The Bay Renewal – Artisan Home Tour 2025 Showcase | Lakefront Transformation in Excelsior

Oct 30, 2025  |   Sven Gustafson
The Bay Renewal – Artisan Home Tour 2025 Showcase | Lakefront Transformation in Excelsior
Featured Home · Artisan Home Tour 2025

The Bay Renewal:
French Country Elegance Meets Lakefront Living

A stunning lakefront transformation showcasing timeless architecture, exceptional craftsmanship, and the artisan expertise that defines Revision’s approach to whole-home renovation.

📍 Excelsior, Minnesota | Remodeled by Revision

The Bay Renewal French Country lakefront home exterior

When exceptional craftsmanship meets thoughtful vision, the result is a home that transcends renovation—it becomes a legacy. The Bay Renewal, featured in the 2025 Artisan Home Tour, represents the pinnacle of lakefront transformation, where a dated property has been completely reimagined as a French Country masterpiece.

The Transformation

Before Before renovation - dated exterior
After After renovation - stunning French Country exterior

A Transformation Rooted in Artisan Craftsmanship

The Bay Renewal exemplifies what’s possible when homeowners partner with artisan-level renovation specialists who understand both the technical complexities of whole-home transformation and the timeless appeal of classic architecture. This Excelsior lakefront estate has been meticulously remodeled by Revision to honor French Country elegance while meeting the demands of modern family life.

What makes this project exceptional isn’t just the beautiful finishes—it’s the thoughtful problem-solving and structural expertise that went into every decision. From reimagining awkward spaces to creating seamless flow between rooms, this renovation showcases the depth of knowledge that comes from decades of building experience.

Stunning two-story entry with vaulted wood ceilings and checkerboard flooring

The Entry: Where First Impressions Become Lasting Memories

Step through the arched front door, and you’re immediately greeted by one of the home’s most breathtaking features: a two-story entry with soaring vaulted ceilings clad in rich wood planking. The space is anchored by a magnificent floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace constructed from natural ledgestone, creating instant warmth and architectural presence.

The custom staircase, featuring white oak treads and sleek black metal balusters, draws the eye upward while maintaining clean, contemporary lines. But perhaps the boldest choice? The striking checkerboard floor in alternating light and dark tiles that establishes immediate visual impact and sets an elegant tone for the entire home.

“This entry represents everything we believe about artisan renovation—it’s not just about making something beautiful, it’s about creating a space that feels both grand and genuinely welcoming. Every structural decision, every material choice, contributes to that experience.” — Revision Team

The Transformation

Before Before renovation - dated exterior
After After renovation - stunning French Country exterior

Living Spaces Designed for Lake Life

The transformation continues throughout the main living areas, where the Revision team solved one of the home’s biggest challenges: creating cohesive flow while preserving the home’s character. The solution involved addressing awkward ceiling transitions and reimagining spatial relationships to create what now feels like a naturally flowing, light-filled environment.

Living room with stone fireplace and lake views

The living spaces now feature beautiful coffered ceilings, walls clad in vertical paneling that adds texture without overwhelming, and the same natural ledgestone fireplace treatment that creates continuity with the entry. Large windows frame the lakefront views, while the thoughtful color palette of soft whites and warm neutrals keeps the focus on both the architecture and the stunning natural setting.

A Kitchen Remodeled for Today’s Living

The heart of The Bay Renewal is a completely reimagined kitchen that balances traditional elegance with modern functionality. Custom cabinetry in soft grey tones, topped with pristine white marble countertops, creates a sophisticated backdrop for everyday living and entertaining.

Kitchen with custom cabinetry and marble countertops Kitchen island with white oak and seating

The centerpiece is a stunning white oak island with open shelving that provides both storage and display space, while upholstered counter stools invite casual meals and conversation. Vintage-inspired green pendant lights add a pop of color and personality, while glass-front upper cabinets keep the space feeling open and airy.

This isn’t just a kitchen renovation—it’s a complete rethinking of how the space functions for modern family life, all while maintaining the home’s French Country aesthetic.

