Grand 1908 Triplex in Saint Paul, Minnesota with Exquisite Woodwork, Clawfoot Tubs, and a Backyard in Cathedral Hill
Located in the coveted Cathedral Hill neighborhood of Saint Paul, MN, this beautifully renovated triplex stands just a block north of the iconic Summit Avenue, epitomizing early 20th-century American architecture with its stately columns, ornate detailing, and grand front porch—hallmarks of Neo-Classical Revival style. Prized for its historic charm and meticulous craftsmanship, the home was likely built around the turn of the century and now features two spacious 4-bedroom units with intricate woodwork and clawfoot tubs, plus a modern top-floor 2-bedroom suite with skylights and an office. Boasting in-unit laundry, central air, and a huge 1.5x lot, the $1,300,000 property offers strong investment potential, luxury updates, off-street parking, and proximity to local restaurants and shops.
Front Porch Seating
A classic front porch featuring tall, fluted white columns with ornate bases, providing a grand and stately look. The porch ceiling is made of rich wood, adding warmth and historic charm. Comfortable wicker armchairs with deep blue cushions and striped throw pillows are arranged around a square wicker coffee table on a small rug. Hanging baskets of vibrant purple flowers add lively bursts of color, while potted green plants rest on the floor. The porch is partially enclosed by a traditional white balustrade, offering a peaceful sitting area with views of a tree-lined street and neighboring historic homes.
Living Room Fireplace
A cozy, historic living room centers around a stately fireplace with a white marble surround and deep, rich wood mantel. The walls are soft white, accented by mahogany-stained wood trim, molding, and window frames, exuding classic American charm. Two elegant burgundy leather armchairs flank either side of the fireplace while a dark gray upholstered sofa sits to the left, adorned with decorative patterned pillows. Vintage-style lamps with stained-glass shades provide warm ambient lighting. Touches of greenery from potted plants add life to the space, accompanied by framed artwork and certificates above the mantel, which complete the traditional, welcoming aesthetic.
Dining Room Details
Warm and inviting dining area featuring honey-colored hardwood floors and substantial dark wood trim throughout. The centerpiece is a rustic wooden dining table with eight matching chairs, each place set with a blue-gray plate on a woven placemat. Built-in cabinetry with glass-front doors lines one wall, showing off a diamond lattice pattern. Above, a classic brass chandelier with frosted glass shades provides soft lighting. The white walls are accented by ornamental wood molding and shelves that hold green potted plants and framed artwork. The look blends historic architectural charm with a welcoming and comfortable ambiance.
Dining Room Details
A spacious dining room features a large rectangular wooden table surrounded by six chairs with dark wooden frames and neutral upholstered seats. The room boasts intricate wooden crown molding, baseboards, and window frames, all in a rich cherry finish, providing a sense of historic charm. A built-in glass-front china cabinet with ornate woodwork occupies one wall, its upper glass panel doors displaying a diamond lattice design. The floors are polished hardwood, and a multi-arm chandelier with frosted glass shades hangs overhead. Large windows fill the room with natural light, while potted plants add a touch of greenery. The adjacent area includes a glimpse of a cozy sitting nook with leather furniture and a Tiffany-style lamp.
Kitchen Details
A spacious kitchen features warm wooden cabinetry with black hardware and a polished gray stone countertop. Stainless steel appliances, including a gas stove and modern dishwasher, provide a sleek contrast. Above the stove hangs a large, angular stainless steel range hood. The backsplash consists of glossy white tiles running halfway up the wall, meeting a pastel blue painted section above. Four wall-mounted glass sconces provide soft, even lighting. A wide wooden doorway leads to another space with exposed brick walls, adding historic character. The floors are a rich, honey-colored hardwood, contributing to the cozy yet polished atmosphere.
Bathroom Sink Area
Narrow bathroom with a vintage aesthetic, featuring glossy white subway tiles that extend halfway up the walls, capped with a trim tile. The upper walls are painted a soft gray, complementing the clean, classic look. Freestanding pedestal sink sits beneath a rectangular wall mirror, flanked by two chrome and glass sconces. A maroon towel hangs from a chrome rod on the right, while a white towel is positioned beneath a window with white wood trim. Natural light floods in, highlighting a white storage cabinet topped with a plant. White hexagonal floor tiles add to the timeless, airy atmosphere.
