$53.5 Million Pillsbury Estate up for Auction

A true piece of history recently went up on the auction block, but you have better get your wallet ready for the sticker shock. This remarkable (and spendy) piece of real estate is situated in none other than Orono, Minnesota on Lake Minnetonka. Just outside of beautiful Wayzata on Bracketts Point lies the prized estate on 13 acres of sprawling lawn and commands priceless lake views. And what an estate this is! Famously called Southways by the Pillsbury family, the estate features the historic 40,000 square foot mansion, in-ground swimming pool, tennis complex, smoking house, a tea house, caretaker's cottage with greenhouse and formal gardens. Just to name a few.

Southways has only been on the market once before in 1991, following Eleanor Pillsbury's death at the age of 104. James Jundt, a former hedge fund manager and once co-owner of the Minnesota Vikings, and his wife, Joann, bought the lavish property in March of 1992. The couple purchased Southways knowing that the home needed severe restoration. This included converting the house from a summer residence to a year-round home. New wiring, plumbing, air conditioning, double-paned windows and other mechincal systems were installed. Southways was recently on the market for a record-breaking $53.5 million but was taken off by the current owners. Many felt the historic estate would be better suited for an auction listing, where it would reach more potential buyers from across the country and around the world.

Designed by New York architect Harry T. Lindeberg in the early 19th century, the estate still shines with the orignal character. The Jundts were careful to preseve the grandness of the home but while adding more warmth. Even James and Joann have a humble view on Southway's restoration - "The house belongs to the whole country, we're just the caretakers."

Photos courtesy of www.southwaysestate.com
Quote courtesy of the new book: Legendary Homes on Lake Minnetonka