Lakefront Views From Every Angle

One of the most impressive aspects of this Excelsior lakefront renovation is how the Revision team maximized the home’s connection to its waterfront setting. Throughout the home, you’ll find thoughtfully positioned windows that frame lake views while flooding interiors with natural light.

Living room with arched windows overlooking the lake

The rear living spaces feature a series of graceful arched windows that have become a signature of the home’s French Country character. These aren’t just beautiful architectural elements—they’re carefully engineered to provide unobstructed views while maintaining the home’s structural integrity and energy efficiency.

“The lake was always the best feature of this property. Our job was to create a home worthy of that setting.”

Why Artisan Renovation Matters

The Bay Renewal showcases why artisan-level renovation represents the pinnacle of building expertise. Unlike new construction, renovation requires the ability to work within existing structures, solve unexpected challenges, and create something entirely new while respecting what came before.

Throughout this Excelsior project, the Revision team demonstrated:

  • Structural problem-solving that allows for impactful architectural changes like vaulted ceilings
  • Meticulous attention to detail in every finish, from custom millwork to hand-selected materials
  • The ability to blend traditional French Country aesthetics with contemporary functionality
  • Expert coordination of complex trades and timelines to minimize disruption
  • A commitment to quality that ensures the finished home will remain beautiful for generations

The Revision Difference

Revision, the specialized renovation division of Stonewood, was created specifically to bring the same level of expertise and attention to detail that defines Stonewood’s custom home building to homeowners who love their location but need their space to evolve.

The Bay Renewal perfectly illustrates this philosophy. Rather than starting from scratch, the Revision team worked with the home’s existing footprint and character, making strategic changes that completely transformed how the home lives while maintaining what made the property special in the first place—its incredible lakefront location in Excelsior.

Experience The Bay Renewal

This lakefront transformation represents more than just a successful renovation—it’s a testament to what’s achievable when artisan craftsmanship meets thoughtful renovation strategy. From the striking two-story entry to the sophisticated kitchen, from the reimagined living spaces to the seamless indoor-outdoor connection, every element has been carefully considered and expertly executed.

The result is a home that feels both timeless and completely current, traditional in its architectural references but modern in its functionality, elegant in its finishes but genuinely livable for everyday family life.

Ready to Transform Your Home?

The Bay Renewal demonstrates what’s possible when you partner with renovation specialists who bring both technical expertise and artisan-level craftsmanship to every project. Whether you’re considering a complete whole-home transformation or a targeted renovation of key spaces, Revision brings the same commitment to quality and attention to detail.

Whole-Home Renovation

Complete transformations that reimagine how your home lives while respecting its character and your lifestyle needs.

Artisan Craftsmanship

Decades of building expertise applied to every detail, from structural solutions to finish selections.

Lakefront Expertise

Specialized experience with waterfront properties throughout Excelsior and the greater Twin Cities area.

If The Bay Renewal has inspired you to reimagine your own home’s potential, we’d love to discuss your project. From initial vision to final reveal, we’re committed to making the renovation process as smooth and rewarding as possible.

Discover What Artisan Renovation Can Do

The Bay Renewal is just one example of how Revision brings exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful problem-solving to every lakefront and luxury home renovation in Minnesota.

Revision Remodeling revisionmn.com
Stonewood Custom Homes stonewood.com
Contact 612-462-4000

“We don’t just renovate houses—we transform them into homes that honor both their past and their future. The Bay Renewal is proof of what’s possible.”

About Revision & Stonewood

Revision is the specialized renovation division of Stonewood, a premier custom home builder based in Wayzata, Minnesota. With decades of combined experience in both new construction and renovation, we bring unparalleled expertise to every project. From complete whole-home transformations to targeted kitchen and bathroom remodels, we’re committed to artisan-level craftsmanship and exceptional results.

Licensed BC#639027 | © 2025 Stonewood Custom Homes & Revision | Excelsior, Minnesota

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