft yellow walls contrasted by white tile flooring and cabinetry. A large mirror stretching across the long vanity enhances the spacious feeling, reflecting natural light from two windows that brighten the room. The vanity consists of built-in white cabinets and drawers, topped with white tile and dual sinks fitted with classic silver faucets. A small upholstered round stool with gold legs fits under the central countertop section, likely designated as a makeup area. Safety grab bars near the windows and shower suggest an accessibility-conscious design, complementing the practical yet charming historic style.
Bathroom Corner
The bathroom has beige ceramic tiles covering the lower half of the walls, accented by a narrow border of small square mosaic tiles in varying earth tones that encircle the room. The upper walls and ceiling are painted white, enhancing brightness. A wooden cabinet with a granite countertop supports a dark bronze faucet and sink, complemented by a framed wooden medicine cabinet above. A classic white toilet sits adjacent to the cabinet. Natural light pours in through a wooden-trimmed window near a vintage cast iron radiator, highlighting the blend of traditional and updated finishes in the space.
Recreational Basement Room
Wood-paneled walls with a warm honey tone line the space, complementing the exposed rough-hewn beams and pipes on the ceiling that add a rustic, industrial charm. The floor is covered with black and reddish square tiles, showing signs of age that contribute to the historic character. A classic pool table with ornate carved wooden legs and a deep blue felt surface occupies the center of the room. A white painted brick fireplace, lit and surrounded by a wooden mantel, anchors one side beneath two small rectangular windows. A dartboard hangs on one wall, with a small bar desk and shelving nearby, perfect for social gatherings. The overall aesthetic is cozy, vintage, and inviting for leisure activities.
Laundry Room Details
White walls and ceiling with exposed pipes painted similarly create an industrial yet clean aesthetic. The tiled floor has a neutral beige tone that warms the space subtly. A double deep stainless steel utility sink stands against the wall, supported by metal legs, emphasizing functionality. Above the sink, a small white cabinet offers minimal storage. Next to the sink, a modern front-loading washer and dryer pair in white complete the utilitarian setup. A small window with bars lets in natural light, enhancing the bright, straightforward design. Visible plumbing highlights the basement or utility room nature of the space.
Listing Agent: Michael D. Smith of Anderson Realty via Zillow
