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The most wonderful time of the year is finally here – no, we don’t mean the winter holidays – we’re talking about fall football season. Professional football lasts for just 5 short months each season, which means that each chance to cheer for the home team should be enjoyed to the fullest!

Tailgate crowds and 50 yard line seats may not be realistic every week, however, that doesn’t mean game days at home can’t be something special too. Instead of fighting traffic or packing into noisy sports bars, a growing number of our clients are creating custom hosting hubs in their homes!

These stunning lower-levels all incorporate the best aspects of a game day atmosphere, but in vastly more comfortable settings. From plush seating to stocked bars, easy-to-view screen in every corner to cozy fireplaces – we’re hard pressed to think of anyone who wouldn’t love huddling in for the big game in one of these welcoming spaces!

The Fall Parade of Homes tour is in full swing, which means it’s time to catch a glimpse of another one of our stunning model homes! Our second parade home is nestled in the booming Woodbury community. This spacious, open-concept home is a busy family’s dream come true from top to bottom!

The main level is filled with flexible living spaces, which are all anchored by the modern great room. Moving up, the top floor features a gorgeous master suite, a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, and a princess bathroom, along with walk-in closets for each bedroom. The lowest level is all about entertaining with style! This walkout hosting hub includes a game room, snack bar, walk-up bar, and a family room with a cozy corner fireplace. Overflowing with space, the lower level is finished with a fifth bedroom, bathroom, and an exercise room.

Located in our retreat-like Twenty-One Oaks development, this fantastic neighborhood boasts top-notch amenities such as the shared community pool and clubhouse area. Don’t miss out on this luxurious, family-friendly home! Want to see more? Scroll through the images below, and make sure to come visit Home #251 in person!

The summer is all about relaxation. Families hit pause on the routine and spend more time simply enjoying each other’s company. The to-do list is tossed aside, work can wait; summer was made for taking things slow. Lingering over lemonade and good conversation on the porch is an afternoon well spent. Kids giggle way past their bedtime as they roast marshmallows under the stars. Lasting memories can be made anywhere, but creating intentional gathering spaces makes more room for these moments in your everyday life. If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor oasis to your home this summer, consider the following tips before you get started.

1. Define Your Happy Place. We hope this goes without saying, but what’s relaxing to someone else might not be ideal for you. Creating your own outdoor, or partially indoor getaway (screens = no bugs!), is all about tailoring a space to your unique family. Whether you’re looking for a place to host hopping pool parties or a serene garden retreat, you should feel empowered to design a space that makes you feel happy, relaxed, and at peace.

2. Set the Tone. Once you’ve honed in on what kind of outdoor space you need, it’s time collect pieces that will help set the tone. For a porch designed for relaxation decorate the room with warm candles and outfit chairs with cozy pillows and throws. If your space is exposed to the elements, then focus on finding rustic pieces that can withstand a little weather and won’t show damage easily. Curate furniture and accessories around the vibe you want the area to project; whether you’re about barefoot hammock lounging or elegant candlelit dinner parties.

3. Plan Around Guests. One of the biggest factors to consider when planning any space is whether or not it will host guests regularly. Porches, decks, and bonfire pits are often built with dual purposes, however intentionally planning your space will be a huge asset for entertaining without a hitch! For example, if you know the deck is where you’ll host epic neighborhood BBQ’s, then you might prioritize creating a defined serving space, ample seating, eating surfaces, and leave plenty of room for mingling freely.

4.Keep it Simple. Furnishings on decks, porches, and patios are not the place to get too fancy. Certainly find pieces that suit your style, but don’t fret too much over nailing the perfect look, after all, this furniture is sitting outside. Concentrate your energy more on landscaping and custom built spaces – things that will hold up under the elements. Go ahead and splurge on that recessed, hand paved fire pit. Just don’t fuss too much on the chairs surrounding it, you may need to replace them next summer anyway!

First impressions are lasting, and our grand Woodbury Artisan Home was designed to be remembered.

Please join us this Friday for the Craft Beer Night on the Artisan Tour. Stop by and visit us at Artisan Home #5 and sample some of the best craft beers from Flat Earth Brewing Company.

Home #5
7592 Glen Alcove
Woodbury, MN 55129

Woodbury just got a little grander with the addition of this elegant European chateau by Custom One Homes. A true Artisan residence, the classic design welcomes family and guests alike, with graceful triple arches framing a dramatic front entry. Oval, arch-top and gridded windows echo the entryway, while stone and stucco lend authenticity.

