Wayzata, MN · Serving Excelsior and Lake Minnetonka
Custom Home Builder
Excelsior, MN
Stonewood builds extraordinary luxury custom homes in Excelsior: from lakefront estates on Excelsior Bay and Gideon Bay to architect-designed teardown-rebuilds and bespoke new construction on Lake Minnetonka. Rooted in Wayzata. Built for Excelsior.
Excelsior, Minnesota
Stonewood: Excelsior’s Luxury Custom Home Builder
Excelsior is unlike any other community on Lake Minnetonka. A historic lakeside village of just one square mile, it combines the charm of a nineteenth-century resort town with some of the most coveted waterfront real estate in the state. Water Street, the Excelsior Commons, the Port of Excelsior, and the sweeping bays of Lake Minnetonka define a lifestyle that is genuinely irreplaceable: small-town character and walkable community life, set directly on one of Minnesota’s most magnificent lakes.
Stonewood has built and overseen luxury custom homes throughout the Lake Minnetonka corridor for over seventy years. Our office is headquartered in neighboring Wayzata, which means Excelsior is not a distant market for us. We know the city’s character, its permitting requirements, the DNR shoreline regulations that govern lakefront construction, and the design sensibilities expected by Excelsior homeowners who choose to build or rebuild on one of the most sought-after addresses in the Twin Cities metro.
Whether you own a waterfront lot in Excelsior and are ready to build, have an older lakefront home you are considering replacing, or are searching for the right luxury custom home builder near Lake Minnetonka, Stonewood is Excelsior’s answer.
Why Excelsior Is One of Minnesota’s Premier Custom Home Markets
A Lakeside Village Unlike Any Other
Excelsior, Minnesota is one of the most distinctive residential communities in the Upper Midwest. Founded in 1853 by colonists from New York who were drawn by the natural beauty of Lake Minnetonka, the city was incorporated in 1877 and became one of Minnesota’s first great resort destinations. Today, Excelsior retains the character of that era while serving as a fully modern, highly desirable residential address. Its historic Water Street, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is lined with Victorian-era buildings, boutique shops, and restaurants that make Excelsior one of the most walkable and culturally vibrant small towns in the state. Excelsior Commons, a thirteen-acre lakefront park, provides one of the most celebrated public waterfront spaces in the metro.
For custom home clients, Excelsior represents a rare intersection of values that rarely coexist in the same market: a genuine historic character, direct Lake Minnetonka waterfront access, a walkable downtown, nationally recognized Minnetonka School District schools, and proximity to Minneapolis via Highway 7 and Interstate 494. Homes in Excelsior carry the full weight of that combination, and the demand for well-executed custom homes, both on the lakefront and in the surrounding residential areas, reflects it.
Excelsior’s Luxury Custom Home Market
The Excelsior custom home market is driven primarily by its relationship to Lake Minnetonka. The city sits between Excelsior Bay and Gideon Bay, two of the most sought-after waterfront addresses on the lake’s southern shore. Properties along Excelsior Bay combine stunning lake views with proximity to downtown, creating a residential lifestyle that is genuinely unmatched anywhere in the metro. Gideon Bay, just to the east, is consistently cited by Lake Minnetonka real estate professionals as one of the most desirable waterfront locations on the entire lake, with commanding panoramic views, deep water access, and a serene, private character. St. Albans Bay, to the west, offers exclusive lakefront lots with exceptional privacy and beautifully landscaped grounds.
Beyond the waterfront, Excelsior’s interior residential areas and the surrounding communities of Shorewood, Greenwood, and Tonka Bay offer a secondary market of generously sized lots, mature trees, and established neighborhoods where Stonewood builds custom homes for clients who want the Excelsior lifestyle without direct lakefront exposure. In every setting, the Stonewood approach is the same: disciplined original design, complete budget transparency, and quality execution from the first site visit to the final walkthrough.
The Teardown-Rebuild Opportunity in Excelsior
Excelsior’s lakefront housing stock includes a significant number of older structures that were built during the city’s mid-twentieth-century residential expansion. Many of these homes occupy extraordinary lots: private dock access, direct lake views, mature shoreline landscaping, and the irreplaceable advantage of being in Excelsior at all. The structures themselves, however, often no longer reflect how today’s luxury buyer wants to live. Ceiling heights, floor plans, mechanical systems, and energy performance all fall short of contemporary expectations, and renovation alone cannot close the gap.
