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A timber frame beauty minglesseamlessly with nature

For twenty years, Curtis Johnson had a dream ofbuilding a private retreat, a home that reflected anappreciation for Old World technique and design,yet equipped with modern conveniences and tech-nology. His vision became a reality when he and

his wife Lori found the ideal private location for their newhome.

In 2004, the Johnsons purchased 40 acres of oak for-est and open meadow near St. Cloud, Minn. With the helpof Prairie Restorations, Inc. and the U.S. Fish & WildlifeService, 15 acres of prairie was restored with nativeseeds and plantings as well as landscaped with prairieflowers. It is a picturesque setting with a creek runningthrough the property, three nearby lakes and just a shortcommute away from Curtis’s dental practice.

The couple initially met with Doug and Bonnie Hansenof Hansen Tomlinson Homes, Sartell, Minn. in 2006 to dis-cuss an array of ideas. Since this was the first timber-frame home built by the Hansens, architect Tony Stoll ofbhh Partners Planners/Architects, Perham, Minn. wasenlisted to assist with further developing and designingthe home.

After consulting with the Hansens, Stoll met with theJohnsons in 2006 and then visited the site to review theiroverall wish list for their new home. “Curtis and Lori want-ed a home that fit on their property and also complement-ed their active, outdoor lifestyle,” Stoll recalls. “They wereseeking to maximize the property’s views and capture nat-ural light throughout the home. With the combination ofthe timber-frame construction and great views on theJohnson’s property, it is almost as if interior and exteriorspaces blend seamlessly together. The detailing, finishesand timber work fill their home with warmth and comfort.”

“The entire building team also worked closely withtimber framer Phil Bjork of Great Northern Woodworks,Princeton, Minn., to tie in the non-timber-frame portion ofthe home,” explains Bonnie Hansen. “We enjoyed the

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challenge of working on a timber-frame home, and therelationship that developed while working with theJohnsons.”

The two-story, timber-framed craftsman-styledhome with a walk-out lower level is a Smart Home withenergy-efficient insulated panels, triple-pane Eagle win-dows and geo-thermal heating and air conditioning.Montana prairie fieldstone, cedar shakes, and timberscoordinate beautifully with the deep evergreen hues ofthe Smart siding.

Building began in 2012 and was completed inFebruary of 2013. “Constructing the timbers and panelswas quick,” Curtis recalls. “Within two weeks, it wascompletely enclosed. Overall, from ground-breaking tofinish took less than a year.”

Once inside the home, warm reclaimed oak flooringfrom horse barns in Kentucky, Douglas fir timbers and

tongue-and-groove pine ceilings capture the essence oftheir dream retreat. A 22-foot gas Montana PrairieFieldstone fireplace with a mantel of reclaimed woodfrom an old flour mill in Red Wing, Minn. is a welcomingfocal point. Suspended from soaring ceiling heights, apowder-coated black finish chandelier with amber glassis eye-catching. Magnificent views are enjoyed from thegreat room’s arched windows.

Lori’s favorite room is their contemporary kitchenspace. She especially admires the creatively designedcabinetry by Bryan Becker of Tischler Woodworking,Avon, Minn. Channel-set, push button cabinetry lendsclean lines and reflects their contemporary preferences.Stainless steel appliances, a large, functional island thatseats six, and Jurassic Black granite surfaces worksuperbly together for food preparation and entertaining.

“Our kitchen is very open,” Lori adds. “We enjoy the

Lofty Douglas fir timbers and tongue-and-groove pine in the great room complement a dramatic black powder-coated steel and amber glasschandelier. Arched windows invite natural light inside. A 22-foot Montana Prairie Fieldstone gas fireplace can be viewed from the openkitchen and eating areas as well as the upper level.Bird’s-eye views from the upper level show a picturesque scene through arched great room windows. A library, loft area, nook, two bedroomsand a bathroom complete the upstairs space.

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views of the great room, dining area, as well as the out-doors.”

