42 Beacon Hill Dr, Schroeder, MN 55613

In a deeply etched cove along the shores of The Big Lake, a family of peregrines took up residence. There is drama, energy and scale here that befits the home territory of a peregrine clan. A thoughtful and talented architect sensed the qualities of this place. He brought his vision of a getaway, a place of respite, and over time constructed a true gem, a polished agate of a log home. The architect was also a master woodworker, imbuing the home with the flourishes of his creations. His sensibilities combined old world charm with Scandinavian Modern resulting in a timeless creation. He titled it Ravencliff, for they too find this place irresistible. The cove is deep, mysterious and booming in the gales of Superior. Grassy, piney shelves of land slant toward the waves. From corner to corner there is 450+ feet of frontage, but the meander measurement into the depths of the cove would add much more. Two bedrooms, one bath and a living room with commanding views over all that cool fresh water. The loft bedroom is warm woodwork, spacious and accessed by a marvel of engineering. A den downstairs walks out to the shore and deeper in is a billiards room: the table hand-crafted by the architect. There’s more, it’s a bit of a “campus” of buildings thoughtfully arranged. The log workshop/studio is light-filled, inspiring and awaits your vision. Could easily be modified into additional sleeping space for friends and family. It includes a one-stall garage and a peaceful lofted space that is outside of time and space. Move to the east along the trellised walkway covered with grape vines to arrive at the log sauna. If necessary, it too can accommodate sleeping guests in its antechamber and loft. Commanding views of the lake predominate as you rest on a log bench for the ages, steam lifting away from your body, carrying away your concerns, aches. Once all was in place, the architect encouraged the indigenous flora to return. It thrives in beauty all around. A word on doors: he made them, took pride in them, and the heft of them is a pleasure. Charming Schroeder is nearby, about a half mile to Sugarloaf Cove Interpretive Center, skiing and golf at Lutsen 15 minutes. Though, staying put is the mode of this place: cribbage, fires in the gorgeous wood stoves, billiards tournament, holing up with a book, or getting gourmet in the class-act kitchen. Arriving here feels like stepping into a dream, into a childhood vision – an archetype of Gitche Gummi Getaway.