Inside Palisades North Retreat
By Emma Geary
Photos courtesy of Spacecrafting Photography
Illustrations by Clara Christopherson
Just beyond Tettegouche State Park, a driveway off Highway 61 leads to one of the North Shore’s most spectacular properties: the Palisades North Retreat. Perched above Lake Superior’s rocky shoreline, the 7,200-square-foot home is surrounded by 2,200 feet of private coastline, two beaches, and nine acres of forested land—ideal for exploring, kayaking, or unwinding with a view. When we visited in early October, fall’s full splendor framed the retreat in gold.
Designed to immerse visitors in nature through every season, the estate includes a guest cabin, sweeping views from every room, and even the towering 60-foot Palisade ice cave cliffs. Inside the main house, four bedrooms and seven bathrooms offer ample space, while the spa, primary suite, and viewing tower form a secluded three-story private wing.
Bringing the property to life was a years-long effort rooted in sustainability and reverence for the land. Principal Cheryl Fosdick of CF Design preserved the original foundation—70% of the former structure’s materials were reused, allowing the home to remain perched on the cliff’s edge. “The poetry of the project began when we were left with just the land,” she says. “We studied the site through all four seasons and designed the home to reflect the elements—water, earth, fire, and air.”
A central concrete wall anchors the structure and supports expansive glass panels engineered to accommodate the North Shore’s unpredictable weather and withstand up to 120-mph winds. Materials like granite, basalt, and redwood wine casks (assembled with traditional Japanese pegs—not a nail in sight) echo the local landscape and honor craftsmanship.
“When the new owners bought the home, it had mismatched fixtures and dark, overpowering colors,” shares Greg Walsh, the Principal Designer at MartinPatrick 3, who designed the home’s interiors. He envisioned a refined, cohesive aesthetic that would complement the architectural vision. “We wanted to preserve the home’s structure and landscape while bringing in the clients’ personality through fresh fixtures and personal touches. In addition to updating the lighting, finishes, and furnishings, we added a butler’s pantry with a wet bar to make for easy hosting.”
“The clients have an extensive art collection,” shares Greg, “which complements the home’s natural materials, serving as a blank canvas to truly highlight their collection and add even more character to the home.”
Nowhere is MP3’s signature magic more evident than in the “Spirit House,” a jewel-toned speakeasy tucked into the island’s edge with an Oz-like quality, designed for pre-dinner cocktail hours and post-sauna sips. Finished with green porcelain tile, a vintage fireplace sourced from rural Minnesota, and branded matchbooks (no detail is too small for MP3!), it’s a whimsical contrast to the home’s expansive lakeshore views and natural palette.
“Seeing the light shift through this house, I always know what time it is,” says Cheryl. “This project is the pinnacle of my career.” With thoughtful design, artful interiors, and endless views, the Palisades North Retreat is a true North Shore gem—one that invites visitors to slow down and savor the beauty of every season.
