Lakes Area Home Tour: Presented By Elevate + Lumber Depot
[34447 SYBIL LAKE LANE, VERGAS]
After a pandemic-induced pause, the Lakes Area Home Tour is back and even more beautiful, sponsored by Lumber Depot and hosted by Elevate. Welcome to your exclusive sneak peek of the one-day, self-guided home tour. This tour does more than showcase beautiful homes, it celebrates vibrant lifestyles, community connection, and living well at every age and stage.
by TRACY NICHOLSON & EMILY DREYER
photos by OVERFLOW CREATIVE & JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS
LIVING WELL IN LAKES COUNTRY
“What sets the Lakes Area Home Tour apart is that it’s about more than showcasing beautiful homes—it’s about celebrating lifestyle, community, and the idea of living well at every age and stage,” said Elevate’s Emily Dreyer.
“The homes on this year’s tour reflect a variety of life seasons and styles, from thoughtfully designed forever homes to creative renovations and lakeside retreats.”
Beyond the beauty and support for Elevate’s Perham-area programs, the Lakes Area Home Tour brings inspiration and recognition, showcasing the people, businesses, craftsmanship, and creativity that make Perham a summer hot spot and warm year-round home.
LAKES AREA HOME TOUR: PRE-TOUR GUIDE
While visiting homes across the Perham, Dent, and Vergas areas, tourgoers are encouraged to make this one-day tour a full day of fun. “We want guests to slow down, explore the area, visit our boutiques, enjoy great local cuisine, and really soak in all that the Perham area has to offer,” explained Mindi Larson. “It’s a meaningful mix of home inspiration and hometown pride, which gives the tour a special kind of warmth and connection.”
MEET THE ELEVATE TEAM
Emily Dreyer
Mindi Larson
““It’s a meaningful mix of home inspiration and hometown pride, which gives the tour a special kind of warmth and connection.” ”
Welcome to your exclusive sneak peek of the 2025 Lakes Area Home Tour!
BIG PINE LAKE COMFORT
[44907 NITCHE LAKE ROAD, PERHAM]
Completed in 2006, this Big Pine Lake home blends comfort and function with warm, cozy charm. The home features four bedrooms, two full baths, and two half baths, offering plenty of space for family and guests to spread out and relax.
Large windows line the lakeside, showcasing beautiful views and filling the home with natural light. The main living area boasts expansive ceilings and a stylish bar that makes entertaining easy, while a bonus space upstairs offers a perfect getaway for grandkids or guests. Recent updates include new flooring and refreshed bathrooms in both the primary suite and guest areas.
With multiple living spaces and thoughtful design touches, this home is perfect for both quiet lake mornings and lively family weekends.
EASY LIVING HOME
[45978 453RD STREET, PERHAM]
Located just three-and-a-half miles north of Perham in a newer, thoughtfully developed neighborhood, this spacious single-level home combines modern convenience with peaceful surroundings. The home features a convenient open floorplan that flows seamlessly between the kitchen, living room, and dining area—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The primary bedroom offers a large walk-in closet and a private ensuite bathroom for added comfort.
Here, the owners enjoy abundant natural light in the charming sunroom, which opens to a large patio and backyard entertainment area, complete with a cozy fire pit. Additional highlights include a three-stall garage with a durable polyurethane floor and a relaxing sauna.
AGING-FRIENDLY DUPLEX
[681 8TH AVENUE SW, PERHAM]
This thoughtfully designed retirement duplex is more than just a place to live—it’s a home built to age with you. Every detail was carefully considered to support accessibility and peace of mind through life’s transitions, including an eclectic collection of art and heirloom rugs. Wide hallways and doors make moving through the space easy and wheelchair-friendly, while extra lighting ensures visibility and safety. Features like an off-the-ground oven and dishwasher minimize bending and reaching. Whether downsizing or simply planning ahead, this rental offers modern amenities in a space that truly supports aging in place— with dignity, ease, and style.
LITTLE MCDONALD REVIVAL
[44934 SPUR ROAD, FRAZEE]
Originally a cozy cabin, this Little McDonald Lake home was completely rebuilt in 2020 into a stunning modern farmhouse-style retreat. The four bed, three bath transformation infused new life into the property while embracing lake living at its finest. The beautifully landscaped exterior and welcoming patio set the stage for year-round enjoyment. Inside, the open-concept main floor seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, with a unique wrap-around wine bar that creates a bright, flowing space for entertaining or relaxing at the heart of the home. The standout basement bar—complete with an exterior walk-up window— offers a fun, laid-back vibe ideal for lake days and evening gatherings. This lakeside home is the perfect mix of comfort, charm, and creativity.
