$739,900

Close enough to the Twin Cities for a Friday escape, far enough to wake up to loons on Grindstone Lake. Set among mature trees on a wooded half-acre near Sandstone, this home has approximately 100 feet of shoreline and a freshly refinished deck made for slow mornings and dinner overlooking the water. Follow the steps down to the shore for a quiet paddle, a swim, an afternoon of tubing or a sunset pontoon cruise. Bring a fishing rod, too—Grindstone is a trout lake. Inside, catch your first glimpse of the water through the French doors just off the tiled entry. A few steps farther in, tall living room windows frame the lake, while cedar woodwork and a fireplace bring warmth to the open living area. The bedroom behind the French doors has hardwood floors, built-in shelving and direct deck access. Make it a guest room, a home office with a view or a place to work out with the doors open on a summer morning. The separate loft with a closet gives you a spot for a game table or a quiet place to read. Three bedrooms, two baths, main-floor laundry, fresh interior paint and three garage stalls across two detached garages make longer stays easy. There’s just as much to explore off the water: the sandstone bluffs of Banning State Park, the Kettle River, Robinson Quarry Park in Sandstone, and miles of paved biking on the Willard Munger State Trail out of Hinckley. Head into town for dinner or spend the evening at Grand Casino Hinckley, then come home to the quiet of the lake.