Twin Cities South Metro · Serving Prior Lake and Scott County
Custom Home Builder
Prior Lake, MN
Stonewood builds extraordinary luxury custom homes in Prior Lake: from lakefront estates on Upper Prior Lake and Lower Prior Lake to architect-designed teardown-rebuilds and bespoke new construction throughout one of Minnesota’s most beloved south metro lake communities. Seventy-plus years of expertise, brought to Prior Lake.
Prior Lake, Minnesota
Stonewood: Prior Lake’s Luxury Custom Home Builder
Prior Lake is one of the Twin Cities south metro’s most compelling residential destinations. Located approximately twenty miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis in Scott County, it is a city built around its namesake lake: a two-part, connected system of Upper Prior Lake and Lower Prior Lake covering nearly 1,400 acres that anchors community life in all four seasons. The combination of that significant water resource, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s Mystic Lake resort and entertainment corridor nearby, strong schools, and competitive proximity to Minneapolis and the south metro job market makes Prior Lake one of the most balanced residential choices in the entire Twin Cities region.
Stonewood has served the Twin Cities luxury custom home market for over seventy years, building extraordinary homes throughout the metro. We bring the same disciplined process, complete budget transparency, and uncompromising craftsmanship to Prior Lake that has made Stonewood one of the most trusted names in Minnesota custom home construction. We understand lakefront construction in the Minnesota DNR regulatory environment, we know what high-end residential clients expect in a south metro lake community, and we deliver.
Whether you own a lakefront lot in Prior Lake and are ready to build, have an older home on a prime parcel you are considering replacing, or are searching for the right luxury custom home builder in Scott County, Stonewood is Prior Lake’s answer.
Why Prior Lake Is One of Minnesota’s Most Desirable Custom Home Markets
A South Metro Lake Community Unlike Any Other
Prior Lake, Minnesota occupies a distinctive position in the Twin Cities metro’s residential landscape. It is the south metro’s premier lake community: a city of approximately 27,000 residents in Scott County where daily life is genuinely organized around water access, outdoor recreation, and the rhythm of Minnesota’s four seasons on the lake. Upper Prior Lake and Lower Prior Lake together form one of the most significant recreational water bodies in the metro’s southern arc, offering nearly 1,400 acres of connected water for boating, fishing, watersports, and waterfront living. Unlike many suburban lakes that function primarily as scenery, Prior Lake is a destination lake, actively used by its residents and drawing visitors from across the region.
The city’s location strengthens its appeal considerably. Twenty miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis via State Highway 13, Prior Lake offers a south metro commute that is manageable for Minneapolis and Eden Prairie employment centers alike. The presence of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and Mystic Lake Casino Resort directly adjacent to Prior Lake creates a regional entertainment and hospitality destination that adds vibrancy to the community and supports a broad range of local services. The broader Scott County growth corridor, connecting Prior Lake to Shakopee, Savage, Chanhassen, and Lakeville, has driven infrastructure investment that makes Prior Lake one of the south metro’s most well-served suburban communities.
Prior Lake’s Luxury Custom Home Market
Prior Lake’s residential market spans a broad range, from entry-level townhomes near the city’s commercial corridors to lakefront estates with 200 or more feet of Prior Lake shoreline on lots of an acre or more. The luxury segment is concentrated in several distinct areas: the lakefront properties directly on Upper Prior Lake and Lower Prior Lake, which command significant premiums for their shoreline access, water views, and private dock opportunities; the established neighborhoods of Sand Pointe and Watzl’s Beach on Upper Prior Lake, known for their direct lake access and established residential character; the golf-adjacent luxury homes in and around The Wilds Golf Club, one of the most respected private golf courses in the south metro; and the larger-lot estate properties in the Jeffers Pond area and the newer luxury developments throughout the city’s southern reaches.
Stonewood works throughout Prior Lake’s luxury market. Our clients include buyers commissioning a custom lakefront home on a property they have long dreamed of owning, families who have identified a teardown opportunity on the lake and want to replace an aging structure with a contemporary custom estate, and buyers who own land in Prior Lake and want a design-build partner who can realize the full potential of their site. In every case, the Stonewood approach is the same: original design tailored to the specific lot and program, complete budget transparency before a shovel moves, and quality execution from first site visit through the final walkthrough.