SYBIL HAUS
[34447 SYBIL LAKE LANE, VERGAS]
Nestled in the heart of lakes country, Sybil Haus is a serene and secluded retreat built in 2024 with rest and relaxation in mind. Designed to sleep 16 adults comfortably, this stunning home features three king bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, two additional bedrooms with a shared Jack and Jill bath, and a queen pull-out sofa in the cozy lower level living space. Here, guests enjoy unwinding in the sauna, steam shower, and spa, or taking a swim in the lakeside pool (May through October). Lake access includes a sandy beach, dock, fire pit, and plenty of space for sunrise coffee or sunset chats. The three-season porch tucked among the trees—with plush leather seating—is perfect for naps, games, and gatherings.
Inside, a chef’s kitchen awaits with high-end JennAir appliances, double ovens, a gas range, and all the tools needed to create memorable meals. With three ice-making refrigerators and generous dining space, Sybil Haus was built for entertaining, blending indoor luxury with outdoor beauty.
BIG MCDONALD MASTERPIECE
[33153 MEYER BEACH DRIVE, DENT]
Newly built in 2024 on beautiful Big McDonald Lake, this home impresses with custom details and breathtaking design. The spacious interior features striking alder kitchen cabinets and exquisite tile work throughout. A soaring 23-foot cathedral vaulted ceiling draws your eye to a massive floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace that anchors the living space. The spa-like primary bath includes a zero-entry walk-in shower for ultimate comfort and luxury. Large-scale accordion patio doors open to a lakeside porch complete with a second fireplace—perfect for relaxing year-round while enjoying stunning lake views. With four bedrooms and four baths, this home combines elegant craftsmanship and lakeside living.
MARION MAKEOVER
[39742 MARION LODGE TRAIL, PERHAM]
Settled on one of Marion’s beautiful points, this striking black-and-white saltbox-style home enjoys a spacious lot with sweeping lakeside views from nearly every room. Originally built in 1984, it was thoughtfully remodeled in 2022 to create a cozy farmhouse-style interior filled with warm touches and vibrant pops of blue, making it a true lakeside sanctuary.
The renovation preserved the original structure and layout while completely refreshing the home’s character to suit a more modern lifestyle. A new lakeside primary suite and an open-concept main living area were designed to maximize spectacular views. Additional features include a bonus garage and a party room, offering ample space for entertaining. This home effortlessly combines style, comfort, and functional lakeside living—perfectly tailored for enjoying all that Marion Lake has to offer.
REVIVING A TRADITION + SHARING A MISSION
The Lakes Area Home Tour, which ran successfully for several years, was originally hosted by the 549 Family Foundation as a fundraiser to support the Perham School District. “Like many community events, it was put on pause in 2020 due to the pandemic, and it hasn’t returned—until now,” explained Dreyer.
This year, Elevate is reviving the tradition and sharing its mission. “While it serves as an important fundraiser to support our programs, it’s also an opportunity to inspire,” explained Larson. “We want people to see that it’s never too early—or too late— to start creating a life that supports your well-being. Whether that’s through thoughtful home design, stronger community ties, or small steps toward better health, the tour is a celebration of living well at every age and every stage.”
ELEVATING COMMUNITY
Elevate’s program addresses the unique needs of adults in the Perham area, fostering intentional action to live well. According to Elevate, aging well isn’t just about happiness—it’s also cost effective. “Staying healthy and in one’s own home reduces expenses for individuals, families, and the healthcare system,” explained Larson. “Through partnerships with local organizations, Elevate connects residents to resources and opportunities to improve physical, mental, and social health for a more fulfilling life. Our work primarily serves a 25- mile radius around Perham, but the impact we aim for is deeply personal and community-wide.”
Dreyer considers the tour a perfect activity to enjoy with friends or family—a chance to see beautiful spaces and creative ideas come to life. “Homeowners have been incredibly generous and enthusiastic about participating. Many have added thoughtful, unique features to their homes that they’re proud to share, and they see this as a way to give back to the community,” added Dreyer.
“That spirit of connection and inspiration is really what the tour is all about.”
“WE WANT PEOPLE TO SEE THAT IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY—OR TOO LATE—TO START CREATING A LIFE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR WELL-BEING.”
CONTACT ELEVATE
318 6th Ave. SW | Perham, MN
218.347.1974
mindi.larson@perhamhealth.org
elevateotc.org