The teardown-rebuild market in Excelsior is one of the most compelling in the entire Lake Minnetonka corridor. Stonewood manages the complete scope: existing structure assessment, selective or full demolition, City of Excelsior and Hennepin County permitting, DNR shoreline compliance for lakefront parcels, and complete custom home construction on your existing lot. For waterfront teardown-rebuilds, Stonewood’s expertise in impervious surface calculations, setback requirements from the Lake Minnetonka ordinary high-water mark, and dock-related engineering is a critical differentiator. Our clients do not navigate that regulatory complexity on their own. Stonewood handles it.
Excelsior and Lake Minnetonka Areas Stonewood Serves
Because Excelsior is only one square mile, Stonewood’s Excelsior-area practice extends naturally into the surrounding Lake Minnetonka communities. We serve clients throughout Excelsior proper and in the adjacent municipalities that share its lake access, school district, and character.
Excelsior Bay and the Downtown Waterfront
The heart of Excelsior’s lakefront residential market. Lots on Excelsior Bay combine direct Lake Minnetonka access with walkability to downtown, creating an address that is both a waterfront estate and a village home. Stonewood builds and manages teardown-rebuilds throughout the Excelsior Bay shoreline.
Gideon Bay
Consistently regarded as one of the most desirable waterfront addresses on all of Lake Minnetonka. Gideon Bay lots offer commanding panoramic views, deep water access, and exceptional privacy. Stonewood designs and builds custom lakefront homes throughout the Gideon Bay corridor.
St. Albans Bay and Shorewood
St. Albans Bay offers exclusive lakefront lots with expansive grounds and a serene atmosphere. Adjacent Shorewood provides larger interior lots within the Minnetonka School District. Stonewood serves clients throughout both areas, from lakefront estates to interior custom builds.
Greenwood and Tonka Bay
Immediately adjacent to Excelsior, Greenwood and Tonka Bay offer beautiful waterfront properties and quiet residential streets that share Excelsior’s lake access and community character. Stonewood builds custom homes and manages teardown-rebuilds throughout both communities.
Excelsior Schools and Community
Excelsior is served by the Minnetonka Public School District, consistently ranked among the top school districts in Minnesota and the nation. Excelsior Elementary School is recognized for its academic performance and unique Chinese language immersion program, one of the most distinctive elementary offerings in the metro. Students feed into Minnetonka Middle School West, a National Blue Ribbon School, and ultimately Minnetonka High School, which is nationally recognized for academic achievement, arts programming, and athletic excellence. For Stonewood clients with families, these school outcomes are a primary driver of the decision to build in Excelsior, and they inform every design decision we make: from functional family living spaces and homework areas to mudrooms and garages built for the pace of an active community life.
Beyond schools, Excelsior offers one of the most distinctive community cultures in the Twin Cities. The Excelsior Farmers Market, Art on the Lake, Concerts in the Park at Excelsior Commons, Apple Day, and Tour de Tonka create a calendar of community events that reflect the genuine character of the town. Every Stonewood home in Excelsior is designed to engage with that outdoor, community-oriented culture: covered lakeside decks, outdoor living spaces designed for the long Minnesota summer, and site planning that orients the home toward the water and the community life that defines Excelsior living.
Custom Home Values in Excelsior MN
Excelsior consistently ranks among the highest-value residential markets on Lake Minnetonka, with median sale prices well above $1.5 million and lakefront properties frequently commanding significantly more. The city’s combination of lake access, historic character, walkable downtown, and top-tier school district creates residential values that have proven resilient across market cycles. Stonewood provides full pre-construction budget modeling for every Excelsior client, so you understand the complete investment before a contract is signed. Contact us to schedule a discovery consultation specific to your lot and program in Excelsior.
Request a Pre-Construction Consultation ›What Stonewood Builds in Excelsior
Excelsior Custom Home Services
Stonewood offers a complete range of luxury custom home services in Excelsior, MN: from lakefront estate construction on Excelsior Bay and Gideon Bay to design-build on interior lots throughout the surrounding Lake Minnetonka communities. Every project begins with the same commitment: your vision, executed without compromise.
Waterfront and Lakefront Homes
Stonewood designs and builds custom lakefront homes throughout Excelsior and the Lake Minnetonka shoreline, including all DNR setback compliance, impervious surface planning, dock engineering coordination, and lake-view-optimized architecture for Excelsior Bay, Gideon Bay, and St. Albans Bay.
Teardown and Rebuild
Own a dated home on a prime Excelsior lot? Stonewood manages complete teardown and custom rebuild, including demolition, all city and DNR permitting, and full construction, preserving your irreplaceable lot while delivering a home built for today.
Build on Your Lot
Have an Excelsior lot ready to build? Stonewood’s design-build team works from your lot’s specific characteristics: water orientation, tree canopy, shoreline setbacks, and views, to design a custom home that belongs exactly where it will stand.
