The Skyhouse is proudly in keeping with the new Up North Modern movement. Other than her nearby sister properties the “Horizon”, and the smaller “Aurora”, there is nothing like this anywhere on Earth. These are a very unique, and are a limited design intended to inspire, not just provide a roof over your head. Enjoy the unique beauty of Grand Marais from this most unique and beautiful home. The Sky House is local couple Todd and Susan Miller’s newest addition to their exclusive list of vacation rental property in the heart of Grand Marais near the harbor. Designed by celebrated Minnesota architect David Salmela to capture all the needs and dreams of a visitor to Grand Marias. We hope this will be the coolest lodging in America’s Coolest Small Town. By design the Sky House provides for all the needs of a vacationing party of up to 6 people in a 1264 Sq. Ft. home. In addition, the Sky House provides an inspiring modern space that allows for privacy among those sharing the lodging, and also provides a breathtaking great room area on the top floor with fantastic views of the Grand Marais harbor, the neighborhood, and the town close by. Everything is in walking distance from our little micro community in the heart of Grand Marais. Imagine the best exclusive lodge experience without sharing walls or having to pass through a front desk. Every restaurant, bar, coffee shop, gallery and Grand Marais' famous beach are all within a very short stroll from your private residence. The home is designed in modern Nordic fashion based on the original Stabur design- a work building commonly seen in Northern Europe. This design culminates a timeline of Scandinavian and Nordic design that the Miller’s began on the property next door that also honored northern work buildings in the roots of their designs. There is off street parking under a sod roofed carport.
Here is a brief tour of the property and the Sky House: Begin by driving right in to the heart of Grand Marais by the harbor. Turn left up the hill 1/2 block. Pull in to the parking area just outside of the lodging. Walk up to the entry area and pass under the nordic arch to the first of 3 decks where there is room to store bikes in summer, and once inside, plenty of room to shake off the snow, hang the coats and set down the skis or snowshoes. Head down David Salmela’s trademark stairway one half flight to bedroom one. On the way there is plenty of cabinetry, as well as a bathroom and your bedroom with built in cabinets, desk, and walk out to your own private dry stacked bluestone patio. The floors are heated. For bedroom two, head up past the entry, past built in cabinets, the second bath, the bedroom with it's lighted closet and planning desk, and your own wrap around balcony. Each bedroom is separated by a sound proof treated floor for maximum privacy. Continuing up the inspiring staircase leads you to the primary gathering area on the top floor. On the way you will notice locally produced sculpture and art with descriptions in the guide book on the table. This area is breathtaking with its expansive windows, view of the town and harbor, Lake Superior and the private grounds. There is a fully modern and capable kitchen, an architect designed built in sofa and contemporary gas fireplace. The sofa can sleep two single sleepers. Note the unique skylight with modern light box treatments and the push button electronic pop up television that you can leave hidden if you wish. There is also a wrap around deck on this top level with a fantastic view of the rooftops and the harbor and the town and of course Lake Superior. This is one of the finest views of Lake Superior on the entire North Shore. The entire home has slate floors and modern cabinets. There is a utility room with full size washer and dryer. Everything about the Sky House is designed with environmental sustainability in mind. These homes have an incredibly small footprint both structurally and environmentally. The foundations were designed to take up as little of the yard as possible- by being small at the start and increasing as you go up just like the old Stabur upon which this design is based. The energy efficiency is profound because these are composed of structurally insulated panels which are incredibly efficient. No cost has been spared to make the Sky House the highest quality, most significant architectural addition to Grand Marais’ beautiful landscape. We hope you will find it warm, welcoming, and a once in a lifetime experience in one of the world’s most magical places.