Timeless 1908 Four-Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota, With a Walkout Apartment, and Modern Updates in Historic East Isles
This stately three-story four-square home in Minneapolis’ coveted East Isles neighborhood is a rare architectural gem, offering historical significance as a classic century home with enduring curb appeal. Originally built in the early 1900s, this property features four distinct levels of living space, including a lower-level walkout apartment—recently renovated as an in-law suite—making it well-suited for duplex or triplex use. Highlights include a gourmet kitchen, sunroom, screened porch, spacious primary suite, and modern updates like a newer two-car garage, outdoor kitchen, and fenced yard, seamlessly blending timeless character with contemporary enhancements. With an asking price of $1,200,000 and excellent income or multigenerational versatility, this home presents a unique opportunity for both owner-occupants and investors alike.
Exterior Overview
A historic American home is nestled among mature trees, creating a sense of privacy and seclusion. The house features a dark exterior, likely wood siding, with white trim highlighting the windows and rooflines. Two prominent dormer windows adorn the steep gray shingled roof, and a brick chimney adds to the classic look. The entryway boasts a graceful arched portico supported by columns, leading to broad front steps. Large windows span the front of the house, suggesting airy and light-filled rooms inside. The lush green canopy envelopes much of the structure, adding both character and charm to the property.
Front Entrance
A stone staircase with decorative wrought-iron railings leads to a sheltered entryway. The door is framed by sidelights with multiple glass panes, creating a symmetrical design. Above the door, arched white trim highlights the home’s historic character, while the house number ‘2833’ is prominently displayed in brass. The color palette features natural stone gray, crisp white woodwork, and black door frames. Overhead, a single light illuminates the entrance. Mature trees flank the structure, and a wooden fence adds rustic charm. Architectural details like corbels and vertical paneling enhance the traditional, welcoming aesthetic of this historic American home.
Living Room Archway
A bright living space features polished hardwood floors and white walls, creating a clean and inviting feel. Two wooden built-in cabinets with glass doors frame three large arched openings in the wall, adding historic charm. The cabinets display plants, books, and decorative objects, contributing to a lived-in and curated atmosphere. Through the arches, a sunlit dining nook is visible, featuring a minimalist white table and four modern white chairs, all set against a backdrop of expansive windows with views of a green yard. Soft, neutral furniture including a gray swivel chair and dark leather armchairs complement the cozy, welcoming aesthetics.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room with a soft, inviting palette of beige and warm wood tones. Light hardwood floors are complemented by natural wood ceiling beams and trim. The seating area features a plush cream sofa and two matching swivel armchairs, accompanied by a large, dark wooden coffee table centered with decorative vases. A contemporary floor lamp stands behind the sofa, while two leather club chairs face a simple fireplace with a wooden mantel, above which hangs a landscape painting. Built-in glass-front cabinets and architectural arches add historic character and charm to the bright, airy space.
Living Room Fireplace
A cozy living room centered around a wooden fireplace with matching built-in cabinetry and trim. Two glass-paned wooden doors flank the fireplace, allowing natural light to filter in. The space features two leather armchairs facing each other with a small round side table in between, topped with a white vase and green plant. The walls are painted white, highlighting the honey-toned woodwork around the ceiling, doors, and built-in shelves. A flat screen television sits atop the mantel, while decorative pillows on the chairs complete the inviting, classic aesthetic.
Dining Area Windows
A bright dining area featuring a modern glass-top table surrounded by six white, curved chairs with metal legs. The room is filled with natural light from three large windows that span almost the entire wall, offering an unobstructed view of green trees and a residential street outside. The space is painted in crisp white, creating a clean, open feel, while honey-toned hardwood floors add warmth. Minimalist decor includes a potted plant in a textured white planter on the right and a small centerpiece on the table, contributing a touch of greenery and freshness to the sleek, contemporary setting.
Front Exterior
A large two-story historic home stands behind a mature tree with sprawling branches and leafy green foliage partially shading the view. The house features a robust gray stucco facade with stone accents on the corners and base, giving it a solid, craftsman-inspired appearance. Square, white-framed windows are symmetrically placed on each floor, providing balance and ample natural light. The double front door, adorned with glass panels, sits at the top of a short flight of concrete steps flanked by flower pots. The surrounding yard features a manicured lawn, flower beds, and a wooden privacy fence, contributing to a welcoming ambiance.
