The Biggest House in Minnesota

Minnesota is known for its beautiful lakes, forests and cold winters. While most homes in the state are modest in size, there is one house that stands above the rest as the biggest house in Minnesota. Located in medial Lake, this massive residence spans over 63,000 square feet and features numerous amenities fit for royalty. Let’s take a closer look at this palatial estate and what makes it the largest private residence in the entire state.

The History of the House

The house was built between 2001 and 2009 by painter and entrepreneur James J. Hill. James dreamed of building an elaborately designed mansion inspired by European castles and mansions he had visited during his travels. With no budget constraints and owning a successful business, James was able to fulfill his vision of an American country estate like no other.

Over 200 artisans and craftsmen from around the world were commissioned to help construct the custom interiors, exterior finishes, hand-carved moldings, stonework and other ornate details. Only the finest quality materials from around the globe were used such as Italian marble, French limestone and Austrian crystal chandeliers. The end result was a 63,000 square foot Tudor-style mansion with all the luxurious trimmings befitting James’ status and wealth.

Layout and Features of the Biggest House

The estate sits on nearly 40 acres of beautiful wooded grounds with manicured lawns and gardens. The home’s floorplan is divided into numerous wings and features over 30 bedrooms and 48 bathrooms. Some key areas and amenities include:

• Grand foyer with 34-foot-high coffered ceilings and intricately patterned marble floors
• Elaborate billiards room with a vaulted ceiling and imported felt-lined table
• Gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, two islands and a breakfast nook
• Library with walls of built-in wooden shelves and a stone fireplace
• Two-story wine cellar holding thousands of bottles of fine wine
• Indoor saltwater pool and spa located on the lower level
• Home theater with stadium-style seating and state-of-the-art AV systems
• Extensive lower level with a bowling alley, game rooms and craft areas
• Beautiful formal gardens, koi ponds and outdoor fireplace and kitchen
• Four-car garage big enough to warehouse vehicles and memorabilia

Grounds and Outbuildings

In addition to the lavish interior spaces, the grounds of this biggest house in Minnesota are equally as impressive. Sprawling across 40 forested acres, the estate has numerous outbuildings, structures and landscape features including:

• Carriage house with apartment space above the garaging
• Guest house able to accommodate multiple visitors with separate bedrooms, kitchen and living space
• Onsite chapel structure available for weddings and small services
• Extensive rose gardens, koi ponds and winding walking paths
• Firepit and picnic areas nestled amongst stands of birch and oak
• Children’s treehouse, playground and sports court areas
• Garage structure able to house a collection of luxury and antique vehicles

With its palatial scale, ornate architecture and beautiful grounds, this tremendous estate truly epitomizes the title of biggest house in Minnesota. Despite its massive size, the home maintains an elegantly proportional and aesthetically-pleasing design thanks to the expertise of its designers and builders. Today, it stands as a one-of-a-kind landmark in the state.

Interior Design and Decor

Stepping inside the biggest house reveals the unrivaled craftsmanship and attention to detail in its interior design. Areas like the grand foyer immediately impress visitors with hand-carved stone details, arched entries and lavish materials. Throughout, the home blends traditional and modern luxuries with features like:

• Custom millwork, crown molding and chair rails adorning almost every room
• Imported Italian fixtures, sconces, faucets and doorknobs
• Impressive crystal chandeliers illuminating formal spaces and galleries
• Rich hardwood flooring, stone floors and area rugs in coordinated patterns
• Custom-designed furniture, many pieces one-of-a-kind works of art
• Original artwork, portraits and sculpture accenting walls and niches
• Intricately patterned and textured wallcoverings enhancing architectural details
• Coffered and vaulted ceilings drawing the eye upwards

The level of craftsmanship evident throughout the home took dedicated artisans, architects, designers and builders years to complete. Even today, it stands as one of the finest examples of luxury custom interior design found anywhere in the Midwest region.

Amenities for Leisure and Entertainment

A house of this scale requires amenities equal to its enormous size. Beyond just magnificent living and leisure spaces, the biggest house in Minnesota offers an almost endless array of entertaining and lifestyle features. A closer look at some of these amenities:

• Regulation-size indoor basketball court perfect for games
• Spa and wellness facilities with sauna, steam shower and treatment rooms
• Indoor 50-meter lap pool with adjacent spa and firepit lounge
• Home theater with plush reclining seats and surround sound
• Game rooms equipped with billiards, arcade, darts and air hockey
• Extensive lower level party/event spaces fit for large gatherings
• Commercial-grade catering kitchen with butler pantries
• Onsite staff quarters ensuring 24/7 housekeeping services
• Garages sized to hold a dozen luxury vehicles and staff trucks
• Grounds keeping facilities including greenhouse and mechanical sheds

With activities, luxury and technology for all seasons, the home was truly intended as a versatile sanctuary where residents could feel comfortably at home on the 40-acre grounds year-round.

Current Ownership and Value

After nearly a decade of construction, the biggest house in Minnesota was completed to James Hill’s specifications in 2009 with an estimated final cost of over $100 million. Upon retiring, James and his family continued residing in the estate, maintaining and upgrading its features periodically.

In 2017, James decided to sell the mansion and 40-acre compound. At the time of sale, the estate had an asking price set at $25 million. It was purchased by local business owner Sally Johnson who had long admired the property. Sally retained much of the staff and carries on hosting events, keeping the dream of the home’s original owner alive through continued entertainment and hospitality within its walls.

Today, real estate experts estimate the home’s market value somewhere between $30-35 million based on ongoing improvements and the unparalleled uniqueness of its qualities as the most massive private residence in all of Minnesota. It has become a local landmark and tourism destination that continually impresses all those fortunate enough to glimpse its grounds or interior aesthetics up close.

In conclusion, from its lavish historical beginnings to current ownership, this 63,000 square foot Minnesota estate has truly lived up to its name as the biggest house in the entire state. Not only in physical dimensions but also through the wealth of amenities, grounds, artwork, craftsmanship and lifestyle it offers residents and visitors alike. Few other structures so comprehensively embody the very definition of a palace as does this palatial American country manor. Whether admiring photos online or touring in-person, its magnitude and intricacies continue to amaze all who experience its grandeur. As one of the most exceptional custom homes ever envisioned, this mansion’s legacy as Minnesota’s biggest house is assured.