This architect-designed, 1,100-square-foot sanctuary in Silver Bay, MN, masterfully blends modern Scandinavian style with its dramatic natural setting between rock outcroppings overlooking Lake Superior and Palisade Head. Created by Kelly Davis of SALA Architects, the home boasts a long, narrow floorplan that maximizes breathtaking views through glass walls and a striking 16-foot clerestory window. Built for efficiency and family comfort, it features two bedrooms, polished concrete floors with radiant heat, Douglas fir built-ins, and a Danish wood stove. The 32-foot “bird walk” cantilevered deck and outdoor shower emphasize a seamless connection to the landscape. With sustainable features like a metal roof and passive solar design, this $900,000 retreat is a perfect, modern family getaway.
Front Entrance
A wide wooden walkway bordered by sturdy cable railings leads directly to a modern glass front door, welcoming guests into the warmly lit home. The exterior is a sleek, contemporary design featuring dark vertical siding and a metal roof, which contrasts beautifully against the lush greenery and tall trees surrounding the house. Large panoramic windows allow plenty of natural light inside and offer views from the interior’s open living spaces. The setting feels private and safe for families, with the elevated entry providing both security and visual appeal. Muted earth tones blend the house harmoniously with the forested landscape.
Exterior Entryway
A modern mountain home with a striking sloped roof sits nestled among tall pine trees and lush greenery. The house is designed with large floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing ample natural light to flood the spacious interiors and offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest. Warm interior lighting creates a cozy, inviting glow visible from outside, showcasing built-in wooden shelving and open, airy living spaces ideal for family gatherings. The exterior features gray horizontal siding and a sleek metal roof, while natural stone accents and a gently sloping landscaped yard provide a seamless connection between the home and its picturesque outdoor setting.
Backyard Entrance
A modern, family-friendly home nestled in a lush, wooded setting with a dramatic sloped metal roof and warm wooden siding. The structure features large glass windows and a spacious wooden deck that flows seamlessly into the landscape, encouraging outdoor gatherings and safe play for children. Soft ambient lighting around the entrance and pathways offers a welcoming glow, enhancing nighttime safety and comfort. A stone patio fireplace sits to the side, perfect for family barbecues or evening relaxation. The muted gray and brown color palette harmonizes with the natural environment, while clean architectural lines give the home a sleek, contemporary character.
Front Entrance
A modern front entrance is highlighted with warm, welcoming lights, guiding the way along a stone pathway bordered by lush greenery and mature trees. The house’s exterior features sleek horizontal lines and a dark, neutral palette that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating a peaceful and private setting ideal for families. The gently sloped metal roof adds architectural interest while complementing the natural environment. The wide entryway is designed for easy access, and the front yard offers plenty of open green space for children to play safely. Natural stone retaining walls provide both beauty and functionality, enhancing the outdoor living experience.
Front Entryway
A modern and inviting front entryway welcomes families with a blend of practicality and style. The walkway is set with natural stone pavers bordered by vibrant green ferns, leading to a sheltered wooden porch. The entry is framed by horizontal wood paneling in a deep, slate-grey hue, complemented by the clean angular lines of a metal roof overhead. A built-in wooden bench along one wall provides a comfortable spot for removing shoes or setting down bags, making it family-friendly and functional. Warm interior lighting glows from the doorway, creating a sense of warmth and hospitality against the evening sky.
Living Room Space
This spacious living room features soaring vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams, creating an open and airy atmosphere perfect for families. Floor-to-ceiling windows line one wall, flooding the room with natural light and offering scenic views of lush greenery outside. The color palette is modern and calming, with soft gray walls, a cream sofa, and light wood furnishings. A sleek wood-burning stove sits near the windows, providing both warmth and a cozy spot for gatherings. The long built-in sofa with plush cushions offers ample seating for family members, while the wooden coffee table and chairs create a welcoming, functional layout.
Living Room View
An inviting living room with large floor-to-ceiling windows offers abundant natural light and panoramic views of the surrounding trees, creating a warm and peaceful setting ideal for families. The space features a cozy sectional sofa with cream-colored cushions and a wooden frame, a modern wood stove for warmth, and a low-profile coffee table perfect for family activities or entertaining guests. Sleek, exposed wooden beams and natural wood trim around the windows contrast with polished dark floors and soft neutral walls, blending contemporary and rustic elements. Thoughtfully arranged seating ensures open sightlines, making it easy to relax together while enjoying nature outside.
