I feel like a mad hatter these days, juggling my design career, our new adventure owning a nursery + landscape company and still managing vacation rentals. That’s why this project feels extra special! A rare opportunity to wear all my hats and bring every part of what I love into one space.

A little under a year ago I was invited to collaborate on a very special project with a team of commercial investors who had stumbled across a worn down and tired property that was nestled just steps from the shores of Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minnesota. Brian and Curran, very savvy businessmen, had a vision for a short-term rental adventure with this listing and needed a designer’s hand to assist them in the execution. They gave me green light to creatively reimagine the property with no limitations and I’m incredibly proud of the results and the team involved.

If there is one thing I love more than design, it’s travel and vacations. Being able to create and design with no limitations for future travelers was a dream come true. As an investment property time was of the essence, and we worked swiftly and efficiently to speed this project along in hopes of capturing summer travelers in the beautiful Brainerd Lakes area.

The design concept unfolded naturally and was rooted in the concept of connecting the inside to the outside with enhanced views, airy open layout flow while implementing the lush greens of Northern Minnesota and the blue hues of beautiful Gull Lake. Blending these concepts into the space helped achieve our goals of sophisticated luxury while remaining comfortable and relaxed for families and couples to enjoy lake living at its finest.

What was formerly four (4) aged and tired private condos was thoughtfully redesigned into two separate townhomes with each now sleeping 2-12 guests or 22 total. This was a design detail we envisioned to allow one unit to be rented privately or the entire building to be reserved at the same time, making the property incredibly versatile not only for families and couples but additionally for group getaways, corporate retreats, bachelor/bachelorette weekends, family reunions, weddings and beyond.

I just can’t get enough of this tile! It took me forever to find a green this consistent without varying in gradient. This is the second time I have used this tile in a project, this WOW tile brand is always on their toes and coming out with new trending product. For this application I used the Sweet Bars collection in Royal Green available at Floor to Ceiling. The results are magnificent!

“Excuse me. You look like you love me. You look like you want me,
To want you to come on home.” One look at this tile and I was gone. I knew this Summit - Fortune large format wall tile was the one the moment I set eyes on her. Between my trusted tile installer and Floor to Ceiling we got this tile to Brainerd safely to create this walk-in shower oasis.

Villa East and Villa West are nearly identical - both include a game room with a second full size refrigerator, wet bar, ping-pong table, fireplace, sleeper sofas and incredible views of Gull Lake.

Following the completion of the renovation and during installation, I was able to stay at the property for a couple nights squeezing in every possible finishing touch before the first guests arrived. In those quiet hours I discovered something truly magical and deeply relaxing about the property that’s worth shouting from the rooftops. The finish results, design concept and goals turned out better than we could have ever imagined. While photos communicate the design vision, the captivating experience of the Villas must be discovered in person.

"Architecture & Design should be like a polite party guest, who doesn't dominate the conversation but instead prompts the nature around it to speak more beautifully."

Gull Point Villas.

Situated just feet from Gull Lake’s “Gold Coast”. The highly desirable premium stretch of shoreline known for luxury waterfront homes, major resorts and vibrant lake life. Easily accessible by boat or car and features iconic restaurants like Bar Harbor and Ernie’s. Also, home to premier golf destinations like The Classic at Madden’s offering championship golf, Legacy’s Course at Cragun’s and the Pine’s Golf Course at Grand View Lodge. Gull Lake is a 10,000 acre recreational lake highly popular for boating, water sports, swimming and year-round entertainment including fishing and snowmobiling.

