Among the architecturally significant homes on the Chain of Lakes is the Clifford House.
Its architect, Ernest Kennedy, is well known for grand estates including the Alfred F. Pillsbury House and the Gale Mansion a few miles away and also in Minneapolis. The English Tudor on Lake of the Isles — published in "Legendary Homes of the Minneapolis Lakes" and listed in the "AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide to the Twin Cities" — is a sterling example of Kennedy's work.
Built in 1931 for the family of Cream of Wheat co-founder George B. Clifford, the home is on the market for the first time in more than 50 years.
The estate at 26th Street and E. Lake of the Isles Parkway spans almost half an acre and boasts 8,800 square feet, nine bedrooms, six bathrooms and five fireplaces.
Listing agent Bruce Birkeland noted the "irreplaceable details," from the voluminous roof peaks made of "timeless" slate to the towering turret and chimneys. Leaded windows with stained glass, hand-carved wood and Kasota stone accents add to the uniqueness of the home.
"To me, it's the most castle-like house on the lake," Birkeland said.
The interior was also designed in grand fashion, starting with a double-height entrance parlor with hand-carved beams. Another standout is the lake-facing oval dining room, a rarity in its shape.
"We're on a corner lot, and the interesting part about the house is it's V-shaped. The dining room is right where the V meets, and it's in an oval shape next to a pentagon-shaped small hallway," said homeowner Kathryn Abuzzahab. "There's a lot of geometry in the house."