How to Choose the Perfect Lake Lot for Your Custom Home

Understand the Lake’s Character & Shoreline Quality

No two lakes are the same, and neither are their shorelines.

Are you dreaming of all-day boating adventures, lazy afternoon swims, or quiet mornings with a kayak and a cup of coffee? Some lakes are bustling with activity and watersports, while others are peaceful and private. And even on the same lake, shoreline conditions can vary dramatically in different areas. Water clarity, lake depth, and access to navigable channels also affect your daily experience.

For example:

• Lake Sylvia is known for its clear waters and family-friendly atmosphere. It is great for swimming, paddleboarding, and peaceful evenings.
• Gull Lake offers expansive water, upscale amenities, and a more resort-style experience.
• Lake Minnetonka brings a vibrant boating scene with channels, bays, and a close proximity to the metro.

It’s not just about the view—it’s about how the water and the surrounding environment enhance your way of life.

Lot Topography

Once you’ve found a promising shoreline, take a close look at the land itself. Is it flat, gently sloping, or steep? The shape and elevation of the lot influence how your home will sit on the land, how your views will frame out, and what kind of outdoor spaces you can create.

A sloped lot might offer great potential for a walkout lower level and elevated views, but it may also bring added cost for site work, retaining walls, or complex foundation design. A flatter lot is generally more budget-friendly to build on, but it may require thoughtful landscaping to capture the same drama and perspective.

It’s also worth noting that your perfect location might already have a cabin or older home. Don’t be quick to dismiss these properties. Often, a teardown is a strategic move, giving you access to a prime lot while still allowing you to build a fully custom home that fits your vision and today’s standards.

At Harren Companies, we often evaluate potential teardown opportunities and help clients determine whether they’re the right move for their long-term plan.

Sun Exposure, Wind Patterns, & View Orientation

This is one of those details that seems small until you live with it every day.

Sun exposure affects not only natural light indoors but also how you use your deck or patio, where you enjoy your morning coffee, and whether your home gets warm afternoon sun or gentle shade. Southwest-facing lots typically deliver incredible sunsets and golden evening light. East-facing properties offer tranquil sunrise moments and cooler late-day temps—ideal for shaded outdoor dinners.

The wind is another subtle factor to consider. In Minnesota, prevailing winds often come from the west or northwest. If your shoreline faces directly into these winds, you might deal with more choppy water, extra dock maintenance, or less comfort on breezy afternoons. Conversely, a cove protected by trees or landforms might feel more serene, but could be stuffy on hot, humid days.

When we walk lots with clients, we encourage them to imagine real-life moments:

Would you enjoy dinner on this patio in July? Will your dock be protected in early spring? How will the sun move across your kitchen each day?

Designing your home to respond to these natural elements makes all the difference in how it lives.

Access, Utilities, & Local Regulations

Here’s where some of the most important (and most overlooked) factors come into play.

Some lake lots look perfect on the surface but come with challenges underneath—figuratively and literally. That dream lot tucked down a winding gravel road might be challenging for snowplows in winter. A remote shoreline might mean no access to city sewer or internet. 

And in many lake communities, there are strict rules about what, where, and how you can build.

Setbacks, impervious surface limits, and shoreland restrictions can impact the size of your home, garage, and even your patio. You may be dealing with a patchwork of township, county, and DNR regulations on lakes like Gull Lake, Lake Minnetonka, or Lake Sylvia.

That’s why we always encourage clients to bring us in early. Our team is experienced in navigating Minnesota lake home building regulations. We’ll help you evaluate whether utilities are readily available, what kind of septic or well systems might be required, and what zoning and environmental codes will mean for your build. 

Future Use and Amenities

When shopping for a lake lot, you’re not just buying dirt and shoreline, you’re investing in your lifestyle. So ask yourself: What else do I want this property to support—now and in the future?

Do you see yourself expanding the home in the future? Adding a guesthouse or bunkhouse for family visits? Hosting summer barbecues, parking a boat trailer, or building a sauna or outdoor shower?

It’s worth stepping back to imagine how your lot will grow with you.

A few things to consider:

• Space for future additions or outbuildings
• Room to install a dock, boat lift, or beach area
• Easy access from the driveway to the water
• Distance to restaurants, golf, or marinas
• Whether you prefer a quiet, private lot or a social lake neighborhood

At Harren Companies, we consider all of this when guiding you through the lot selection and custom home design process. Our goal is to ensure that your lake property supports your best life for years to come.