Early mornings at Villas bring the distant call of loons, while boats play across the lake and children’s laughter carries over the water by evening. Live music, beach volleyball and incredible culinary are three doors down at Ernie’s. Our Gull Point Villas has her own story. Not just another vacation rental but a property poetically set next to the water’s edge that captivates Northern Minnesota charm and sends you to sleep at night with the soft sound of the lapping waves. Sophisticated, but not precious. A little stoic, a little stout and completely welcomes you home on Gull Lake. Sitting on our beach in the afternoon while your family and friends play on the water is a captivating vison while the evening peace is intoxicating beyond words. The location of the property perfectly captures every sun rise and sun set. What started as an overwhelming renovation has become one of the places I’m most proud to have helped bring to life. Now every time I get to go back; it feels a little bit like going home.

Hear it from our guests;

Mike – 5 Stars. Peaceful and beautiful . . . excellent host with great communication and responsiveness. Amazing location. We will definitely rent again.

Jacob – 5 Stars. We were super impressed with this new vacation rental. It was fully updated, great layout, super nice finishes. You are walking distance to Ernie’s. The dock and beach were amazing it is right on Gull’s Gold Coast.

Ash – 5 Stars. This place is amazing! We had a small family reunion, rented jet skis, swam, went on a walk and even when it rained the location and property was equipped with everything we needed.

Jason – 5 Stars. We had a wonderful family vacation here! Management company and owners were extremely helpful and friendly. The location is awesome! Walkable to restaurant with live music and lake access is amazing. Great place to go for morning runs and hang with the family on the beach. I highly recommend staying here.

If you are interested in renting Gull Point Villas here are a few fun facts:

1. You can rent the entire property – both villas (East & West) OR should you have a smaller party, rent just one side.

2. Yes, to retreats, reunions and larger gatherings.

3. The location is a prime location, and guests are booking a year in advance. While Summer is a magical season on Gull Lake, Fall and Winter are the “secret” seasons. With water so calm and colors so breathtaking in the Fall, the Winter is a Minnesota playground with nearby rentable snowmobiles, cozy bonfires and incredible ice fishing.

4. We have a lot of extra amenities on the property as well from board games, ping-pong, paddle boards, tubes, hot tub, sauna, beach toys and the option for renting the 12-person pontoon or the boat lift.

5. The options and entertainment are endless. An immense amount of entertainment lives off the lake as well with a few personal favorites that include the Paul Bunyan Amusement Park, Northland Kart Kountry, Brainerd International Raceway and shopping and breweries in Downtown Nisswa. Traveling isn’t complete without exploring the areas local culinary flare. My personal favorite dishes are the East Coast style Mussels at Ernie’s, Garlic Parmesan Walleye at Dunmire’s, Grand Daddy Old Fashion at Bar Harbor (my hubby’s favorite), Prime Rib at Cowboys and pretty much everything on the menu at The Local 218 but if I had to pick a favorite it’s the Truffle Fries. We recently explored the newly renovated Lakehouse Restaurant, it was so stylish – a designers dream, great job Cragun’s - and the Beef Barbacoa Tostadas were phenomenal.

6. Your very own management team is yours truly! My side hustle, Cabin Keys, has been hosting guests for 3 years and yes sweet friends, I have Superhost status. It’s a dream come true to offer up one of my design properties for your vacation entertainment and to be able to host you as well.

Come stay with us and let your worries drift away as you recharge, reconnect and retreat at Gull Point Villas. www.gullpointvillas.com

We are ready to host you and this sunset could be yours.

The professional team noted below are special to me as I have worked with many of them on projects closer to home and they didn’t hesitate to offer their services and talents for this renovation as well!

Meet the Pros | Local Love

Construction + Contracting | Creative Cabins and Remodeling

Construction Materials + Products | Simonson Lumber

Custom Plaster, Faux Finishing + Wallpaper | New London Painting

Flooring & Tile | Floor to Ceiling + MCI Carpet One

Fireplaces | Fireside Hearth & Home

Landscaping | Laurel Leaf Landscaping

Landscape Materials | Green Lake Nursery

Masonry | Jeff Paffrath

Painting + Tile | DK Tile & Design

Photography | Xsperience Photography

Plumbing | Advanced Plumbing & Heating