• 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, 7,014 square feet, two double garages, one separated by porte-cochere for added architectural interest
• Stunning arched wood and iron double door entry system with Tuscany hardware finishes the front porch beautifully
• Even more welcoming interest at the front entry with a medallion inlay surrounded by Acacia wood flooring
• Molding inspired detailed library with eye-catching black enameled finish
• Five uniquely designed custom fireplaces, each with exquisite finishes
• Delightful specialty ceiling details throughout the home’s living areas
• Soft gray glazed cabinetry, granite counter tops, gourmet appliances, spacious pantry and custom upholstered built-in bench make this a kitchen not to miss
• Expansive outdoor living spaces with composite decking and aluminum railings, plus gorgeous porch with fireplace and enclosed with EZ Breeze window system
• Owners’ bedroom with dual dream bath retreat and shared steam shower plus custom finished cabinetry
• Even more exciting spaces designed into this one-of-a-kind dream home: golf room, exercise area, wine cellar, theater and children’s bedroom wing with study area

Custom One Homes is proud to take part in this event by the same folks who bring you the Parade of Homes, the Builders Association of the Twin Cities.

About Craft Beer Night on the Artisan Tour

The Artisan Home Tour continues June 17 – 19, and June 24 – 26. In addition to touring some absolutely stunning custom homes in the Twin Cities, there are several other events taking place during the Artisan Home Tour. Wine tasting and craft beer can be sampled at most homes on the tour on Fridays. There is also a Realtors open on June 17th, the Evening of Dreams taking place on June 16th and this year you can do the tour in style with a special Limo package from Black Tie Limousine. See below for all the details of these Artisan Home Tour Events.

Tickets are available for sale at each home or you can purchase online, at Bachman’s or Holiday Stationstores.

Home #5
7592 Glen Alcove
Woodbury, MN 55129

Woodbury just got a little grander with the addition of this elegant European chateau by Custom One Homes. A true Artisan residence, the classic design welcomes family and guests alike, with graceful triple arches framing a dramatic front entry. Oval, arch-top and gridded windows echo the entryway, while stone and stucco lend authenticity.

• 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, 7,014 square feet, two double garages, one separated by porte-cochere for added architectural interest
• Stunning arched wood and iron double door entry system with Tuscany hardware finishes the front porch beautifully
• Even more welcoming interest at the front entry with a medallion inlay surrounded by Acacia wood flooring
• Molding inspired detailed library with eye-catching black enameled finish
• Five uniquely designed custom fireplaces, each with exquisite finishes
• Delightful specialty ceiling details throughout the home’s living areas
• Soft gray glazed cabinetry, granite counter tops, gourmet appliances, spacious pantry and custom upholstered built-in bench make this a kitchen not to miss
• Expansive outdoor living spaces with composite decking and aluminum railings, plus gorgeous porch with fireplace and enclosed with EZ Breeze window system
• Owners’ bedroom with dual dream bath retreat and shared steam shower plus custom finished cabinetry
• Even more exciting spaces designed into this one-of-a-kind dream home: golf room, exercise area, wine cellar, theater and children’s bedroom wing with study area

Custom One Homes is proud to take part in this event by the same folks who bring you the Parade of Homes, the Builders Association of the Twin Cities.

Artisan Home Tour

Experience the Artisan Home Tour in a Luxury Limousine!
Ride in Style as you Experience the “Lap of Luxury!”

Gather your friends together and tour the Artisan Home Tour in style in a deluxe chauffeured limo by Black Tie Limousine—have a fun time along the way!

Artisan Home Tour 6-Hour Limo Packages for four to
12 people (includes TourTickets for all passengers).

THURSDAY, JUNE 16  |  6:30–9:30PM

The BATC Foundation invites you to an Evening of Dreams.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and spirits at this red carpet event and learn more about the life-changing work of our Foundation, building and remodeling homes for families in need.

$50.00 Minimum Donation

Artisan Home #17, Swanson Homes // 4645 St. Andrews Street, Orono

FRIDAY, JUNE 17  |  12–3PM

The Builders Association of the Twin Cities is pleased to invite area REALTORS® to tour 21 of the region’s most exquisite new homes featured on this year’s Artisan Home Tour. Just bring your business card to get in free and enjoy refreshments as you check out the Twin Cities’ most elite builders.

Refreshments will be provided at each home by James Hardie.

Join us this Friday, June 10th, for the opening weekend of the Artisan Home Tour! Custom One Homes is proud to be part of the Artisan Home Tour once again. This year we’re home #5 on the tour, located at 7592 Glen Alcove in Woodbury, MN.

Each Friday of the tour is a special event featuring wine tasting or craft beer. This Friday features wines from Bronco Wine Company.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10  |  3–6PM

Sample Crisp Forest Glen Wines from Bronco Wine Company
Forest Glen Winery produces wines in Sonoma, California. Their full-flavored, smooth red wines are aged in small American oak barrels and ready to be enjoyed without further bottle aging. Their Chardonnay is 100% Barrel Fermented and is quickly gaining a reputation as the white wine even red wine drinkers enjoy.