Upper Prior Lake and Lower Prior Lake: Understanding the Market
Prior Lake’s two connected bodies of water offer different residential characters that matter to buyers and builders alike. Upper Prior Lake, the northern portion of the lake, is quieter and more residential in character, with established neighborhoods like Sand Pointe and Watzl’s Beach providing direct lakefront access and a settled community feel. Upper Prior Lake’s calmer waters attract families who prioritize swimming, fishing, and casual water recreation alongside the privacy that comes with its more secluded bays. Lower Prior Lake, to the south, is more open water with greater recreational boating activity, stronger commercial character along its western shore near downtown Prior Lake, and lakefront properties that capture the full panorama of the lake’s open expanse. Both bodies of water offer compelling lakefront custom home opportunities, and Stonewood builds on both.
The shoreline characteristics of Prior Lake create specific design and engineering considerations that builders without direct Minnesota lakefront experience are not equipped to address. DNR setback requirements, impervious surface calculations for Scott County’s watershed management requirements, dock engineering, shoreline stabilization, and the specific soil and drainage conditions of Prior Lake’s glacially formed topography all factor into how a lakefront home in Prior Lake is designed, permitted, and built. Stonewood manages all of this. Our pre-construction process for every Prior Lake lakefront build includes a thorough site analysis that addresses every regulatory and engineering dimension before the design begins. Clients know exactly what they are building and what it will cost before they sign a contract.
The Teardown-Rebuild Opportunity in Prior Lake
Prior Lake’s lakefront housing stock includes a significant number of older structures that represent outstanding teardown-rebuild opportunities. Many of the homes that occupy Prior Lake’s most coveted shoreline positions were built in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s: structures that sit on extraordinary lots but no longer reflect how contemporary luxury buyers want to live. Limited ceiling heights, closed floor plans, dated mechanical systems, and shoreline orientations that were designed for a different era of lake living are all common characteristics of these homes. The lots they occupy, however, are irreplaceable: established shoreline positions, mature landscaping, and the kind of settled-in character that no new development can replicate.
Stonewood manages the complete teardown-rebuild scope in Prior Lake: existing structure assessment, demolition, City of Prior Lake and Scott County permitting, DNR shoreline compliance including impervious surface calculations and setback surveys, and complete custom home construction on your existing lakefront lot. Our team is experienced with Prior Lake’s specific zoning and shoreline ordinances, and we manage every regulatory dimension of the teardown-rebuild process so clients move through it with confidence rather than uncertainty.
Prior Lake Neighborhoods and Areas Stonewood Serves
Prior Lake’s residential landscape spans lakefront neighborhoods, golf-adjacent communities, and growing interior development areas. Stonewood builds throughout the city and in the adjacent Scott County communities that share its character and school districts.
Upper Prior Lake and Sand Pointe
The northern and quieter portion of Prior Lake, with established lakefront neighborhoods including Sand Pointe and Watzl’s Beach. Upper Prior Lake offers private lake access, calmer waters, and established residential character. Stonewood builds custom lakefront homes and manages teardown-rebuilds throughout Upper Prior Lake.
Lower Prior Lake and Open Water Estates
Lower Prior Lake’s more open water and panoramic views attract buyers seeking the full-scale lake lifestyle. Lakefront estates with 100 to 200-plus feet of shoreline represent some of Prior Lake’s most significant residential properties. Stonewood builds and manages projects throughout the Lower Prior Lake shoreline.
The Wilds Golf Club Area
The Wilds Golf Club is one of the most respected courses in the south metro, and the residential community surrounding it includes some of Prior Lake’s most prestigious estate homes. Golf-adjacent living at The Wilds offers the luxury lifestyle without lakefront premium. Stonewood builds custom homes throughout The Wilds area.
Spring Lake and Acreage Properties
Spring Lake, adjacent to Prior Lake’s eastern boundary, offers additional lakefront home opportunities alongside the broader Scott County acreage market. Large-lot and acreage builds in this corridor offer privacy and natural setting that complements the Prior Lake lake lifestyle. Stonewood builds estate homes throughout this area.
Prior Lake Schools and Community
Prior Lake is served primarily by the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District, one of the most consistently well-regarded school districts in the Twin Cities south metro. Prior Lake High School, Savage Senior High School, and the district’s network of middle and elementary schools serve the community with strong academic programs, extensive extracurricular offerings, and the community connection that comes from a district that has been central to the identity of this lake community for generations. For families choosing Prior Lake over other south metro communities, the school district quality alongside the lake lifestyle represents a compelling combination that consistently supports residential values.
Beyond schools, Prior Lake’s community life is defined by its outdoor amenities. Lakefront Park, the city’s primary public waterfront space with a beach, boat launch, and community gathering area, anchors the community’s relationship to the lake. The county and regional trail networks connect Prior Lake to the broader Scott County trail system. The adjacent Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community provides entertainment, dining, and recreational options that strengthen Prior Lake’s amenity profile relative to other south metro communities. And the lake itself, in all four seasons, provides the outdoor recreation framework that defines the Prior Lake lifestyle year-round. Every Stonewood home in Prior Lake is designed to engage with that outdoor, lake-centered way of life: decks and screened porches oriented toward the water, trail access integrated into site planning, and functional spaces built for families who live actively.
