Waterfront Homes on Prior Lake

Known as the south metro’s largest lake to some and Bdé Mayá Thó (“Lake of the Blue Banks”) to local Native Americans, Prior Lake sits 20 miles southwest of Minneapolis. With easy access to downtown and a thriving local community, it’s no wonder hundreds of people have built or remodeled waterfront homes on Prior Lake.

For some, the crystal-clear waters are the draw. Many spend their summers here and enjoy boating, fishing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and swimming. In the winter, the massive lake is a playground for those who love to ice fish, snowmobile, snowshoe, and cross-country ski.

But for most, the real draw is the sense of luxury only found in a custom-built home that sits at the edge of a lake. Imagine stepping out your backdoor and stepping into the cool water at sunset. Or having your morning coffee on the deck while the sun rises, casting golden shimmers across the water. We’ve helped hundreds of families find this sense of luxury, and here are 11 lakefront homes that were either custom-built or remodeled on Prior Lake by Highmark Builders.

1. Lakeside Luxury: This European-inspired home features a kitchen most chefs only dream of. With 11-foot-tall cabinets, a custom baking center, yards of quartz countertops, and an eat-in breakfast nook that overlooks the lake, this kitchen is the center of the home. But just steps away you’ll find 21-foot vaulted ceilings and a limestone-cast fireplace in the great room. And don’t miss the brick wine closet and speakeasy in the lower level.

2. Minnesota Modern Lodge: Your eye is drawn to the metal and wood trusses along the vaulted ceiling of this Prior Lake beauty, which features rustic yet modern accents including a stone fireplace, custom iron staircase, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake. Meal prep is a dream in this chef’s kitchen with leathered granite countertops, huge walk-in pantry and brick accents. Then dine at the informal banquette or formal dining room while enjoying the view.

3. The Lake Escape: This award-winning, two-story home, featuring a wall of windows in the great room with panoramic views of Prior Lake, was once an outdated cottage. Now, this stunning lakeside retreat brings the outdoors in with pale green cabinetry, natural white oak accents and a white brick fireplace. Wash away the day in the owner’s suite, complete with freestanding tub and leathered marble floors. Then, relax in the loft with a good book or simply take in the view.

4. Lakeside Remodel: Dramatic sunsets over Prior Lake are just one of many benefits at this 4,327-square-foot remodel. The west-facing façade features an outdoor entertainment area complete with stone kitchen, gas fireplace and dining area. Inside you’ll find wood beam-accented vaulted ceilings, a cozy owner’s suite with a fireplace, soaking tub, and private outdoor hot tub, and a contemporary kitchen with rich wood tones.

5. Contemporary Luxury: Double custom doors greet you as you enter this stunning home situated on a peninsula on Prior Lake. Enter the great room to find a vaulted wood ceiling with dark beams next to the formal dining room with a breathtaking array of staggered windows overlooking the water. The owner’s suite features natural stone shower and floors, custom cabinetry and a private owner’s deck.

6. Lower Level Pub: Cozy up to this bar and you might never leave. With sweeping views of Prior Lake, the lower level of this home features a traditional pub-style bar with seating for eight or more. A nearby lounging area with couches, a TV and white shiplap walls offers the perfect setting to enjoy your drink. A sauna, game area, and home theater round out the functionality of this exceptional lower level.

7. Craftsman Cottage: Throw open the multiple patio doors on this cottage and bring the outside in. With 20-foot ceilings and a beautiful stone fireplace, the sunroom is right next to an expansive deck just steps from the shoreline. Expert craftsmanship defines every detail of this home, from the copper entryway to the custom-built closet organizers.

8. Asymmetrical Modern: The word “modern” doesn’t begin to describe the uniqueness of this home. Guests are greeted with asymmetrical roof lines that hint at the bold features found within. In the kitchen, white upper cabinets and walnut lower cabinets are divided by quartz countertops and a mosaic backsplash. Clean lines and a minimalistic design carry the theme through to the main level’s simple yet stunning gray stucco fireplace. Downstairs you’ll find a custom-built bar and a black-trimmed patio door that opens onto the shores of Prior Lake.

9. Rambler on the Lake: Beachy living at its finest! This rambler on Prior Lake feels as if it belongs on Cape Cod. Flanked by white custom cabinetry, the natural stone fireplace with reclaimed mantle is the focal point of the great room, next to the view that is. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Prior Lake, which can be seen from nearly every nook on this main floor. The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops and a custom tile backsplash with graphite accents. The owner’s suite is an oasis of peace, complete with soaking tub and a wall of windows for an unbeatable view.

10. Modern Cottage: This updated beauty suffered from an outdated look. The new exterior boasts white board-and-batten siding and white brick against black-trimmed windows for a dramatic effect. New gable rooflines, cedar garage doors and flickering gas lanterns at the entryway complete the modern look.

11. Prior Lake Estates: It’s tough to miss this home, which juts out into Prior Lake on a peninsula. Deep blue and white siding give it a coastal vibe, complete with a private beach that circles the home. Floor-to-ceiling windows along the back wall create unbeatable views of the water. But the best view is from the end of the peninsula, sitting in an Adirondack chair, bonfire blazing, just taking in your surroundings.

Find other lake home projects in our Design Gallery.