Dining Room Table
A warmly lit dining area features a rectangular wooden table surrounded by six wicker chairs with dark legs, placed atop honey-toned hardwood floors. To the left, a wooden buffet holds decorative plants in white and glass pots, adding greenery and texture. Large windows dressed with sheer white curtains allow natural light to flood the room and brighten the soft white walls. The dining space flows into a living area visible through a wide, elegant archway, marked by wood trim that matches the floors and furniture. The contemporary ceiling light fixture offers a gentle ambiance, emphasizing the blend of classic and fresh design.
Exterior Front Façade
A large historic home with dark gray stucco walls and a steep, slate-colored roof stands behind a canopy of mature leafy trees. The house features multiple vertical white framed windows, a prominent bay of three front windows at the lower level, and a white central entrance with a small set of concrete steps leading up from the sidewalk. The facade is accentuated by a low stone base and ornamental urns with flowers at the edge of a neatly maintained front lawn. A mix of shrubs, a wooden fence, and varied foliage surrounds the property, creating a well-established and inviting atmosphere.
Neighborhood Overview
Aerial view of a verdant, historic residential neighborhood bordering a large shimmering lake. Mid-century and early-century homes are nestled among abundant mature trees, with leafy streets curving throughout. The lakefront features green parkland, trails, and people sailing on the water. In the background, larger mid-rise buildings and urban amenities provide contrast to the quieter, house-filled foreground. The color palette is dominated by greens from the trees, blues from the water, and neutral roof tones, giving the area a tranquil, inviting atmosphere perfect for lakeside living.
Living Room Seating
A spacious living room features warm wooden floors and natural wood trim on doors and ceiling beams, giving the area a classic, historic character. Pale walls and white ceilings brighten the space, while neutral-toned furniture—a soft beige sofa, two plush armchairs in black leather with gray throw pillows, and a textured accent chair—enhance comfort and style. Modern lamps and a ceiling fan add contemporary touches. A large wood-framed doorway leads into a dining area with woven chairs and a wooden table, tying the rooms together. Decorative vases with greenery and understated artwork complete the refined, inviting atmosphere.
Dining Nook
A bright and cheerful dining nook features soft blue walls and three large, metallic, propeller-style wall sculptures as eye-catching decor. The wooden slatted table adds warmth to the space, surrounded by four woven black-and-white chairs that blend classic and contemporary styles. Large windows on two sides of the room flood the area with natural light and offer leafy views outside. The hardwood floor provides a rich, reddish-brown tone that contrasts gently with the light blue walls. A leafy plant in a white pot sits at the center of the table, contributing a lively, organic touch to the clean, airy setting.
Living Room Details
Warm-toned hardwood floors run throughout a cozy living room with a large sectional sofa upholstered in plush gray fabric and accented by cream pillows. Dark wood ceiling beams frame the space, matching the trim on the windows and doors. The central feature is a mosaic-tiled fireplace, flanked by glass-fronted built-in cabinets in matching wood. A flat-screen TV sits atop the mantel. Multiple windows, including a sunroom-style wall, bring in abundant natural light. Visible through an arched doorway is a formal dining area furnished with a wooden table and chairs, lush green plant accents, and classic Craftsman-style millwork.
Living Room Details
Large living room with hardwood floors featuring a substantial sectional gray sofa accented with cream and tan throw pillows. The ceiling displays prominent dark wood beams contrasting against white, complemented by a matching dark wood ceiling fan with warm lighting. Wide windows and a set of glass-paned double doors provide abundant natural light, with lush greenery visible outside. Built-in shelving along one wall is decorated with books, framed photographs, and potted plants, while a lamp adds a cozy accent. Radiator heating lines one wall, and overall the room feels airy and inviting with a blend of classic and comfortable décor.
Library Nook
Warm wood built-in bookshelves line two walls, forming a cozy nook with a small writing desk integrated into the shelving. A classic wooden chair with an upholstered red seat is tucked at the desk. The shelving contains decorative objects such as potted plants, woven baskets, books, and geometric sculptures, creating a neat but lived-in feel. The hardwood floor and matching wood trim along the ceiling enhance the vintage ambiance, while a large mirror in the corner amplifies light and space. The neutral color palette, accented with natural greens and whites, contributes to a serene, sophisticated atmosphere.
Dining Room Decor
A spacious dining room features rich wooden floors and a warm, metallic pressed-tin ceiling that adds character and historic charm. The dining table is a simple, sturdy wood piece surrounded by matching chairs with cushioned seats. A potted green plant and a classic radio cabinet provide touches of vintage elegance in one corner. Large windows framed in dark wood let in natural light and offer a view outside. An arched doorway connects the room to a living space, where a fireplace with a green tile mosaic, dark wood trim, and more natural wood details continue the cohesive aesthetic throughout.