Custom Home Values in Prior Lake MN
Prior Lake’s residential market reflects the value of its lake access, school quality, and south metro accessibility. Lakefront properties on Upper and Lower Prior Lake trade at significant premiums relative to the city’s interior market, with the most significant waterfront estates representing among the highest-value residential properties in Scott County. The broader Prior Lake luxury market, including golf-adjacent properties at The Wilds and larger acreage homes in the city’s southern reaches, offers strong value relative to comparable lake communities north and west of Minneapolis. Stonewood provides full pre-construction budget modeling for every Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake.
Request a Pre-Construction Consultation ›What Stonewood Builds in Prior Lake
Prior Lake Custom Home Services
Stonewood offers a complete range of luxury custom home services in Prior Lake, MN: from lakefront estate construction on Upper and Lower Prior Lake to golf-adjacent estate homes at The Wilds and acreage builds in Scott County. Every project begins with the same commitment: your vision, executed without compromise.
Lakefront and Waterfront Homes
Stonewood designs and builds custom lakefront homes on both Upper Prior Lake and Lower Prior Lake, including full DNR setback compliance, impervious surface planning, dock engineering coordination, and lake-view-optimized architecture for every lakefront project in Prior Lake.
Teardown and Rebuild
Own a dated home on a prime Prior Lake lakefront or interior lot? Stonewood manages complete teardown and custom rebuild: demolition, all DNR and city permitting, and full construction preserving your irreplaceable parcel while delivering a home built for how you live today.
Build on Your Lot
Have a Prior Lake lot ready to build? Stonewood’s design-build team works from your lot’s specific characteristics: water orientation, tree canopy, topography, setbacks, and views, to design a custom home that belongs exactly where it will stand and nowhere else.
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 Prior Lake’s most discerning homeowners.
High-End Remodeling and Additions
For Prior Lake 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, with full architectural design and dedicated project management throughout.
Architect-Designed Custom Homes
Stonewood partners with leading Twin Cities architects to deliver homes of genuine architectural distinction in Prior Lake, from contemporary lake houses with expansive water-facing glass and indoor-outdoor living to craftsman and transitional estates that reflect the character of the Prior Lake community.
The Stonewood Process: How We Build Custom Homes in Prior Lake
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 Prior Lake 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 entertain, and what your investment parameters are. We learn about your lot, your school district priorities, your timeline, and your aesthetic instincts. This is also where Stonewood shares its portfolio of completed Twin Cities metro lakefront and estate builds, so you can see the standard of work we deliver before any agreement is signed.
Site Analysis and Pre-Construction Budget
Before design begins, Stonewood conducts a thorough analysis of your Prior Lake lot. For lakefront parcels on Upper or Lower Prior Lake, this includes a full review of DNR shoreline regulations, impervious surface limits, Scott County watershed requirements, setback requirements from the ordinary high-water mark, and dock access conditions. For interior lots, we evaluate soil conditions, drainage patterns, topography, tree inventory, and utility access. Simultaneously, Stonewood prepares a pre-construction budget: a detailed, line-by-line cost model built around your program and your specific Prior Lake 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 high-end residential construction throughout the Twin Cities metro. The design process is collaborative and iterative: you are not handed a plan and asked to approve it. Design evolves through working sessions where your feedback directly shapes the custom floor plan layout, ceiling heights, window placements, material palettes, and outdoor living integration. For Prior Lake lakefront clients, this phase focuses on maximizing lake views, creating living spaces that engage the specific water orientation of your lot, and designing transitions from indoor to outdoor that make the most of Minnesota’s long warm season on the water.
Permitting, DNR Coordination, and Pre-Construction Planning
Stonewood manages all permitting with the City of Prior Lake, Scott County, and the Minnesota DNR on your behalf. For lakefront builds, this includes DNR shoreline permit applications, impervious surface compliance documentation, and any required watershed review. We prepare and submit all permit applications, respond to review comments, and obtain all approvals before mobilizing. Simultaneously, our production team finalizes all trade contracts, subcontractor schedules, material procurement timelines, and site logistics. When construction begins, every element is coordinated.
Construction and Real-Time Transparency
Stonewood’s construction phase is where our commitment to transparency becomes most tangible. Every Prior Lake 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 detailed notes on upcoming milestones. Significant decisions or changes 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 Prior Lake building code and, where warranted, engage independent third-party quality audits. For smart home and energy-efficient builds, Stonewood coordinates third-party commissioning of mechanical and technology systems before occupancy. Nothing is signed off until Stonewood is satisfied it meets our standards, which are higher than code.
