Parade Picks

McNulty Homes
20 Hillary Farm Ln., Gem Lake
$2,125,000
Home #289

This McNulty home is just the ticket for these homeowners, who recently got married and have a baby on the way. They were looking for something that would accommodate their new family, but still allow them to be close to their friends and his work in the city. They instantly fell in love with this home’s dramatic twelve-foot domed ceiling and grand open staircase with its custom-made, wrought-iron railing—just the first impression they want to create when entertaining business associates and friends. His sports buddies will be likewise impressed when they get a load of his play spaces. The lower level entertainment area is a sports-lovers dream, with a large plasma TV over the gas fireplace, an elegant bar, and pool table. The fifth bedroom is perfect to house their extensive exercise equipment.

The kitchen is a stunning space, with gorgeous marble countertops, custom cabinetry, and professional grade appliances that include a Sub Zero refrigerator and Wolf six-burner range with grill and griddle. What’s more, there’s plenty of room for her to make her famous potato salad while he’s marinating the steaks for grilling. He can imagine how great it will feel each morning to settle into the breakfast/hearth room with a cup of coffee, the sports section, and incredible views of their 2.43-acre property.

The owners’ suite turned out to be what really sold this couple. From the barrel-vaulted ceiling and beautiful bow windows to the luxury bathroom, this is their perfect retreat. And they already have plans to turn the three other bedrooms on this level into nursery, playroom, and computer room to ensure their child has every advantage.

Lander Sherman Urban Development
195 E. 9th St., St. Paul
$339,900
Home #273

This professional couple in their mid-thirties enjoys traveling, following college sports, and staying active through golf and running. They feel right at home at Printer’s Row, the fourth phase of development in downtown St. Paul’s new Wacouta Commons neighborhood, winner of the national Best in American Living Award for Best Smart Growth Community. They are proud of their sleek new urban home in a beautiful new neighborhood—the new city park a half block away is a great place to picnic or walk the puppy. They are also happy to be a part of a neighborhood with a mix of housing types—rental- and ownership-priced to meet a wide range of incomes and lifestyles.

This couple loves the contemporary, bold exterior of their home, and they are delighted to show it off to friends. They hold barbeques on their patio, overlooking downtown St. Paul and the new, European-influenced city street. Sit-down dinner parties overlook the skyline through south- and east-facing oversized windows. Their contemporary loft has cool features, including sealed concrete floors and exposed ductwork, but it also has a polished air with beautiful cherry cabinets, granite countertops, a gas fireplace, and  a spacious stainless steel island that doubles as a bar when they have visitors.

Their loft is just blocks from the Farmer’s Market, where they go on weekends to get fresh flowers and vegetables. They are also regular users of St. Paul’s renowned trail system along the Mississippi River, which is nearby. At night, they attend events at Xcel or the Ordway and have dinner at LoTo,  created by restaurateur David Fhima. St. Paul’s newest hotspot, this restaurant is just a couple blocks walk from their home.

This couple travels with ease, knowing that their association-maintained home is secure while they’re gone. They just lock the door and go, and landscaping and snow removal will be taken care of. And their cars are safe and sound in the heated, underground garage. When entertaining out-of-town guests, they’ll offer their second bedroom, which they generally use as a den and TV room.

This couple is eco-conscious, and they are glad their home is, too. Low-VOC paints and finishes, sealed cabinet backings, and fresh air exchange give them high indoor air quality. They also save money on energy bills with energy-efficient appliances, furnace, and a programmable thermostat.