Window Seating Area
A cozy seating area features two woven rattan chairs with dark wooden arms positioned to face a breathtaking view. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed with warm, honey-toned wood open up the room to lush green forests and distant blue waters, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere perfect for family relaxation or quiet reading time. The ample natural light makes this an appealing gathering spot for all ages, fostering a serene ambiance with unobstructed nature views. The design’s minimalist profile, natural materials, and clean architectural lines offer a harmonious connection between indoor comfort and scenic outdoor beauty.
Open Living Space
This spacious open-concept living and dining area combines natural wood tones with an abundance of light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Large windows and skylights fill the room with sunlight, while the wood-paneled walls, ceiling beams, and matching dining table showcase impeccable craftsmanship. The sleek black flooring contrasts with the white upholstery on the built-in sofa, creating a modern yet comfortable setting. Family-friendly features include ample seating, a visible dining area that encourages togetherness, and open sight lines for easy supervision. Minimalist décor, soft neutral colors, and expansive views of greenery outside ensure a soothing and harmonious environment.
Kitchen and Deck
A modern kitchen opens directly onto a spacious wooden deck overlooking lush green trees, perfect for family gatherings and enjoying nature. Warm wood cabinetry and trim give the space a cozy, inviting feel, while sleek black countertops provide a contemporary touch. The kitchen features an under-mount sink with a polished chrome faucet, electric stove, and open shelving neatly arranged with plates. Large sliding glass doors fill the room with natural light, enhancing the bright and airy atmosphere. The seamless connection between kitchen and outdoor deck makes for easy entertaining or supervising children playing outside, blending indoor comfort with the beauty of the outdoors.
Kitchen Countertop
Modern kitchen featuring warm wood cabinetry, horizontal wooden wall paneling, and sleek black countertops that provide ample workspace for meal preparation. An electric range sits centrally beneath open wooden shelves displaying plates, bowls, and glassware, making it easy for families to access essentials during busy mornings. Large windows bring in natural light, brightening the space and offering pleasant outdoor views. Clean lines and uncluttered surfaces create an inviting, functional area perfect for family cooking and gatherings. The open shelving and bench seating nearby allow for easy organization and a welcoming atmosphere ideal for both everyday life and entertaining guests.
Entryway & Mudroom
A welcoming entryway is shown with warm, horizontal wooden paneling creating a cozy and natural ambiance. A sturdy built-in wooden bench runs along one wall, offering a perfect space for families to sit and remove shoes or store bags, ideal for everyday convenience. Above the bench, a row of modern, squared-off wooden hooks adds both style and functionality for hanging coats and backpacks. The glass-paneled front door allows plenty of natural light, brightening the space and blending indoors with the greenery outdoors. The flooring features practical dark doormats, which help keep the home clean and withstand heavy foot traffic.
Bedroom Corner View
This bedroom features a cozy and modern layout with a large window offering a view of lush greenery, allowing plenty of natural light to flood the space. The walls are painted white, complemented by natural wood trim and built-in shelving that adds warmth and character. The queen-sized bed sits against a dark accent panel, flanked by two sleek wall-mounted lamps, perfect for nighttime reading. Generous built-in desks on both sides provide ample workspace for family needs, study, or hobbies. The high, angular ceiling with exposed wood beams enhances spaciousness, creating a bright, inviting, and family-friendly environment.
Bedroom Window View
A serene bedroom features a large picture window with expansive views of lush greenery, creating a tranquil and airy feel ideal for families. Sleek wooden built-in shelves and cabinetry line one wall, offering ample storage space for books, toys, or keepsakes, making the room organized and kid-friendly. The bed is positioned to maximize natural light and views, dressed in soft white bedding for a cozy, inviting atmosphere. A mounted wall lamp provides gentle ambient lighting, while the neutral wall colors and simple, modern furniture evoke a peaceful, spacious environment perfect for rest or shared family moments.
Bathroom Vanity
This serene bathroom features modern wooden paneling with warm, honey-colored horizontal slats that create a natural, inviting atmosphere. The deep soaking tub is framed by sleek black countertops and chrome fixtures, providing comfort for families while keeping cleaning simple. A spacious wooden vanity stands by a large window, offering beautiful views of lush greenery outside, making bath time relaxing and scenic. Open shelves beneath the sink area are neatly stocked with rolled white towels, adding convenience and a spa-like touch. The overall color scheme blends wood tones with crisp whites and blacks, balancing warmth and modern sophistication.
