What do you get for $1 million — or more — in a new home?
This month, you can find out at two tours that spotlight upper-bracket residences in the Twin Cities metro area.
The Artisan Home Tour, launched in 2014 by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC), has a roster of 19 newly built homes as well as two extensively remodeled residences.
Each home, packed with high-end amenities, is valued at more than $1 million for the structure alone, not including the lot.
One is a 9,418-square-foot "cottage" on Lake Minnetonka, which has a backyard swimming pool outfitted with a bar and kitchen. Inside, there's a master suite with a barrel-vaulted ceiling, fireplace and balcony overlooking the lake.
In this price range, builders are emphasizing custom design, said David Siegel, BATC executive director.
"We consider them the gems of Twin Cities homebuilding," he said.
Most of the new homes on the tour were designed for a specific owner and are already sold. But Siegel said touring them is valuable for more than just the wow factor.
"Consumers can see the latest color palettes to trends in home technology," he said.
The second tour, Midwest Home magazine's Luxury Home Tour, is back after a one-year hiatus. The nine homes on the tour range from a Mediterranean-style mansion across from the Mississippi River and a modern take on a Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie-style home in Hudson, Wis.
"We had hundreds of calls and e-mails asking about the tour last year," said Jamie Flaws, publisher of Greenspring Media, the parent company of Midwest Home magazine, which has staged the Luxury Home Tour for 15 years. "We had always intended to bring it back."
Admission is required for both of the tours, which are held on weekends.
LUXURY HOME TOUR
What: Nine furnished new homes across the Twin Cities from Deephaven to Woodbury. Presented by Midwest Home magazine.
When: Noon-6 p.m. June 10-11 and June 16-18.
Tickets: $20 at Kowalski's Markets and online at luxuryhometour.net; $25 at the homes; $5 for a single home.
Events: Beverages served Fridays and sweet treats served Sundays.
Guides: luxuryhometour.net.
ARTISAN HOME TOUR
What: Nineteen furnished new homes and two remodeled homes from Minnetrista to Prior Lake. Presented by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC).
When: Noon-6 p.m. June 10-11, June 16-18 and June 23-25; the two remodeled homes are open June 23-25 only.
Tickets: $25 online at artisanhometour.org, $20 at Bachman's and Holiday Stationstores; $30 at the homes; $5 for a single home. Part of proceeds aids the BATC Foundation.
Events: Wine and beer tastings 3-6 p.m. Fridays.
Guides: artisanhometour.org.
