Lake Minnetonka > Points > Hardscrabble Point

Hardscrabble Point

Hardscrabble Point reaches into the Upper Lake from Minnetrista, south of Mound. Cook's Bay lies to the north, Priest Bay opens along its western side, and West Upper Lake spreads out beyond the point to the south and east. That change from sheltered bay to open water is part of what makes the shoreline here interesting. Two homes on the same road can have quite different views and exposure.

Hardscrabble Road North and Hardscrabble Circle serve the neighborhood. Wooded lots, long stretches of private shoreline, older lake homes and substantial estates give it a character of its own. Some properties face into Priest Bay; others look across the broad water of West Upper Lake. At the narrow end of the point, a property can have shoreline on both sides.

The steamboat years

In the steamboat years, this was a familiar landmark on the run toward Cook's Bay. Recollections of summer childhood describe the Belle of Minnetonka and the City of St. Louis striking up their bands as they reached the point, bringing children down to watch. Another early account remembers Hardscrabble Point as a particularly popular swimming beach. By the time that history was published in 1964, the beach was privately owned.

Homes along the point

As life on Hardscrabble Point shifted toward private lake homes, its wooded shoreline drew people with very different ideas about what to build.

Architect Carl Graffunder and his wife, Mariedawn Legien Graffunder, found a wooded lakeside site here for a summer home. He designed an A-frame with a tall glass front and exposed fir beams, completed in 1965. An addition in 1975 made room for year-round living and her musical instruments, including two pianos and a harp. The house brought a distinctly modern approach to lake home architecture, with the woods and water close at hand.

Two decades later, a home on a much larger scale took shape at 5800 Hardscrabble Circle. Music producer James "Jimmy Jam" Harris bought the land in 1987 and built a contemporary residence of more than 22,000 square feet, completed in 1991. Its pools, theater and extensive entertaining spaces made it one of the lake's best-known homes. The history of Jimmy Jam's former Lake Minnetonka estate follows the property through its sales, demolition in 2020 and subsequent subdivision.

Hardscrabble property today

Remodeling, replacement homes and occasional subdivision are all part of the neighborhood's more recent history. The former Jimmy Jam tract became the two-lot Murphy Highlands subdivision, using the existing Hardscrabble Circle rather than a new street.

Looking for a home on Hardscrabble Point or elsewhere on the lake?

Tell Elisha and me what you have in mind. Whether you are drawn to Hardscrabble Point or still exploring Lake Minnetonka, we can help you get to know the different shorelines and find a property that fits the way you want to live.

Call Dan at (952) 473-1000 to talk about your search.

We have buyers looking on Hardscrabble Point

Elisha and I have buyers looking for properties on Hardscrabble Point. If you have been considering a sale, we would welcome a conversation about your home and your plans.

Start by submitting your address for a property valuation. We can help you understand what your property may be worth and whether it could be a fit for one of our buyers.

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$2,850,000

CLOSED Status ⋅ 4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 6764018 MLS ⋅ 4,620 SqFt.

Stunning Lake Minnetonka Estate with 108’ of Sandy Shoreline. Completely remodeled and exquisitely designed, this 4-bedroom, 4-bath estate offers luxurious lakeside living on 1.2 acres along the shores of Priest Bay on Lake Minnetonka. Enjoy 108 feet of prime, sandy shoreline—perfect for boating, swimming, and relaxing by the water. The heart of the home is a spacious, eat-in kitchen featuring a massive center island ideal for entertaining, high-end appliances, and a convenient butler’s pantry. The main-level primary suite is a private retreat with dual walk-in closets and a spa-inspired en-suite bath. Downstairs, the finished lower level provides ample space for relaxing and entertaining with a large family room and a beautifully designed bar area—perfect for hosting guests or enjoying quiet evenings at the lake. This rare lakeside opportunity combines luxury, space, and prime location—all in one extraordinary package.

5940 Hardscrabble Circle, Minnetrista

Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty - Southwest Regional.

$3,709,475

CLOSED Status ⋅ 4 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 6719646 MLS ⋅ 4,008 SqFt.

SOLD before Print - Astounding Lakeshore opportunity! Main level living, additional Lower level primary suite and Cottage. Sweeping views of Lake Minnetonka.

5890 Hardscrabble Circle, Mound

Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty.

$4,400,000

CLOSED Status ⋅ 5 Beds ⋅ 6 Baths ⋅ 6612705 MLS ⋅ 6,206 SqFt.

Unprecedented opportunity on upper Lake Minnetonka - sweeping water views and nearly 300 feet of lakeshore. 3.72 acres of wooded privacy. Quality-built home has a fantastic floor plan and would be a candidate for a remodel. Home could also be taken down for a new build. Charming guest house with kitchen and bathroom could also be used as a studio, home gym or office space. Grounds also include in-ground pool, tennis court and boathouse/lake storage. Fantastic location with quick access to Highway 7.

5810 Hardscrabble Circle, Minnetrista

Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty.