Bedroom Corner
Warm tan walls and natural hardwood flooring create a cozy, inviting bedroom. A substantial wooden bed with a decorative paneled headboard is outfitted with a white comforter and pale blue throw. At the foot of the bed sits a white changing table, indicating a family-oriented space. Matching wooden nightstands, a tall chest of drawers adorned with family accents and a crucifix, and a vintage roll-top desk with a swivel office chair line the far wall. Two large windows with white trim and deep blue curtains let in plentiful daylight, adding brightness to the comfortable, traditional room.
Bedroom Corner
A cozy bedroom displays a harmonious blend of modern comfort and vintage touches. The centerpiece is a wooden framed bed with a blue and cream patterned coverlet and matching pillows. Cream-colored walls are accented with bold, black trim and door frames, giving the room definition. A tufted brown leather armchair sits by two large windows dressed in gray curtains, providing ample natural lighting. Wooden floors add warmth beneath a light rug. A cubby-style bookshelf holds potted plants and baskets, while a slim mirror near the window enhances light and space. The overall aesthetic feels both classic and inviting.
Children’s Bedroom
A small, cozy bedroom with soft light green walls and a wood-framed twin bed placed against the corner. A blue and white patterned rug covers most of the hardwood floor, adding warmth and texture to the space. Under the bed, four beige fabric storage bins help keep the room tidy. A round bookshelf filled with plush toys, books, and stuffed animals sits to the left, while a single curtain, drawn to the side, frames a large window with dark wood trim. Minimal decorations and light colors create a calm, inviting atmosphere, ideal for a young child.
Home Gym Corner
A small, dedicated home gym area painted in soft blue tones with crisp white trim and crown molding. The space features a treadmill and a stationary bike with a built-in screen, both placed on large interlocking black rubber mats to protect the hardwood floor. A set of yoga mats and foam rollers sit neatly in the corner. Natural light streams in through tall glass French doors and a large window with white curtains, offering a lush green view outside and creating an uplifting, airy atmosphere perfect for workouts.
Backyard Patio
The outdoor space features a patio area with a sturdy black umbrella providing shade over a square dark wood table surrounded by cushioned navy chairs, creating a comfortable sitting area for dining or socializing. The patio is paved with light and dark brick forming a subtle geometric pattern, bordered by a gravel section with large decorative rocks and green shrubbery. Beyond the patio, a spacious, neatly trimmed grassy lawn extends to the back fence, where a playset with a blue slide and covered sandbox are visible. Chain-link fencing surrounds the yard, and mature trees provide lush, leafy shade along the border.
Patio Dining Area
A spacious backyard features a paved patio area with a dark wooden table and six cushioned chairs, shaded by a large navy-blue umbrella. The patio is bordered by low wooden planters filled with greenery and small stones, adding a natural touch to the setting. Beyond the patio, the lawn stretches out with mature trees offering additional shade, while a children’s playset with a slide sits at the back corner of the yard. Chain-link fences mark the property line, and a detached pinkish garage is visible on one side, contributing to the neighborhood’s historic, residential charm.
Living Room Fireplace
A stately fireplace with intricate, dark wood trim and a marble surround serves as the focal point of this living room. The color palette features neutral walls, warm brown moldings, and natural wood floors. A plush beige sofa sits to the left, piled with deep blue and patterned throw pillows, while a blue tufted armchair with a gold cushion is arranged to the right. Large windows allow ample daylight to stream in, illuminating the abundance of houseplants that bring life and freshness. Framed artwork, candles, and houseplants decorate the mantel and walls, contributing to an inviting, classic atmosphere.
Kitchen Details
Warm wooden cabinets with rich brown tones line the walls above and below granite countertops, creating a sense of traditional elegance. The backsplash features a subtle white and gray marble tile, adding a touch of modern sophistication. Stainless steel appliances, including a refrigerator, gas stove, microwave, and dishwasher, offer a sleek contemporary feel. A large double sink is set beneath the cabinets, while a central marble-topped island provides additional workspace. The light fixture consists of three ornate glass lamps with brass fittings, imparting a historic charm that complements the warm wood. Natural-toned hardwood floors run throughout, adding inviting warmth to the space.