Luxury Design and Build
From initial concept through certificate of occupancy, Stonewood’s integrated design-build process delivers a single point of responsibility, a unified team, and a seamless build experience for Excelsior’s most discerning homeowners.
High-End Remodeling and Additions
For Excelsior homeowners who want to transform an existing home rather than replace it, Stonewood delivers luxury remodeling and additions held to the same standards as our new construction, including full architectural design and dedicated project management.
Architect-Designed Custom Homes
Stonewood partners with leading Minnesota architects to deliver homes of genuine architectural distinction in Excelsior, from modern lake houses with expansive glass and indoor-outdoor living to craftsman and transitional designs that respect the historic character of the Lake Minnetonka region.
The Stonewood Process: How We Build Custom Homes in Excelsior
Building a custom home is the largest financial decision most people ever make. At Stonewood, our process is designed so that at every single stage, from the first conversation to the day you receive your keys, you know exactly what is happening, why it is happening, and what comes next. Transparency is not a feature of our process. It is the foundation of it.
Discovery and Vision Alignment
Every Stonewood project in Excelsior begins with a structured discovery meeting, not a sales call. We want to understand how you live: how your family uses space, what your relationship to the lake looks like, how you enjoy Excelsior’s community life, and what your investment parameters are. We learn about your lot, your timeline, and your aesthetic instincts. This is also where Stonewood shares its portfolio of completed Lake Minnetonka-area homes, so you can see the standard of work we deliver before any agreement is signed. If Stonewood is the right builder for you, it becomes clear here.
Site Analysis and Pre-Construction Budget
Before design begins, Stonewood conducts a thorough analysis of your Excelsior lot. For waterfront parcels on Lake Minnetonka, this includes a full review of DNR shoreline regulations, impervious surface limits, setback requirements from the ordinary high-water mark, and any applicable City of Excelsior ordinances. For interior lots or teardown-rebuild sites, we evaluate existing structure conditions, soil reports, tree preservation requirements, and utility connections. Simultaneously, Stonewood prepares a pre-construction budget: a detailed, line-by-line cost model built around your program and your specific site. You will know what your home will cost before we begin design. No surprises. No bait-and-switch.
Architectural Design and Custom Floor Plans
Stonewood works with a curated group of architects and designers who specialize in Lake Minnetonka-area custom homes. The design process is collaborative and iterative: you are not handed a plan and asked to approve it. Instead, design evolves through a series of working sessions where your feedback directly shapes the custom floor plan layout, ceiling heights, window placements, material palettes, and outdoor living integration. For Excelsior clients, this phase pays particular attention to water orientation, dock access, view maximization, and the relationship of the home to Lake Minnetonka and the established character of the surrounding community.
Permitting and Pre-Construction Planning
Stonewood manages all permitting with the City of Excelsior, Hennepin County, and the Minnesota DNR on your behalf. For lakefront builds, this includes DNR shoreline permit applications, impervious surface compliance documentation, and any required water resource review. We prepare and submit all permit applications, respond to city and agency review comments, and obtain all approvals before mobilizing. Our production team simultaneously finalizes all trade contracts, subcontractor schedules, material procurement timelines, and site logistics. When construction begins, it begins with a fully coordinated plan.
Construction and Real-Time Transparency
Stonewood’s construction phase is where our commitment to transparency becomes most tangible. Every Excelsior client has access to a dedicated project dashboard with live visibility into schedule milestones, budget reconciliation, change orders, and photo updates. Weekly progress reports include photo evidence of completed work and notes on upcoming milestones. Significant decisions or changes, anything that affects budget or timeline, require your explicit approval before Stonewood proceeds. You will never receive a surprise invoice or discover that a change was made without your knowledge. This level of accountability is not standard in the custom home industry. At Stonewood, it is non-negotiable.
Quality Control and Inspections
Stonewood employs a multi-point quality control protocol at every critical phase of construction: framing, rough mechanicals, insulation, drywall, trim, and final finishes. Material verification confirms that specified products are actually installed. We coordinate all municipal inspections required by Excelsior building code and, where warranted, engage independent third-party quality audits. For waterfront builds on Lake Minnetonka, this includes inspection of any retaining wall systems, shoreline drainage infrastructure, and dock-related construction. Nothing is signed off until Stonewood is satisfied it meets our standards, which are higher than code.
Closing, Walkthrough, and Warranty
As your Excelsior custom home approaches completion, Stonewood conducts a detailed pre-closing walkthrough to identify and resolve any punch list items before your move-in date. We provide complete documentation packages including warranty information for all installed systems, appliance manuals, paint colors and material specifications, and contact information for all major trade contractors. Stonewood stands behind every home we build with a comprehensive builder’s warranty, and our commitment to client relationships does not end at closing. Our clients in Excelsior and throughout the Lake Minnetonka area know they can call us long after move-in day.