Bathroom Tub Area
A modern, rectangular soaking tub is set against a backdrop of horizontal, honey-toned wood paneling, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The tub is surrounded by sleek, black quartz countertops that add elegance and contrast to the light wooden walls. A polished chrome faucet and matching handles lend a contemporary touch, while the built-in hand shower offers convenience for families with young children. The tub’s large, deep basin makes it ideal for family-friendly baths or relaxing soaks. The natural tones and clean lines highlight a tranquil setting, perfect for family relaxation and daily routines.
Modern Entryway
A welcoming stone pathway leads to the front door of this contemporary American home, nestled among tall, mature trees and surrounded by lush greenery. The design emphasizes a strong connection to nature, featuring earth-toned exterior siding and a sleek metal roof that blends seamlessly with the environment. Low stone walls border the path, creating gentle divisions in the garden while adding a sense of structure. The spacious front deck and easy-to-navigate landscaping make it ideal for family gatherings or outdoor play, while the greenery provides both beauty and privacy in a peaceful, inviting setting.
Forest View Deck
A spacious wooden deck extends outward into a lush green forest, framed by sleek black railings with horizontal cable wiring for safety and modern appeal. The warm-toned wood planks create a welcoming and durable surface, ideal for gatherings or relaxing moments with family. Tall aspen and pine trees surround the deck, providing a natural sense of privacy and a stunning panoramic view of the forested hills beyond. The open-air design offers excellent visibility and fresh air, making it a perfect play area for kids and a peaceful retreat for adults. The tranquil setting enhances the home’s harmonious connection with nature.
Deck and View
A spacious wooden deck extends from the home, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The home’s exterior features rich brown horizontal siding and a sleek, modern metal roof. Large windows invite plenty of natural light and provide panoramic views of the forested landscape and distant water. A simple built-in wooden bench and outdoor stone fireplace make the deck perfect for family gatherings or relaxing moments, offering both safety and comfort. Surrounded by trees and open skies, the space encourages outdoor living, play, and connection with nature. Ideal for families, the open layout and unobstructed views create a peaceful, welcoming environment.
Living Room Retreat
A spacious living room with vaulted ceilings accented by exposed wooden beams and a modern skylight, allowing an abundance of natural light. Large floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of lush greenery, creating a seamless connection to nature and a calming atmosphere ideal for families. The room features a built-in cushioned sectional sofa with neutral upholstery and cozy throw pillows, perfect for gatherings or relaxing with children. A simple wooden coffee table and matching dining table enhance the warm, inviting tone set by the light wood trim and furniture. The overall palette is soft and natural, fostering comfort, safety, and togetherness.
Forest Exterior
A modern wooden home nestled into a gently sloping hillside, surrounded by verdant forest on all sides, offering panoramic views of tree-covered mountains stretching into the distance. The house features an angular dark metal roof and expansive glass windows that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, while broad wooden decks provide ample space for outdoor living and play. Natural wood siding and muted earth tones harmonize with the environment, making it a tranquil retreat perfect for families. The natural surroundings encourage outdoor exploration, and the private, open space is ideal for children to play safely and for family gatherings.
Scenic Outdoor Setting
A beautiful American home is nestled among dense, mature trees on a gentle hillside overlooking a tranquil body of water. The setting combines natural rock outcroppings, wildflowers, and grassy patches, creating plenty of open space for children to explore safely. The home features a modern metal roof and subdued earth-tone exteriors that blend harmoniously with the surrounding forest. Large picture windows likely face the water, offering family-friendly outdoor living and sweeping views. The secluded location ensures privacy, while nearby open lawns and the proximity to a main road add convenience, making this an ideal environment for nature-loving families.
House Exterior
A modern American home is nestled amidst dense green forest, situated on a rocky hillside with breathtaking views of the distant lake and mountains. The house features clean architectural lines, a dark metal roof, and natural wood siding, blending seamlessly with the surrounding nature. Large picture windows allow ample light to filter in and invite the outdoors inside. The elevated decks provide family-friendly spaces for outdoor gatherings and play. The exterior is surrounded by mature trees, offering privacy and shade, while a robust stone chimney highlights rustic charm. This serene setting caters perfectly to families seeking peace and adventure.
Listing Agent: Bill Smitten of Coldwell Banker Realty via Zillow
