Orono couple built Lake Minnetonka Dream Home for entertaining extended family

Homeowners Carol and Mike Ladd thought of every detail for their new 6,700-square-foot residence on Lake Minnetonka's Stubbs Bay.

The Ladds' mission was to build a vacation-style getaway spot where they could entertain their large extended family. So it's equipped with everything from a baby-changing table in a bathroom to an elevator for seniors with limited mobility.

The home's lower level boasts a full kitchen, theater area and a walk-out patio leading to the lakeshore and boat dock.

"We wanted it to be a comfortable family gathering space," said Carol. "Not museum-modern."

As for daily life, the Ladds plan to use smaller casual rooms, including an upstairs loft and lakeside sunroom.

"The floor plan is a delicate balance between large, voluminous spaces for entertaining and intimate experiences for everyday living," said builder K.C. Chermak, owner of Pillar Homes Partner in Plymouth. And just about every room has a view of Lake Minnetonka, thanks to "as much glass as possible," said Carol. "And no posts and walls."

The Ladds' Prairie-style abode is one of four Artisan Dream Homes open for tours during the Parade of Homes.

Fans of Abitare Design Studio's modern furniture and artwork can gather ideas from the fully furnished spaces, which will be staged for the Parade. Check out the Valcucine Italian kitchen equipped with Miele appliances and a glass-topped center island.

It costs $5 to tour this Parade entry, which supports the BATC Foundation's efforts to remodel and build homes for needy families.

After the Parade of Homes ends on April 2, the Ladds will move in with their furnishings and belongings — and start planning the next family party.

But they won't have to transport their massive glass-and-stone dining table because it's already in the house.

"Each leg weighs 600 pounds," said Carol. "They had to reinforce the floor to hold it."

• A limestone hearth anchors the 72-inch see-through ribbon fireplace.

• Floating bathroom vanities are underlit with lights that can change color with the mood or holiday.

• The lower level features indestructible heated concrete floors, a 120-inch TV and movie projector.

• A full "summer" kitchen on the lower level is designed for easy access when family members are out enjoying the lake. Look for the cool ice-cube pendant lights above the curved granite-topped wet bar.

• The owners' bathroom is accented with a dramatic backlit circular mirror above each sink.

Lynn Underwood• @LyUnderwood