The Summer Kitchen

This charming Summer Kitchen, designed and built by Nor-Son craftsmen, offers a unique place for summertime entertaining as it overlooks a beautiful northern Minnesota lake.

A breathtaking estate.

Inspired by the French Country style, this summer kitchen was designed to mimic the existing main Chateau and Adirondack Boathouse located on the lakefront property. With an exterior of stone, cedar shakes and reclaimed oak timbers, each of the three main structures on the property reflect one another to create a seamless and breathtaking estate.

Not your ordinary summer kitchen.

Every finish and application was uniquely customized to the client's personal style and offered a chance for Nor-Son's expert craftsmanship to shine. Reclaimed hand-hewn oak timbers are reminiscent of those found in the Chateau and boathouse. The windows were custom crafted with a wire-brushed cedar exterior and chiseled, scraped and sanded interior to match the main house. A brick veneer ceiling is barrel vaulted in two directions, intersecting within the bar, which left no room for error as curves had to be perfectly uniform. Hand-painted tiles and custom designed cabinetry are incorporated throughout the kitchen onto hidden, integrated paneled appliances.

Bringing the outdoors in.

In a successful attempt to bring the outdoors in, large exterior cedar and glass bi-folding doors were installed in lieu of windows. With the touch of a button, power phantom screens drop to create a porch-like atmosphere, all the while allowing guests to remain within the comfort of the Summer Kitchen structure. The doors can also be left open without the use of screens for outdoor entertaining and easy access to lakeside activities.