$1,950,000

CLOSED Status ⋅ 5 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 6496919 MLS ⋅ 4,469 SqFt.

Welcome to your lakeside oasis on Lake Minnetonka! This stunning property boasts 95 feet of lakeshore on 1.2 acres, offering unparalleled panoramic views. Step inside to discover a gourmet kitchen complete with a double oven, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and a spacious walk-in pantry. The mudroom leads to an oversized 3-car garage for added convenience. Enjoy entertaining on the deck overlooking the yard and Priests Bay with a slight elevation for breathtaking scenery. The main level features 3 beds, 2 baths, a formal dining room, and a cozy family room, along with a separate sitting room. Retreat to the private primary suite upstairs, showcasing serene lake views and a large walk-in closet with its own laundry. The lower level offers a bedroom, full bathroom, and full kitchen, perfect for guests or multi-generational living. Relax in the expansive game room with a screen porch, all while enjoying the newer roof, windows, and garage door. 5 parks within a 5 mile radius of the home.

5940 Hardscrabble Circle, Minnetrista

Listing courtesy of Compass.

$2,000,000

CLOSED Status ⋅ 4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 6481346 MLS ⋅ 3,007 SqFt.

(Offer acce[ted subject to minor contingency) First time offered for sale on the MLS, walkout rambler, solid built with 170'+ lake frontage on Priest's Bay, 1.7 acre lot, unique opportunity to remodel, upgrade or build new on this exquisite lake lot. Seldom available find, mature trees, gradual slope to the lake, hardwood floors, ceramic, original solid construction, expansion in place. Quick close possible. Easy to show.

6000 Hardscrabble Circle, Minnetrista

Listing courtesy of Edina Realty, Inc..

$3,607,000

CLOSED Status ⋅ 5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 6429728 MLS ⋅ 5,988 SqFt.

Gorgeous lake views, gardens and privacy surround this Sharrat designed home on Priest Bay. Watch white pelicans, wood ducks & kayakers glide past your upgraded Brock vinyl dock & view sunsets on the comfy dock benches. Enjoy the spacious kitchen with high-end appliances and room to accommodate large groups. The owner's suite is a dream: his/hers closets, coffee nook with refrigerator, and amazing “crow’s nest” office above the suite with fantastic views of Priest & Cook’s Bays. Lower level boasts a kitchenette, workout room, a therapeutic sauna, and home theater with room darkening curtains on the large windows. The home’s elevator is icing on the cake! Outside, the sandy beach flanks a gorgeous new landscaped boulder outcropped hill with a sitting perch for enjoying a drink and watching boats and wildlife go by. Brazilian hardwood decks provide seating for awesome lake views. Evening landscape lighting adds the dramatic finishing touch to this lake home you've been waiting for!

3350 Hardscrabble Road N, Minnetrista

Listing courtesy of Team Properties, Inc.

$3,850,000

CLOSED Status ⋅ 7 Beds ⋅ 9 Baths ⋅ 6383556 MLS ⋅ 13,980 SqFt.

Introducing 5750 Hardscrabble Circle in beautiful Minnetrista. Buildable lot included in this 5.77 acre offering. Overlooking 102 feet of prime frontage on Lake Minnetonka, this landmark property boasts seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms and five fireplaces across 13,980 finished square feet. Upon entering the gated entrance, breathtaking views across Halstead’s Bay and West Upper Lake take precedence. The grand foyer is flanked by casual living spaces coupled with elegant rooms designed for entertaining. The main floor offers a gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry, formal and informal dining rooms, sunroom and billiards room with wet bar. The bedroom wing consists of a luxurious primary suite and three junior bedroom suites. The lower level showcases a theatre room, game area, wine cellar, exercise room and three bedrooms. Outdoor amenities include a wraparound deck with stellar views, gazebo near the water, and a paved trail leading to the dock.

5750 Hardscrabble Circle, Minnetrista

Listing courtesy of Compass.

$3,590,000

CLOSED Status ⋅ 4 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 6365995 MLS ⋅ 8,183 SqFt.

Welcome to Hardscrabble point, where your 407 feet of Lake Minnetonka sandy bottom shoreline is surrounded by Priest and Cooks Bay on the north side (288 feet of shore) and West Upper Lake on the south (119 feet of shore). This stunning Stonewood build features 4 beds (three up, primary on main), 5 baths (two up, two on main, one down) and an eight-car garage. Three laundry facilities (one in the primary, one on the main floor, and one down) plus an elevator make this a highly functional home for not only today but the future as well. Attention to detail throughout, large windows for natural light, and thoughtful additions like motorized shades & whole home generator make this a perfect place to call home. Enjoy your enormous flat backyard, two patios for outdoor entertaining, and finish off a portion of the lower-level which is already insulated, heated, and cooled to create a family cave. This home is so well-built and cared for it’s not to be missed. Welcome to Lake Minnetonka!

3335 Hardscrabble Road N, Minnetrista

Listing courtesy of Lakes Sotheby's International Realty.

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