Rural Renaissance

We joined Bill and Gerri Summerville at their Lake Elmo property on June 21. Summer solstice at the Summervilles’—how appropriate. It’s been just over two years since they flew the coop, leaving their south Minneapolis home for an 1870 farmhouse set on 12.5 acres anchored by a magnificent barn. “We knew we wanted to leave the 40-by-120 lots of the city and started to look everywhere,” says Gerri. “When we pulled onto this property, we sensed right away this was it—a project I knew I could get my arms around and go crazy.”

Bill is the managing director for downtown Minneapolis’s Solera and the soon-to-be-relocated La Belle Vie. Gerri is a partner in Left of Center, a design firm that renovates clients’ homes and spaces. Their working farm isn’t bustling with chickens, goats, or cows—it’s more like a work in progress. The completed project, including the renovated barn, which will become their future home, will have a “strong Moroccan feel,” says Gerri. “Southern France and across the Mediterranean. Big open spaces, big arches, pillows on the floor, fireplaces large enough to stand in.”

Gerri admits the move from city to country was initially more difficult for her than for Bill. “But I get it now,” she says. “Everyday there is something new here. It’s way deeper than anything in the city.”

CITY MOUSE V. COUNTRY MOUSE: “You can’t have one without the other,” Gerri says. “We both work in the city—and live in the country. When we moved out here, we didn’t think anyone would ever come see us. It’s the opposite! Our friends call and say they want to come hang out, dig in the garden. It becomes a day of it—projects, a walk, and the reward is a great meal and good wine.”

DESIGN INSPIRATION: “We share the vision of our future home,” says Gerri, “but my company will spearhead the project. My design philosophy is inspired by Europe blended with modern materials and touches of nature. I plan to harness sun and wind in some way.”

EATING IN: “We’re so busy that when we do dine together it’s an occasion. We plan for it, we shop for it, and we dress up a little. It’s all about quality—it’s a wonderful thing. We still make a point of shopping our favorite city sources, including The Wedge and ethnic markets. If we’re missing an ingredient, we work through it,” says Gerri.

Roll in the Hay
When the Summervilles stepped inside the three-story 1870 barn, they instantly connected with the old posts and beams, the amazing open architecture, the soaring height. They knew it would be their home. The bonus was the stone foundation—a total package that reminded them of their year of living in Europe.