In the words of the current owners... A BIT ABOUT OUR HOME:      We purchased the home in 1979 when it was a rural area and near where we grew up. We were especially attracted to the home by the south-facing views of hills, trees and wetlands. There is a feel of lots of open space yet close proximity to schools, shopping and entertainment. The building codes generally require five acres or more, so open space is here to stay.      The home is a split-level rambler. Large windows capture the south/west view from several perspectives. The sunroom leads you onto the deck -- a perfect setting for entertaining, watching the sunsets or just connecting with the great outdoors. The lower level, with gas fireplace, has a large kitchenette. Our home has a casual, comfortable feeling that every room is meant to be lived in and enjoyed. IMPROVEMENTS WE'VE MADE:      We have planted over 100 trees over the past 25 years. The deck was redone and enlarged with a 16'x16' sunroom with a vaulted ceiling. A third-car garage space was added. The front entry was enclosed to provide a shelter. The family room fireplace was converted to gas. The main floor full bath was remodeled, adding stone tile and heated floor. A hot tub was added in the south-facing patio area. New septic and mounded drain system were done in 2006. ABOUT THE LANDSCAPING:      We have a variety of trees. The house is shaded by large maples. Our planted variety of trees (over 100) include white and red pine, Austrian pine, Colorado spruce, white paper birch, black walnut, green ash and more. There's also ample space for a vegetable garden. The 40 acres bordering on the west side of the property is a wetland/wildlife restoration project. The south side of the home has a keystone retaining wall that includes a perennial flower garden. WE LOVE OUR AREA!      Our neighborhood has lots of beautiful open space with a trail system for walking, biking, snowmobiles and x-country skiing. You can actually do snowshoeing on our wetland property, too. We enjoy walking with our neighbors on the Luce Line Trail. And Wayzata and Excelsior are close for shopping and eating out. Here are some of the things we enjoy: Luce Line Trail Baker Park Trails Lake Independence Pioneer Creek and Windsong Farm Burl Oaks Baker International Lakeview