Closing, Walkthrough, and Warranty
As your Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake and throughout the Twin Cities metro know they can call us long after move-in day.
Technology-Driven Transparency on Every Prior Lake Build
Your Project Dashboard
Stonewood clients in Prior Lake 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 at your Prior Lake property daily or traveling for work, your project is always fully transparent and always accessible.
Comprehensive Visual Documentation
- Drone Photography: Aerial progress documentation of your Prior Lake build capturing roofline, shoreline orientation, site development, and the relationship of the home to the lake 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 on lakefront lots, these complete photographic records serve insurance, warranty, and personal history purposes.
- Weekly Photo Reports: Every progress report includes photo evidence with written notes on completed work and upcoming milestones. 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 Prior Lake build.
Common Questions
Prior Lake Custom Home Builder FAQ
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Where Stonewood Builds in Prior Lake
Stonewood custom homes are built throughout Prior Lake: on the shores of Upper and Lower Prior Lake, in golf-adjacent communities, and across Scott County’s most sought-after residential corridors.
Upper Lake Shoreline, Prior Lake MN
Upper Prior Lake and Sand Pointe
Upper Prior Lake’s quieter waters and established lakefront neighborhoods, including Sand Pointe and Watzl’s Beach, attract buyers who prioritize private lake access, calmer recreation, and settled residential character. Stonewood builds custom lakefront homes and manages teardown-rebuilds throughout the Upper Prior Lake shoreline.
Open Water Estates, Prior Lake MN
Lower Prior Lake and Breezy Point
Lower Prior Lake’s open water and panoramic views define Prior Lake’s most dramatic lakefront residential settings. Breezy Point and the Lower Prior Lake shoreline host some of Scott County’s most significant estate properties with 100 to 200-plus feet of sandy shoreline. Stonewood builds throughout Lower Prior Lake.
Golf Community, Prior Lake MN
The Wilds Golf Club Area
The Wilds Golf Club anchors one of Prior Lake’s most prestigious residential corridors, with executive and estate homes on mature lots adjacent to one of the south metro’s finest private courses. The Territory and Jeffers Pond communities nearby add additional luxury residential depth. Stonewood builds custom homes throughout The Wilds area.
Lakefront Community, Prior Lake MN
Grainwood and Lakefront Park Corridor
The Grainwood neighborhood and the residential corridor near Lakefront Park provide established Prior Lake addresses with direct access to the city’s primary public waterfront amenities. Stonewood builds custom homes and manages teardown-rebuilds throughout the Grainwood and Lakefront Park area.
Adjacent Lake, Scott County
Spring Lake Estates and Spring Lake
Spring Lake, adjacent to Prior Lake’s eastern boundary, offers lakefront home opportunities with a quieter character alongside the Prior Lake lifestyle. Spring Lake Estates and surrounding residential areas attract buyers who want Scott County’s lake setting with larger lots and more natural privacy. Stonewood builds throughout the Spring Lake corridor.
Interior Estates, Prior Lake MN
Jeffers Pond and Luxury Interior
The Jeffers Pond area and Prior Lake’s broader interior luxury market offer spacious estate lots with wetland views, trail access, and proximity to The Wilds Golf Club. Stonewood builds custom estate homes throughout Prior Lake’s interior luxury neighborhoods for clients who want the Prior Lake address without the lakefront premium.
Lakeside Neighborhood, Prior Lake MN
Credit River and South Prior Lake
The Credit River township adjacent to Prior Lake’s southern boundary offers larger acreage parcels within reach of Prior Lake’s lake amenities and school district boundaries. Stonewood builds acreage estate homes throughout the Credit River and south Prior Lake corridor for clients who prioritize land scale alongside south metro lake access.
Active Recreation Area, Prior Lake MN
The Territory and Eagle Creek Avenue
The Territory is one of Prior Lake’s most sought-after luxury resort-style communities, known for its private amenities, scenic setting, and polished residential character. Eagle Creek Avenue connects Prior Lake’s neighborhoods to its primary commercial and park corridors. Stonewood builds custom homes throughout The Territory and the Eagle Creek corridor.
Acreage Estate, Scott County
Fish Lake Road and Acreage Parcels
Fish Lake and the acreage parcels of rural Scott County adjacent to Prior Lake offer large private lots with natural topography, mature woodlands, and the up-north feel that south metro buyers increasingly seek. Fish Lake Road and surrounding corridors provide access to some of Scott County’s most compelling acreage build sites. Stonewood builds bespoke estate homes throughout this area.