Curtis prefers the technology and modern conven-iences of their Kohler DTV-controlled master bath. Herecalls, “One challenge in our design plan was to createa master bedroom that was adjacent to the master bathand closet, laundry space and a coffee bar that couldoperate privately or be opened near the sunrise porchwhen needed for guests.”

Both undoubtedly agree that the sunrise four-sea-son porch and the screened sunset porch are definitelyfavorite places to enjoy morning coffee, or relax andadmire the sunsets together. Six-year-old son Dane hasalready claimed the sunrise porch for his own privateretreat and activity room. Even Zoey, their spirited Irishwolfhound, enjoys sprawling on the floor after an adven-turous day out on the prairie.

Their downstairs was carefully crafted to reflect anearly 20th century decor – a tribute to their grandpar-ents. A copper-topped bar is complete with a range ofconcealed appliances and quarter-sawn oak architectur-al columns. It is a favorite place to entertain or viewsporting events and movies from their open theatre. Avelvet curtain offers privacy for the theatre space.

“It was fun planning the theater, bar and family areain their lower level,” adds Stoll. “Hansen Tomlinson did agreat job with the detailing and finishes. Overall, theJohnsons were very patient and methodical with theirdecisions and in reviewing design options.”

Neutral colors complement and do not distract fromthe natural beauty of interior timbers and stone. “Wefeel fortunate to have worked with superior craftsmenthroughout the building process,” Curtis adds. “Theywere all quite creative in using their artistic gifts and

The kitchen’s clean lines enhance a sophisticated contemporary design. Five pendant lights above a 14 by 4.5-foot tiered island furnishedwith a triple sink, dishwasher, steam oven, dish drawers and ample storage and work spaces create an ultra-convenient entertaining andcooking space.

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“Sunset” Porch – On the west side of the home, a 15 by 16-foot screened porch – designated the “sunset” porch – utilizes composite woodflooring for easy maintenance. “Sunrise” Porch – A favorite morning place to share coffee.

An inviting entryway showcases a black powder-coated steel railing, reclaimed oak flooring from Kentucky horse barns and tongue-and-groove pine ceilings. Their open theater, which has eight reclining chairs and a counter that seats three, can be viewed from the bar.

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Johnson Home

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FFEATURE HOMECONTRIBUTORS

Gielen Painting, Inc.Gielen Painting strives to provide high quality service to every project,big or small. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Johnsonson their beautiful home. Specializing in painting of new constructionhomes, enameling and repaints. Let Gielen Painting help to bring yourhome to life.Avon, MN320-249-6175 • jrgielen@gmail.com

Traut CompaniesTraut Companies is not only an all-aroundWater Well Drilling Contractor with valu-able expertise in providing services forLawn Irrigation, Farm Irrigation,Residential, Domestic, Municipal,Commercial, Industrial, Environmental,Dual Rotary, Sonic and Geothermal welldrilling. Our company also has 50 years ofexperience in drilling of any kind.141 28th Ave. S.Waite Park, MN 56387320-251-5090 • 800-728-5091 www.trautwells.com

seemed to sense that we were seeking a unique home.” Yes, Curtis is delighted with his dream retreat,

except for the 900-foot long driveway he admits can beproblematic during winter months. That’s when theBobcat-mounted snow blower keeps their road open.

Lori, a retired business analyst, now wears a full-time, CEO “Mom” hat. “We built our home to grow oldin,” Lori concludes. “We love the fact that it is comfort-

able, extremely energy efficient and built sturdy to last,and yet it’s functional, livable and inviting.”

Their home has quickly become the gathering spotduring holidays – their dream fulfilled with a comfortableretreat and an inviting place to entertain and enjoy thecompany of family and friends.

Wanda Perkins is a freelance writer living in Fargo.

Reminiscent of early 20th Century times, the bar features cleverly hidden appliances with custom wood fronts. A copper countertop, sixbarstools and quarter-sawn oak columns create an inviting area to entertain guests and enjoy great conversations.