When the Kids Leave Home
Tom and Jan Budzynski
TJB Homes

The Budzynski family's lakeshore home was a dream
come true for owners Tom and Jan.

Since the mid-1970s Tom Budzynski has been building homes throughout the Twin Cities. His company builds about thirty homes each year as well as operating a remodeling division. Tom followed in the footsteps of his father and great-grandfather who were both builders, and now his family is continuing the tradition. Jan's design talents take care of decorating the models, and son Justin is a job superintendent. Daughter Tiffany, who is currently in college, has spent her summers assisting at job sites, and son Jason and Tom's brother Rick handle the remodeling.

When the kids were nearly grown and out on their own, Tom and Jan decided it was "their" time. They had dreamed of a lake home and plenty of space for Tom to indulge his obsession with gardening, as well as enough room for kids and friends who come to visit. They found the perfect one-acre site in Oak Grove with 250 feet of sandy beach, mature trees, and lots of privacy.

Tom designed a beautiful stucco and stone look-out rambler, placed to provide a stately sense of arrival. Inside the front door, guests are greeted with a breathtaking view of the sparkling blue lake through the grand great room. Marbleized pillars, warm oak woodwork with dentil detailing, decorative painting, plus wonderful stained and ornamental glass panels (TJB's trademark) abound throughout this beautiful home.

To the right of the front door a warm cherry den entertains fans of the links with a golf theme that starts at the stained-glass transom above the door. Next to the den another stained-glass transom, this one with pink rosebuds, leads to the main-floor owners' suite, where the rose theme continues. Big his- and-hers walk-in closets, a built-in TV niche, and fabulous views of the lake make this a perfect place to retreat from the busy world of home building.

The home illustrates a layout that avoids too many formal rooms without sacrificing details and elegant finishings, creating a look that's both refined and comfortable. The window-walled great room is flanked by columns set atop low wood shelves, and features a full-wall entertainment center including gas fireplace and big-screen TV.

Just off the dining room is the family's favorite room-the two-story lanai. Floor- to ceiling screens on two sides include power-operated shutters that close for winter or heavy storms. The lanai is situated perfectly with stairs up to the kitchen, down to the lower level, and out to the outdoor living spaces.

Downstairs, a huge recreation room includes a billiard table, a complete bar, a table for snacks or games, plus a home theater area separated by fluted oak columns and another big-screen TV. A mirrored exercise room keeps the family in shape, and an etched glass door opens to the spacious sauna.

There's a lot more to this grand home-from the huge main-floor laundry to the big sky-lighted bonus room above the garage. There's even a "safe" room downstairs for riding out bad storms and providing cold storage for Tom's water and tropical plants.

Which brings us to Tom's pride and joy: a garden of Eden just outside the lanai. A huge rock-lined pond with two waterfalls and dozens of colorful fish is the centerpiece for elaborate gardens studded with vine-covered arbors, bird houses, and even a full-size obsidian lava-rock bear. The pond and gardens meander around a big concrete free-form patio on two-levels with a built-in fire pit and stepping stones down to the beach and dock.

It's a wonderful environment for Tom and Jan, and one that's bound to keep the kids coming home on a regular basis.