Tour of Cottages raises funds for Elder Network
The annual Cottage Tour to benefit Elder Network will be held Tuesday, August 3 from 3 to 7 p.m. Attendees may tour cottages in any order.
- Witt Cottage
- Werpy Cottage
The annual Cottage Tour to benefit Elder Network will be held Tuesday, August 3 from 3 to 7 p.m.
Attendees may tour cottages in any order.
A Cottage Tour Boutique will be located at the Eiser home, with lemonade served.
Advance tickets are $20 and are available at Elden’s Food Fair, Pete’s County Market and Trumm Drug downtown, all in Alexandria. Tickets purchased on-site are $25. A map and directions to each cottage will be included on the tickets.
Visitors are encouraged to carpool and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Proceeds benefit Elder Network; supplemental funds provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Following are the cottages featured on this year’s tour:
The Werpy Cottage
Lake Miltona
Dave and Melissa Werpy
13694 E Lake Miltona Dr. NE
This cottage has its origins in the 1930s when the main room was built to be used as a garage. It soon became living space, and subsequent additions in the 1960s and 1980s completed the meandering cottage.
Photos are displayed inside that show the cabin and grounds in its early days. A stone fireplace, retro kitchen and genuine “up north cottage feel” add charm.
The property features an authentic ice storage house from the 1930s, which now doubles as a bunkhouse and a dive shack for the current owners. A display of colorful anchors reveals some of the treasures of Lake Miltona found during their diving expeditions.
The icehouse offers a glimpse into the past, with its original board and batten siding naturally weathered to a soft gray, log-trimmed door and windows and quaint window boxes overflowing with flowers.
Displayed inside is memorabilia from past owners and from days gone by.
The Munsch Cottage
Lake Cowdry
Charlie and Kathy Munsch
814 E Lake Cowdry Rd
Charlie and Kathy Munsch moved to their Lake Cowdry home in 1997. Their home presents itself as a casual cottage – not fancy, just comfortable.
Their first project was designing the yard with an English garden feel and look. Some plants are cuttings from Kathy's great-grandfather’s garden dating back 150 years.
Their second project was creating a simple looking family room. This is the room where they spend most of their time with children and grandchildren.
In 2003 the Munschs added a large addition on the lake side and gained a bedroom and living room. The next major project was a total kitchen remodel that has the look and feel of Kathy’s grandmother's kitchen. It is the room where family and friends gather.
The Witt Cottage
Lake Carlos
Rick and Pam Witt
6621 Stardust Lane NE
This new "old" house was designed to look like a 1920’s lake home that has been through several renovations, but with state-of-the-art technology.
The floor plans were first written as a vintage home, then re-written as if renovations had actually taken place.
Finished in the spring of 2009, with lavish landscaping and sweeping views, this home is one-of-a-kind. Situated on a point on Lake Carlos, it has the unusual opportunity to enjoy views of the lake two ways.
The two-story home with a walkout basement has a slight grade and easy access to the lakefront. Four bedrooms, five baths, sun porch, screened porch, front porch, large deck and patio all add charm and many options to find a space of your own.
Unique features include a breezeway to the garage, large pantry, large kitchen, a secret stairway and a bunkhouse above the three-car garage that sleeps six.
The Simpson Cottage
Lake Miltona
Mike and Dorothy Simpson
13070 E Lake Miltona Dr. NE
This cottage has truly become a family affair. It was built in 1959 with a guest cabin added in the 70s.
The Simpsons purchased their cottage in 1983. While living and working in St. Cloud, their cottage became a family retreat on weekends and summer holidays.
In 1987 they added the front room, decks and wood-fired sauna. Ten years later they built a new kitchen and dining area. In 2000 the guest cottage was remodeled.
Mike and Dorothy have since retired, their kids have grown and now return during summers with their children. Everyone pitches in with remodeling and landscaping while enjoying their time together at the lake.
Near the lake lies a Bocce Ball court, and a pottery studio stands on the side of the garage. A variety of artwork and collections the couple has acquired during travels around the world, especially Mexico, are also on display.
The Reiner Cottage
Lake Miltona
Glen and Dorothy Reiner
13378 E Lake Miltona Dr. NE
Simply step through the front door of this cottage and you’ll be surrounded by a rich history. Glen and Dorothy Reiner’s historic Lake Miltona home makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time.
Built in the 1880s, the stone foundation dates to 1882. It was first thought to be an overnight stagecoach stop between Fargo and Minneapolis.
By 1912 a farmhouse was situated on the property and in the 1920s it became a resort and speakeasy during Prohibition. It’s even speculated that former President Theodore Roosevelt visited the house on a whistle-stop campaign.
The Reiners have renovated and put on additions but have always kept the vintage charm of this historic home. Tamarack flooring, fieldstone fireplaces, a sweeping lakeside porch, soaring ceilings and cozy corners take you back in time.
Inlaid items are visible in both fireplaces and the bedrooms offer great views of the lake through unique windows.
Boutique & lemonade at the Jack Eiser Cottage
Lake Miltona
3471 S Lake Miltona Dr NE
Built in 1928, this cottage has been in the family for about 52 years and is currently owned by Rich and Eileen Eiser.
About Elder Network
Elder network is a volunteer service dedicated to supporting people age 55 and older through times of transition, loss and change. The program’s goal is to help seniors continue living safely and independently in their homes.
Tags: tour of cottages, elder network, life, features
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