Kitchen Breakfast Nook
A cozy breakfast nook in a kitchen filled with natural light from large double windows. The space features soft blue-gray walls and white trim, creating a fresh, inviting ambiance. A marble countertop runs along the left side, complemented by light wood cabinetry. The eating area includes a compact wooden table and two stools, positioned in front of the windows. Across the room, a sleek black cabinet supports a toaster oven, flanked by wall art featuring botanical prints. A whimsical children’s play kitchen sits to the right, adding charm and personality. The hardwood floors add warmth and anchor the space’s classic, bright feel.
Dining Room Table
A classic dining room furnished with a rich wooden dining table and matching chairs, set with placemats, blue napkins, and glassware for a formal meal. Warm, honey-toned hardwood floors span the space, complemented by substantial dark-stained wooden trim and crown moldings. On one wall, a built-in glass-fronted cabinet displays delicate china and includes a mirrored back. Artwork and framed photographs are arranged gallery-style on pale walls, and a vintage-style radio sits atop a sleek dark sideboard. A wrought iron chandelier with frosted glass shades casts soft, inviting light, enhancing the room’s vintage yet welcoming ambiance.
Dining Room Table
A classic dining room with rich wooden trim and molding, exuding early 20th-century charm. The centerpiece is a dark wood dining table set for six, each place with a white plate, blue napkin, and large wine glass on a cream placemat. An ornate chandelier with soft yellow glass shades hangs above. Three large windows allow ample natural light, highlighting the warm wood tones throughout. The adjacent room features a fireplace with a carved wood mantel, framed paintings, and a large indoor plant, while a blue-patterned rug decorates the living area, creating a cohesive, welcoming space.
Butler’s Pantry Storage
Narrow butler’s pantry featuring rich, honey-toned wood cabinetry with simple black handles and extensive glass-fronted upper cabinets for showcasing dishes and pantry items. Below, drawers and panel-front lower cabinets provide ample concealed storage, set atop a warm, golden hardwood floor. An old-fashioned apron hangs on a hook by the doorway, adding a nostalgic touch. A grouping of cookbooks sits neatly in a corner by a double window framed in matching wood, letting in natural light. Architectural details blend classic craftsmanship with utility, while a glimpse into an adjacent blue-walled kitchen hints at a cozy, lived-in, historic home.
Bedroom Suite
Spacious bedroom featuring a large wooden bed with a tall, paneled headboard set against pale blue-gray walls. The bed is adorned with a textured navy blue comforter and plush pillows in shades of blue and white. On one side of the bed, a matching wooden nightstand holds a small table lamp and decor. The opposite wall hosts a sturdy wooden dresser with a wide mirror above it, displaying framed photos and simple accessories. Natural light flows in through tall windows draped in light curtains, illuminating the warm wood flooring and a soft, patterned area rug beneath the bed for added comfort.
Study Workspace
A spacious home study featuring large windows framed with rich dark wood trim, letting in ample natural light that illuminates the room. Pale blue-gray walls enhance the sense of calm, complementing the intricate red and blue patterned rug covering polished hardwood floors. A classic wooden desk with vintage brass lamp and potted plant sits against one wall, while another work area with a minimalist black chair and monitor faces the windows. Built-in bookshelves are filled with volumes, and a brown leather sofa with a deep blue cushion adds comfort, creating a blend of historic warmth and practical functionality.
Bathroom Clawfoot Tub
A long, narrow bathroom features a vintage white clawfoot tub with ornate silver feet, placed below a large window allowing abundant natural light. The upper walls are painted a soft powder blue, while the lower half is clad in glossy white subway tiles, accented by a black tile border. The hexagonal patterned floor tiles maintain a monochromatic theme. A white pedestal sink sits to the right of the tub, with dual globe light fixtures above and a round mirror. Matching gray towels line the towel bars for a cohesive, calming look. Chrome fixtures and clean lines evoke a classic, elegant feel.
Bedroom Corner
A serene bedroom corner features light cream walls and a spacious layout filled with natural light from two large windows adorned with soft gray drapes. A wooden spindle bed with crisp white bedding anchors the space, complemented by a cozy reading nook with a cushioned gray armchair and a wooden side table. Next to the bed is a wooden crib, and a bookshelf brimming with colorful children’s books adds a family-friendly touch. The hardwood floors are decorated with rich, patterned rugs that evoke warmth and history, while framed art and a wooden dresser with a lamp complete the cozy, welcoming ambiance.