Kitchen Appliances
This kitchen features a modern and inviting aesthetic, combining classic cabinetry with state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances. The cabinetry is creamy off-white with vertical grooves and brushed metal handles, wrapping around the room for ample storage. A large stainless steel refrigerator and a commercial-style oven and range are the main appliances, accentuated by a sleek range hood. Black granite countertops offer contrast and elegance, extending to a spacious center island with an undermount sink and a high-arc spring pull-down faucet. Pendant lights provide a warm glow, while a window above the counter lets in natural light and frames a view of leafy greenery.
Kitchen Island View
A spacious kitchen filled with natural light, featuring light wood cabinetry with vertical grooves and sleek stainless steel appliances, including a large refrigerator and a gas cooktop with an industrial hood. The focal point is a central island with a shiny black granite countertop, curved edge, deep sink, and a modern pull-down faucet. Three glossy red chairs add a pop of color, while pendant lights with marbled glass shades provide ambient lighting. The walls are a muted taupe, complemented by crown molding and a window framed in white, looking out onto leafy greenery. Contemporary, practical, and warmly inviting.
Screened Porch Seating
A bright, inviting screened porch is depicted, featuring honey-toned wooden floors and matching trim that frame large screen windows. Natural light streams through, illuminating a round metal dining table surrounded by four mesh chairs, set toward the front of the porch. Two fabric hammock chairs hang from sturdy black ropes near the far corner, offering relaxed seating and views out onto leafy trees. Overhead, a ceiling fan with large, wooden blades adds both airflow and a tropical touch. French doors with white frames lead inside, while the overall aesthetic balances rustic wood, soft fabric, and light, airy openness.
Sunroom Office
A bright, elongated room features large windows on two sides, allowing sunlight to flood the space and offering lush green views of surrounding trees. The walls are painted a calming shade of blue, accented with crisp white trim, while the wide plank wooden ceiling adds warmth with its natural tones and a single modern pendant light. The floor is a vivid green, drawing attention and providing cheerful contrast. A corner computer desk with a black swivel chair serves as a workspace. A yellow radiator and minimal wall art add unique, eclectic touches, resulting in a lively and inviting atmosphere.
Bedroom Corner
A bright and airy bedroom with a substantial window centered on the far wall, allowing natural light to illuminate the space. The hardwood floor has a warm honey tone, complementing the crisp white walls and trim. A neatly made bed with white and gray bedding sits along the left wall, flanked by a small wooden side table topped with a textured lamp. The bed is adorned with plush, patterned pillows in neutrals and plaid. A minimalist framed artwork hangs above the bed, while a compact writing desk with greenery adds a classic touch. A traditional white radiator sits beneath the window.
Bathroom Corner
Compact space with light green walls and terracotta-colored floor tiles, conveying an inviting, fresh atmosphere. A curved corner shower enclosure with frosted glass stands beside a rectangular window framed in white trim, providing natural daylight. The vanity features a vessel sink with a modern curved chrome faucet set atop a craftsman-style wooden cabinet. Above the sink, an art-deco inspired mirror with geometric metal detail and a matching light fixture add character. Classic radiator and additional wood cabinet with a towel hanging create a functional, cozy setting. Blend of traditional and modern elements highlights warmth and originality.
Bedroom Corner
A cozy bedroom with sloped white ceilings, featuring a large wooden bed topped with a gray and white striped quilt and matching pillows. A fan with wooden blades is mounted to the ceiling for both function and style. Sunlight streams through a triple window bay with a built-in wooden seat, perfect for reading or relaxing while enjoying views of lush greenery outside. To the side, a simple, tall wooden bookcase offers storage and matches the bed frame, while a small modern lamp rests nearby, providing focused light for bedtime reading. The space feels airy, calm, and inviting with its minimalistic decor and neutral palette.
Bathroom Vanity Area
A spacious bathroom combines classic and modern elements with a clawfoot bathtub as the focal point on the left, accented by an ornate black metal spiral wall décor doubling as a candleholder. The bathtub features bronze vintage-style fixtures, complemented by glossy black tile flooring throughout the room. Along the right side, there is a double-sink vanity with intricate carved wood details and a cream finish, topped with sleek countertops and two separate mirrors above. The walk-in shower with glass enclosure sits centrally on the back wall, and a stacked washer and dryer can be seen tucked neatly in an alcove. The lighting is warm and inviting, highlighting the balance of historic charm and contemporary touches.