Technology-Driven Transparency on Every Excelsior Build
Your Project Dashboard
Stonewood clients in Excelsior have 24/7 access to a dedicated project dashboard with live visibility into schedule milestones, budget reconciliation, change orders, and photo documentation. Whether you are in Excelsior daily or traveling, your project is always fully transparent and always accessible.
Comprehensive Visual Documentation
- Drone Photography: Aerial progress documentation of your Excelsior build, capturing roofline, shoreline, and lake-view orientation at every major construction milestone.
- 360-Degree Photography: Immersive interior walkthroughs so you can experience your Stonewood home at any construction phase, from anywhere in the world.
- Before and After Documentation: Especially important for teardown-rebuild projects, these complete photographic records serve insurance, warranty, and personal history purposes.
- Weekly Photo Reports: Every progress report includes photo evidence with written notes. Never a vague status update without visual proof.
Financial Controls That Protect You
- Milestone-Tied Payments: Structured payment schedules tied to verified, completed milestones, not arbitrary dates on a calendar.
- Independent Verification: Work completion is independently verified before any draw is released.
- Change Order Approval: No change moves forward without your written approval. No exceptions.
- Budget Reconciliation: Regular budget reconciliation and cash-flow forecasting throughout your Excelsior build.
Common Questions
Excelsior Custom Home Builder FAQ
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Stonewood brings over seventy years of Lake Minnetonka custom home expertise to every Excelsior project, from first conversation to final walkthrough. Contact us today to schedule a discovery meeting and learn what Stonewood can build for you.
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Where Stonewood Builds in Excelsior
Stonewood custom homes are built throughout Excelsior and the surrounding Lake Minnetonka communities. These are the bays, corridors, and neighborhoods that define the residential market we serve.
Prime Waterfront, Excelsior MN
Excelsior Bay
The defining waterfront address of downtown Excelsior, combining direct Lake Minnetonka access with walking distance to Water Street and the Commons. Stonewood builds custom lakefront homes and manages teardown-rebuilds throughout the Excelsior Bay shoreline.
Luxury Waterfront, Excelsior MN
Gideon Bay
Widely regarded as one of the most desirable waterfront addresses on all of Lake Minnetonka. Gideon Bay offers commanding panoramic views, deep water access, and exceptional privacy. Stonewood designs and builds estate-scale custom homes throughout the Gideon Bay corridor.
Exclusive Lake Shore, Excelsior MN
St. Albans Bay
One of Lake Minnetonka’s most private and exclusive bay addresses, known for expansive lots, lush landscaping, and homes of the highest quality. Stonewood builds custom lakefront estates and manages teardown-rebuilds on St. Albans Bay lots.
Historic Downtown, Excelsior MN
Water Street and Excelsior Commons
The heart of historic Excelsior, lined with Victorian-era buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The residential streets adjacent to Water Street and Excelsior Commons are among the most sought-after addresses in Hennepin County. Stonewood builds and remodels custom homes throughout this corridor.
Residential Enclave, Excelsior MN
College Lake and Southwest Excelsior
A quieter residential area in Excelsior’s southwest corner, known for mature trees, charming homes, and a secluded atmosphere close to top-rated Minnetonka Schools. Stonewood builds custom homes throughout this established neighborhood.
Adjacent Lake Community, MN
Christmas Lake
Just beyond Excelsior’s borders, Christmas Lake offers additional luxury lakefront opportunities in a quieter setting. Stonewood builds custom lakefront homes and manages teardown-rebuilds throughout the Christmas Lake corridor.
Shorewood and Greenwood, MN
Shorewood and Greenwood
Immediately adjacent to Excelsior, these communities offer larger interior lots and beautiful waterfront parcels within the same Minnetonka School District catchment. Stonewood serves clients throughout Shorewood and Greenwood with its full custom home and design-build capability.
Lake Minnetonka Community, MN
Tonka Bay
A charming waterfront community on Lake Minnetonka bordering Excelsior, known for stunning lake properties and easy access to the water. Stonewood builds custom homes and manages teardown-rebuilds throughout Tonka Bay.
Lake Minnetonka Corridor, MN
Lake Minnetonka Shoreline
Stonewood’s primary territory spans the full Lake Minnetonka shoreline from Excelsior through Wayzata, including lakefront estates, interior builds, and waterfront teardown-rebuild projects throughout this iconic corridor. Wherever the lake touches, Stonewood builds.