Minnetonka Lake House Landscape

Starting with a blank slate

Transforming a hill of dirt into a beautiful backyard

After moving into a newly constructed lake house, this client didn’t waste any time calling Southview to create an outdoor living space. While the interior of her home was built-to-order, the landscape lacked curb appeal and spaces to spend time outside. Our landscape designers seized the opportunity to tailor the land to the homeowner's needs and the character of the home site.

Before & After

Does your front entry say hello?

Welcoming Shapes, Robust Garden

A front entry welcomes your guests while hinting at the character of your home – in this case, a mix of simplicity and tradition inspired by the shoreline. The bordered paver walkway flares towards the driveway and draws visitors in. Instead of dutifully installing a single species of shrub around the foundation, Southview's gardeners planted a mix of evergreens and grasses to blend the home into the landscape.

Crafting Spaces For Living

Unobscured Lakeside Views

Instead of building a wooden deck which would distract from the simple style of the house and obscure the view with railings, our designers built tiered patios buttressed by boulder walls. This terraced backyard creates multiple settings for bringing people together to enjoy food, fire, conversation, and uninterrupted views of the lake.

Designed For Indoor-Outdoor Living

Fully Equipped Patio

Sliding doors from the sun room open directly onto the first of three patios. Built from tumbled pavers, the upper patio is set up for dining al fresco with a 6-piece outdoor dining set plus a grill. There are also two lounge chairs and plenty of space for recharging in the sun or recreational reading.

Make a Setting for Togetherness

Friendship Around the Fire

What better way to enjoy the best feature of a lake house – the lake – than spending an evening sitting around a fire? Roast marshmallows or have a heart-to-heart – the fire is the perfect setting for connecting with loved ones.

Different Spaces for Different Uses

Layered and Leveled Landscaping

There is a drop of over five feet from the fire patio to the grassy landing below which leads to a walk-out bedroom patio. A patio off the bedroom can be the perfect place to wind down before bed or to wake up with nature.

Substantial Walls, Built to Last

Southview's Reputation is Founded on Quality

The boulder walls and terraced patios help manage changes in elevation by creating level spaces and holding back literally tons of earth. With experience installing over 7,000 projects, our reputation is built on striving for excellence in design, construction, and service. Besides being beautiful, all of Southview's landscapes come with a warranty and personal relationship with your designer and crew.

It Just Took One Call

Confidence and Trust

This client picked up the phone and called Southview Design because they knew from experience we were up to the job.

Now, from entertaining a crowd to relaxing alone – this backyard is ready for all kinds of outdoor living. Multiple living spaces provide flexibility and curving hardscapes, natural materials, and new gardens soften the harsh edges of new construction.