Forest Glen Chardonnay
This barrel-fermented buttery Chardonnay has aromas and flavors of apple, caramel, and oak, with a hint of citrus. The combination of acid and sweetness leads to a rich mouth feel and smoothness, perfect for all occasions.

Forest Glen Pinot Grigio
This smooth, well-balanced Pinot Grigio is crafted in the ‘old world’ style. Bright
tangerine aromas combined with slight vanilla may remind you of the orange
creamsicles you had as a child. This is a great wine all year round.

Please note: Wine will not be available at Home #13

The Artisan Home Tour is presented by The Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC), presenter of the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase®.

Ticket Info:

• $30 when purchased at the homes
• $25 when purchased online at ArtisanHomeTour.org
• $20 when purchased at Bachman’s locations (starting May 18th)
• $20 with a coupon from Holiday Stationstores

A TourTicket allows one-time admittance to all 30 homes, plus one additional visit.

A portion of ticket sales goes to the BATC Foundation, the charitable arm of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, a 501c-3 nonprofit organization composed of BATC members and supporters who contribute their time, materials and expertise to help Twin Cities families and communities in need. The Foundation also provides scholarships for students entering the home construction industry.

Tickets are good anytime during the nine days of the Artisan Home Tour. New homes are open June 10-11-12, 17-18-19 and 24-25-26, 2016 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) from 12-6pm each day.  Remodeled Homes are open the final weekend of the tour, June 24-26 from 12-6pm.

It’s June and that means it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy all that the Twin Cities has to offer. If you’re looking for things to do in the Twin Cities this June then be sure to check out all the great family friendly events taking place this month. From the venerable Grand Old Day (now two days!) to the newest home tour event, the Artisan Home Tour, there’s something for everyone this month in the Twin Cities.

Things to do in the Twin Cities this June

Artisan Home Tour
When: June 10-12, 17-19, 24-26
Where: Various homes in the Twin Cities

Grand Old Days
When: June 4^th & 5^th, 2016
Where: Grand Avenue in St. Paul

This year Grand Old Day is two days! Saturday, June 4^th is for the businesses on Grand Avenue to have special promotions and sales for visitors to the area. The wide variety of retail businesses, services and restaurants along Grand Avenue will offer sidewalk sales and in-store events. Grand Avenue will remain open for this new Saturday addition.

Sunday, June 5^th is the Grand Old Day you remember — Whether you’re looking for the best summer parade in Minnesota (complete with candy, of course!), Minnesota outdoor music festivals, some of the best fair foods Minnesota has to offer, or just some good old family fun in the sun – St. Paul’s Grand Old Days is the place to go! The 2-1/2 Miles of Grand Avenue is divided into 4 unique “Districts” which will have something for all ages and interests.

Rock the Block
When: June 4^th, 2016 | 2pm – 9pm
Where: 2923 Girard Ave S, Uptown, Mpls

To celebrate the start of Summer, coup d’état is kicking it off with their third annual block party. ROCK THE BLOCK, a day into night party will take place on Saturday, June 4th on

Girard Avenue between Lake Street and Lagoon Avenue. ROCK THE BLOCK will feature live music, food tents, several bars and fun games. The full line up of bands for ROCK THE BLOCK includes; Filthy Animals, Oaks, Phillip Morris, Honeydogs, and Viva Knievel. Tickets for the 21 and over event are now onsale at www.coupdetatmpls.com and are $10 in advance and will be $15 at the door. A variety of unique food options will be available with several of the adjacent restaurants and other Jester concepts restaurants.

Stone Arch Bridge Festival
When: June 17th – 19th, 2016
Where: Stone Arch Bridge, Minneapolis, MN

A weekend of Art and Music on the Minneapolis Riverfront! Activities for this annual event include live music, food, art, beer sampler and really just a great excuse to get out and enjoy the great weather while taking in local talent. Bring the kids! Leashed pets are welcome.

Rock the Garden
When: June 18^th, 2016
Where: Boom Island Park, NE Minneapolis

Summer 2016 starts with a boom! Due to construction at the Walker, this year your kickoff to summer heads out of the garden and over to Boom Island Park in NE Minneapolis along the mighty Mississippi with a view of the city skyline. One day, two stages, eight bands on Saturday, June 18, 2016!

Lineup includes: The Flaming Lips, Chance the Rapper, Polica, M. Ward, Hippo Campus, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, GRRRL PRTY, Plague Vendor.

Twin Cities Pride
When: June 25^th – 26^th, 2016
Where: Various Locations

Twin Cities Pride brings the greater GLBT community together to commemorate our diverse heritage, foster inclusion, educate and create awareness of issues, and celebrate achievements in equality. We create events that are open and inviting to everyone in the community, providing a safe environment in which individuals feel free to celebrate their relationships.