Front Exterior
A stately historic American home with a prominent two-story porch supported by large white columns. The front porch features classic railings and hanging plants, adding a decorative touch to the entryway. The exterior is clad in light-colored siding with contrasting dark trim around the many windows, offering abundant natural light inside. The roof features a steep pitch with dormer windows, and a substantial brick chimney rises along one side. The foundation includes stonework, and mature trees partially shade the property. Architectural details like the triangular pediment above the porch and decorative brackets at the eaves highlight the home’s period elegance.
Kitchen Skylight Wall
A bright and airy kitchen features a sloped ceiling lined with four large skylights, allowing ample natural light to pour in. The walls are painted a soft beige, enhancing the warm ambiance created by honey-toned wooden cabinetry along the right side. The countertops are a light-colored granite, housing a stainless steel sink and various appliances, including a coffee maker and espresso machine. A metal shelving unit at the end holds vibrant green dishware, plants, and kitchen accessories, while a glass-fronted mini fridge and recycling bins add practicality. The natural wood flooring and lush houseplants contribute to a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Kitchen Skylights
A bright kitchen filled with natural light from a row of large, slanted skylights set into the vaulted ceiling. Warm wood cabinetry lines the walls, paired with speckled granite countertops. Black appliances, including a refrigerator, stove, and microwave, create a sleek contrast. Greenery adds a fresh touch, with a trailing plant on the left. Wooden flooring enhances the cozy feel, and two green-and-white patterned rugs provide comfort underfoot. The space is organized with small kitchen appliances, utensils, and magnets on the fridge, giving a lived-in yet tidy atmosphere. Light tan walls complement the overall warmth and contemporary style.
Bedroom Details
A cozy bedroom with beige walls and a carpeted floor features a queen-size bed adorned with a patchwork quilt in floral patterns of red, cream, green, and blue, along with large white pillows and a folded teal throw at the foot. On the left, a white dresser with nine drawers stands against the wall, topped with small decorative items and a round green-framed mirror above it. A compact black fan sits on the floor beside the dresser. Across from the bed, a wooden door is ajar, and a simple ceiling light softly illuminates the inviting space.
Bathroom Vanity
This bathroom features a sleek, modern design with light wood cabinetry below a gray stone countertop and an undermount sink. The countertops hold toiletries including a soap dispenser, tissues, and a small basket. A large, distressed silver-framed mirror hangs above the vanity, reflecting the soft, natural lighting. Walls are painted a cool gray, topped by glossy white tiles wainscoting, and bordered with a distinctive black and white diamond pattern. Warm wood doors with shiny brass knobs lead to the toilet area, partially visible with a small trash can, wall art, and neatly placed towels in beige and dark hues accenting the clean, tidy space.
Front Exterior
A stately historic home features classic American architectural design with a grand, two-story portico supported by large white columns. The exterior is a combination of white siding and red brick, giving the house a refined and traditional appearance. The roof is steeply pitched with multiple dormers and gables, all finished in brown shingles. Multiple windows of varying shapes add visual interest, while a lush green lawn and mature trees frame the building. The upper balcony overlooks the entrance, offering seating areas, while the stone walkway leads up to the inviting main door. The house exudes timeless elegance and curb appeal.
Front Porch
A grand, columned front porch stands as the focal point, framed by four substantial white pillars supporting a balcony above. Hanging baskets overflowing with flowers add a vibrant touch to the space. The house showcases a muted cream façade with dark brown window trim and a steeply gabled roof, accented by a tall brick chimney on the left side. The porch features classic balustrades and a stone foundation. Mature trees line the sidewalk, casting soft shade across the neatly manicured lawn. The style suggests a mix of neoclassical and early American influences, exuding elegance and timeless curb appeal.
Living Room Area
This spacious living room area features warm, honey-toned hardwood floors that add a sense of coziness to the space. A large beige sectional sofa with green and blue accent pillows sits against a neutral, light-tan wall, anchored by a soft gray and white patterned carpet. A sleek black coffee table is placed in front of the sofa, supporting a few books and candles. On one side of the space, a modern lamp rests on a small table. To the rear, the room opens up to a small dining nook with a white table and chairs. A railing separates the living area from a stairway, and natural light pours in through double windows fitted with wood blinds. Sunflowers in a vase, various decor, and functional items create a lived-in, welcoming atmosphere.
Listing Agent: Nestor Arguello of Edina Realty, Inc. via Zillow
