North Arm Retreat
A Masterpiece of Lakefront Living
Orono, MinnesotaWhere Vision Meets Craftsmanship
Orono represents the pinnacle of Minnesota lakefront living. Nestled on the pristine shores of Lake Minnetonka, this prestigious community offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, privacy, and proximity to the Twin Cities. The North Arm Retreat stands as a testament to what becomes possible when exceptional sites meet exceptional craftsmanship through Stonewood Custom Homes.
Built by Stonewood Custom Homes, this residence captures the essence of modern luxury while honoring the natural landscape that makes Orono so extraordinary. Every building decision, from the orientation capturing southwest lake views to the material palette echoing the surrounding woodland, reflects Stonewood’s deep understanding of place and purpose. This is not simply a custom home, it is a carefully crafted response to one of Minnesota’s most coveted locations.
125+
Miles of Lake Minnetonka Shoreline
8,000+
Orono Residents
Top 5
Minnesota’s Most Desirable Communities
45 min
To Downtown Minneapolis
The Orono Advantage
Building in Orono means more than constructing on Lake Minnetonka’s shores. It means understanding a community that has cultivated distinctive character through decades of intentional growth management, environmental stewardship, and commitment to preserving natural landscapes. Large lot sizes, mature tree canopies, and strict architectural standards ensure every new home enhances rather than compromises neighborhood quality, standards that Stonewood consistently exceeds.
The natural topography varies dramatically throughout Orono, from gentle slopes approaching the lake to commanding elevation changes offering panoramic views. Native oak, maple, and birch create canopies that new developments cannot replicate for decades. Building custom homes here requires deep understanding of how to work with these natural features, preserving what makes sites special while creating residences that feel indigenous to their surroundings. Stonewood’s approach respects these natural assets while maximizing their potential.
Proximity to the Twin Cities provides convenient access to urban amenities and employment centers while maintaining genuine separation from suburban sprawl. The 45-minute drive to downtown Minneapolis offers the rare balance of career accessibility and quality of life that defines modern luxury living and attracts Stonewood’s discerning clientele.
Site Selection and Orientation
The North Arm Retreat began with a site exemplifying Orono’s most desirable characteristics: direct Lake Minnetonka frontage on the quieter North Arm, mature tree coverage providing natural privacy, and gentle slope to the water allowing main-floor lake access. Stonewood approached this opportunity understanding that exceptional sites deserve construction amplifying their inherent advantages while addressing the practical challenges waterfront building presents.
Crafting Philosophy
The home faces southwest, capturing afternoon and evening light while framing lake views from primary living spaces. Stonewood specified large window systems and expansive sliding glass doors that blur boundaries between interior and exterior, extending living space onto generous decks and patios that function as outdoor rooms throughout Minnesota’s warmer months.
Material selection favored natural stone and wood that weather beautifully in lakefront environments while requiring minimal maintenance, a practical consideration that doesn’t compromise aesthetic vision. Stonewood’s construction approach ensures interior spaces flow logically while maintaining distinct character appropriate to their functions. The great room anchors the main floor with dramatic volume and natural light, cathedral ceilings creating vertical space without sacrificing warmth or acoustic comfort.
The kitchen balances cooking efficiency with social connection, allowing hosts to engage with guests while preparing meals. Bedrooms retreat to quieter zones acoustically separated from entertaining spaces, ensuring rest and privacy even when the home hosts gatherings. Every building decision through Stonewood’s process serves both functional purpose and aesthetic vision.
Craftsmanship & Construction Excellence
Building exceptional custom homes requires more than architectural vision, it demands precision execution by craftspeople who understand that every detail matters. The North Arm Retreat showcases Stonewood’s commitment to construction excellence through choices invisible to casual observation yet fundamental to long-term performance and daily satisfaction. Stonewood specifies foundation systems engineered specifically for lakefront soil conditions, ensuring structural integrity across Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles. Advanced building envelope techniques create thermal performance that maintains comfort while minimizing energy consumption, a practical consideration Stonewood prioritizes for homes of this scale.
Window and door installations receive meticulous attention from Stonewood’s teams, with flashing and waterproofing systems that prevent moisture intrusion common to lesser construction. Interior finish work demonstrates the difference between competent and exceptional craftsmanship. Custom millwork throughout required collaboration with specialized woodworkers whose skills elevate standard cabinetry into furniture-quality installations. Tile work in bathrooms and kitchen exhibits precision layout and execution that transforms functional surfaces into statements of quality. Hardwood flooring installation followed traditional techniques ensuring decades of beautiful performance without squeaks and gaps that plague rushed work.
Stonewood’s trade partner network, cultivated through years of demanding projects, brings specialized expertise to every construction phase. These relationships mean access to craftspeople who take personal pride in work bearing their signature long after project completion. This dedication to excellence, combined with Stonewood’s rigorous quality control throughout building, ensures the North Arm Retreat performs as beautifully as it photographs, a distinction defining Stonewood’s approach to custom home building in Orono.
Distinguished Features
- Southwest orientation capturing optimal light and views
- Cathedral ceilings with exposed timber elements
- Professional-grade kitchen with premium appliances
- Master suite with private deck and lake vistas
- Guest accommodations acoustically isolated
- Multiple outdoor living and entertainment spaces
- Natural stone and wood throughout construction
- High-efficiency mechanical systems
- Integrated architectural lighting
- Private dock with comprehensive boat facilities
Stonewood Excellence
- Decades of Orono building experience
- Comprehensive regulatory knowledge
- Established municipal relationships
- Network of specialized waterfront contractors
- Lake Minnetonka soil expertise
- DNR compliance and coordination
- Architectural review navigation
- Proven project delivery record
- Portfolio of successful Orono homes
- References from satisfied homeowners
Building in Orono is not merely construction, it is creating architecture that honors community character, respects natural environment, and becomes part of Lake Minnetonka’s enduring legacy.
Investment in Excellence
Orono consistently ranks among Minnesota’s most desirable communities for property values and investment stability. Limited development opportunity, strict zoning, and sustained demand create real estate dynamics favoring long-term value appreciation. Custom homes built by Stonewood to exceptional standards in premier locations represent not just lifestyle investments but financial assets that typically appreciate steadily over time. The quality of Stonewood’s construction matters significantly, homes demonstrating superior craftsmanship, premium materials, and thoughtful planning command premium positioning in Orono’s sophisticated market.
Create Your Orono Legacy with Stonewood
If you are considering a custom home in Orono, you deserve a builder who understands the community, respects the environment, and delivers craftsmanship worthy of Lake Minnetonka’s premier address. Stonewood Custom Homes brings the experience, relationships, and commitment to excellence your Orono project demands.
From site selection through final finishes, Stonewood guides you through the custom building process with transparency, expertise, and unwavering focus on your vision. The North Arm Retreat exemplifies what becomes possible when exceptional sites meet Stonewood’s exceptional builders.