Cozy Bedroom Alcove
A small, bright bedroom with crisp white walls and sloped ceilings creates an inviting and intimate retreat. A large bed, dressed in a textured white duvet and accented with assorted throw pillows in neutral tones, sits comfortably beneath the angled ceiling. Natural light pours in from two windows framed in classic white trim, one next to the bed and the other above a simple wooden desk and chair, ideal for reading or work. The space is grounded by pale green carpeting, and a dresser topped with a decorative basket of moss adds a touch of organic texture. Minimalist wall art completes the serene atmosphere.
Bathroom Vanity Area
A bright and airy bathroom features a double vanity with a white countertop, complemented by chrome fixtures and a large wall mirror above. The cabinetry beneath is painted white, echoing the room’s clean, monochromatic color scheme. Large windows allow natural light to fill the space and offer a view of leafy green trees outside. Potted green plants atop the vanity add a refreshing natural touch. The tiled floor and bathtub surround are white, with a strip of colorful, patterned tiles breaking up the expanse of white. Soft, plush white towels hang on either side of the room for a cozy, inviting feel.
Cozy Bedroom Nook
A small, charming bedroom set beneath steeply sloped ceilings, painted in soft white. The single bed, dressed in crisp white linens and a textured beige throw, sits snugly against a side wall. Pillows in varying shades of cream create a plush, inviting look. Two windows, one beside the bed and one above a petite white desk, allow natural light to fill the room, offering leafy green views. A simple wood and fabric armchair stands between the bed and the desk. The muted olive carpet and minimal décor give the space a tranquil, understated character.
Bathroom Vanity Wall
A classic bathroom features a rich, dark wood vanity with a marble countertop and dual sinks. Above the vanity is a large rectangular mirror with a gold frame, matching a mounted medicine cabinet with mirrored doors. The color palette is neutral, with light beige walls and tile floors. To the right, a white toilet sits beneath a geometric diamond-shaped wall mirror with gold trim and glass shelving inside. The glass shower is framed in dark bronze metal and features large beige tiles with a decorative border. A small potted plant adds a touch of greenery to the serene, polished space.
Detached Garage Exterior
A detached, single-story garage is painted a muted slate-blue with crisp white trim outlining the peaked roof and large, rectangular double garage door. The door itself is paneled in a classic, geometric pattern and stands out in a soft white contrasting with the main structure. Surrounding the garage are mature trees and lush greenery, with some ivy and plants trailing along a weathered wooden fence to the left. The number 2833 is mounted vertically in black beside the door frame. The overall look is balanced, functional, and blends neatly into the wooded suburban surroundings.
Backyard Outdoor Kitchen
A well-designed backyard space features a built-in outdoor kitchen under a white pergola with decorative columns, housing a stainless steel grill, storage drawers, and a wood-fired oven. The kitchen counter is finished with stonework, adding rustic charm. Nearby, a large tree provides shade, with a wooden fence enclosing the area for privacy. On the grass lawn, two modern reclining lounge chairs and a simple armchair encircle a round fire pit, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. String lights add a touch of festivity, enhancing the relaxed, social ambiance of this outdoor retreat.
Bedroom Suite
A spacious bedroom featuring a neutral color palette with soft beige walls and plush taupe carpeting. The queen-sized bed has a studded dark headboard and is layered with textured pillows in cream and brown, as well as a muted gray comforter. A modern table lamp sits on a white nightstand beside the bed, providing a warm glow. There’s a contemporary ceiling fan with wooden blades overhead. On the right, a simple mid-century style desk pairs with a matching chair, topped by a gold-framed mirror and a desk lamp. The room leads to a small, neatly organized walk-in closet accessed by a few carpeted steps.
Sunroom Entryway
A bright, inviting area features sliding glass doors leading to an outdoor patio. The space is defined by warm, medium-toned hardwood floors and soft cream-colored walls that enhance the natural light. On one side stands a modern wooden console table with angled support, topped with a contemporary lamp, a round mirror, a small plant, and a retro-style clock. Opposite, an upholstered bench with latticed legs and textured pillows sits below a large abstract painting, adding comfort and artistic flair. An overhead ceiling fan with a central light fixture completes the relaxed, transitional look of this entryway.
Listing Agent: Cari Ann Carter-Cari Ann Carter Group of Edina Realty, Inc. via Zillow
