Hidden away on a quiet street stands a magnificent 1886 Victorian mansion that seems frozen in time. Step through its grand entrance and you’ll discover a world where craftsmanship reached heights rarely seen today.
From intricate woodwork to unexpected architectural surprises, this historic home continues to amaze visitors with its blend of opulence and quirky charm.
1. Painted Grandeur on a Bluff
Wrapped in a rich palette of slate blue, burgundy, and warm cream, the exterior stops traffic in the best way. Intricate wood trim dances across gables and dormers, each detail lovingly preserved or restored.
Perched on a 1.55-acre bluff lot, the home gazes out over St. Paul like it owns the skyline. Sunsets hit just right here—casting a soft glow on the original shingles while the wraparound porch practically begs for lemonade and storytelling. Victorian drama, meet Midwestern charm.
2. Sunlight, Sound, and Storytelling
Golden light spills across the hardwoods in a room that feels equal parts conservatory and concert hall. Anchored by a commanding pipe organ tucked into one corner, the space practically hums with history. Leaded-glass windows stretch across the far wall, framing treetops like stained-glass panels in a woodland cathedral.
And that fireplace—crowned with a still-life mural and flanked by carved columns—doesn’t just warm the room, it tells a story. It’s a space made for candlelit sonatas, Sunday coffee, or simply sitting in silence while the past whispers softly.
3. Secret Bookcase Doorway to Hidden Study
Mystery novel fantasies come alive with this rotating bookshelf that pivots silently to reveal a concealed study. Pull the right leather-bound volume (it’s “Great Expectations” if you’re curious) and the mechanism releases with a satisfying click.
Beyond lies a cozy sanctuary where the original owner reportedly wrote correspondence away from prying eyes. Rumor suggests it served as a Prohibition hideaway later, though the current owners found no evidence of bootleg bottles.
4. Peach Tile and Period Charm
Barely wide enough to turn around in, this powder room proves small spaces can still pack personality. Soft blush tiles wrap the walls like a warm blush, subtly catching the glow from twin frosted sconces that flank a carved wood mirror.
The pedestal sink, a perfect match in vintage peach, anchors the room with 1920s flair—right down to the black porcelain knobs. Tiny built-ins for soap and a single towel bar round out a design that’s both endearing and efficient.
It’s the kind of bathroom that makes guests smile and owners never want to renovate.
5. Deer Path Daydreams
Bathed in afternoon light and wrapped in pastoral whimsy, this upstairs hideaway feels like a Wes Anderson set reimagined for countryside leisure.
Fawn-print carpet leads the eye like a forest trail, while the toile-style wallpaper—alive with fox hunts and flute players—creates a world all its own.
Beadboard in deep teal grounds the fantasy, contrasting playfully with golden wood trim and arched windows that frame distant treetops. A room like this doesn’t need a purpose—it is the escape.
6. Mahogany Staircase with Carved Banister
Gracefully winding upward like a wooden ribbon, this architectural marvel connects all four floors without a single nail—just perfect joinery and physics. Master craftsmen carved each spindle uniquely, featuring different woodland creatures that children have named over generations.
Running your hand along the banister reveals buttery-smooth wood, polished by thousands of touches over 135 years. Standing at the bottom looking up creates a dizzying optical illusion that photographers frequently attempt to capture.
7. Lady Of The House Hides In Here
Calm tones and flowing drapery set a tranquil tone in this refined dressing retreat. A sculptural vanity with smooth wood cabinetry anchors the room, offering both grace and function.
Pendant lighting casts a gentle glow over the space, while expansive mirrors bounce light across the walls, enhancing the sense of volume. Rich hardwood flooring ties everything together with a seamless, inviting flow.
It’s a space designed not just for getting ready, but for pausing, reflecting, and feeling entirely at ease.
8. Climb Up Here To Touch The Stars
Set beneath a peaked roof lined in green, this upper-level deck opens to sweeping views of leafy canopies. Aged wood boards underfoot echo the charm of the timeworn brick exterior.
A soft arch frames the doorway inside, accented by classic scalloped trim. Open railings invite in the landscape, blurring the boundary between architecture and nature. Bathed in sunlight, the space feels both intimate and expansive—an ideal perch for unwinding in style.
9. Where History Is Cooking
Airy and efficient, this kitchen pairs clean-lined white cabinets with a generous island at its core. Rich hardwood floors ground the space, while a high-end range and sleek stainless hood define the chef’s zone.
Open shelves keep essentials within reach, and multiple sinks make multitasking effortless. Bold green pendant lights introduce a touch of personality, as sunlight pours in through the surrounding windows. Equal parts utility and charm, it’s a gathering space built for both function and flair.
10. Let The Sun In
Bathed in sunlight from towering windows, this refined sitting room centers around a distinguished fireplace flanked by wood mantel shelving.
Softly striped walls and rich trim evoke its period roots, while built-ins provide space for cherished volumes or heirlooms. The tiled hearth preserves a touch of antique character, crowned by soaring ceilings and a timeless chandelier.
11. Master Bedroom’s Trompe L’oeil Sky Ceiling
Fall asleep under what appears to be open sky in this remarkable bedroom featuring ceiling artwork that perfectly mimics clouds drifting across blue heavens. So convincing is the illusion that first-time guests often worry about rain!
Commissioned by the lady of the house who suffered from travel anxiety, it allowed her to experience the sensation of sleeping outdoors without leaving home. Cleverly concealed lighting creates different effects—dawn, midday, or dusk—depending on which switch is activated.
12. A House That Comes With Bookworms
Lined with tall white bookshelves and grounded by honey-toned wood floors, this quiet library invites calm.
A large window keeps the space bright, while a ceiling fan overhead adds an easy breeze. Simple, clean, and filled with books, it’s a no-fuss haven for readers.
13. Warmth From The Very First Step Inside
Guests are greeted by a grand entry framed in carved wood and bathed in filtered daylight from leaded-glass panels. Gleaming floors and soaring ceilings amplify the sense of space, while an oak staircase rises with quiet authority to one side.
Every detail—from the lantern overhead to the crisp wainscoting—speaks to careful craftsmanship and timeless character. It’s a warm, stately introduction to the home beyond.
14. Green As The Color Of History
Glossy green tile sets a bold tone in this vintage-inspired bathroom, where classic fixtures meet subtle glam touches. A pedestal sink and marble-topped cabinet offer simplicity and storage, while Hollywood-bulb lighting adds a retro flair.
Natural light spills in, softening the contrast of crisp white elements throughout. Stylish yet practical, it’s a nod to mid-century charm with modern ease.
15. Back In The Backyard Of Victorian Times
Viewed from above, the backyard unfolds as a peaceful green retreat bordered by towering trees. A central pond reflects the sky, anchoring the landscape with quiet elegance.
Trimmed hedges and stone walkways carve out thoughtful spaces for strolls or casual gatherings. Ivy climbs the brick façade, tying the home gently into its natural surroundings. Tranquil and tucked away, it’s a slice of calm meant to be enjoyed slowly.