C.A. Pillsbury and Company was founded in 1872 by Charles Pillsbury and his uncle, John Pillsbury. John Pillsbury’s son, John S. Pillsbury, built the Southways Estate on Brackens Point in Minnetonka, Minnesota in 1918 with his wife Eleanor as a summer retreat. It wasn’t until 1991 when Eleanor died at age 104 that the estate was sold for the first time. For years after it was built, it was used as a summer house as were many of Lake Minnetonka’s large estates. However, in 1930, it became a permanent residence for the Pillsburys. This was the era of the Gilded Age mansions with each trying to outdo the other in sophisticated elegance. Southways, however, was designed by architect Harrie T. Lindeberg, who described his style as “an almost Art Deco version of Tudor.” He designed rustic homes during an era when classical architecture was at its height of popularity. Lindeberg was known for his steep pitched roofs and preference for stonework, terracotta, heavy timber and wrought iron. After Eleanor’s death, the estate was purchased by James and Joann Jundt. Jundt was a former hedge fund manager and co-owner of the Minnesota Vikings. The Jundts undertook a major restoration in updating the house to current expectations and held many events there. One such event was a Republican fundraiser for congressional candidate Michele Bachmann in 2006 that brought President George Bush to the home.
The 13-acre estate includes seven structures including the main house, a caretaker’s cottage and greenhouse, garage, pool complex, smoke room and tea house. The 32,461 square foot main house has nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, formal rooms, hearth room, sunroom, library, family room, conservatory, game/billiard room, gym, playroom and large wine cellar.
Southways Estate, owned by the Pillsbury family for 95 years, now for sale. Previously priced at $54 million – now $24 million.
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