Mike and Amanda Habrat have turned their residence on Big Detroit Lake into a warm and inviting family home. The couple, who are raising three young children, reside in a spacious, 3,734-square-foot house located at 650 South Shore Drive, built by Tomlinson in 1998. Mike works as a fisheries specialist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, while Amanda is a physician who founded and owns Dermatology at the Lakes in Detroit Lakes.
The home is characterized by its cozy atmosphere, featuring maple hardwood floors and cherry wood cabinetry. According to Amanda, “we kept a lot of what they did with the house. The trim is all the same, and it’s a beautifully done kitchen, all cherry.” The residence is designed with quality materials that allow for a seamless flow from room to room, enhancing both functionality and comfort.
The centerpiece of this charming home is the vaulted-ceiling living room. Large north-facing windows flood the space with natural light, while a natural gas fireplace adds to the inviting ambiance. An open staircase leads to the upper level, creating a sense of openness and connection throughout the home.
The kitchen serves as a natural gathering place within the house. It features a granite countertop on the island and a unique free-form induction cooktop that heats cookware regardless of its placement on the ceramic-glass surface. This design not only adds a modern touch but also provides safety and convenience for the couple’s young children. The kitchen’s warm cherry wood cabinets and hardwood flooring contribute to its welcoming feel.
Creative Spaces and Thoughtful Renovations
In addition to the main living areas, the home boasts a sunroom on the main floor, a sewing room adorned with colorful quilts, and a basement bar area designed to mimic an old-time saloon, complete with reflective tiles. The property also includes a three-car garage and a boathouse with a deck that offers stunning views of the lake.
The Habrats have appreciated the home’s amenities, such as floor heating in the sunroom, laundry room, and master bathroom, along with ample indoor storage space. Since moving to the residence from Pearl Lake in 2016, they have made significant improvements tailored to their family’s needs.
“We redid the laundry room,” Amanda explained. “We gutted the whole thing,” creating extra pantry space and enhancing the room’s functionality. The staircase was also opened up, and a small sitting area at the top was transformed into a creative space with an additional cabinet for towels. They relocated the sitting area to a small balcony just off the top of the stairs.
Recognizing the need for updates, the couple also renovated the upstairs bathroom, a task Amanda humorously noted was necessary as “bathrooms always need to be redone.” Perhaps the most extensive project involved finishing a portion of the basement that had previously been left unfinished. This area was transformed into a family room, bar space, and exercise room, resulting in a professionally renovated environment that matches the comfort and aesthetic of the rest of the home.
Through thoughtful design and continuous improvements, the Habrats have created a harmonious living space that reflects their family’s lifestyle while embracing the charm of their lakeside surroundings.
