Design-Forward Vision for a Lakeside Retreat

Nature Link is a modern luxury retreat located in Northern Minnesota that offers the serenity we seek from disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature. With its minimalist interiors, locally sourced materials, and awe-inspiring lake views, Nature Link is a tranquil all-season getaway on 14 wooded acres with a private beach. The resort owners’ commitment to sustainability and future expansion plans reflect their vision of offering nature-centric escapes across the US.

Modern Design Rooted in a Rich Heritage

In the land of 10,000 lakes, Ben and Zoie Vanden Wymelenberg partnered with Tony and Kate Becker to bring Minnesota’s second oldest lake resort, founded in 1898, into the 21st century by blending Scandinavian-inspired design with century-old local heritage.

“There are Norway pines on the property that are 100+ years old,” says Ben who, along with the other partners, wanted to bring that sense of untouched wilderness to a thoroughly modern demographic. “There are plenty of places in the area that have a rustic cabin feel,” he says. “But we’re going in a different direction.”

Drawing from Scandinavian design principles, each of Nature Link’s newly built lodgings offer sleek, simple interiors that emphasize clean lines and natural materials. A few of the resort’s original units were salvaged and reinvented with the same Nordic aesthetic. Offering a design-forward vision for getting away that is well-suited for today’s nature-lovers who dream of going off the grid—not living off the land. Thus, you’ll find cabins with modern kitchens and soaking tubs, and an on-site sauna, but no TVs.

Material Selection and Local Sourcing

Large, floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to feel as though they’re immersed in the surrounding wilderness, even from the comfort of their cabin. The intimate interior atmosphere has plush leather chairs and a wood burning stove that add just the right touches to an alluring scene of serenity. Kate says, “We wanted to keep the [interior] walls white and the décor super minimal. I think the minimalist design really helps promote a peaceful stay, because things are very visually simplistic. People can calm their minds and nervous systems and just really disconnect and relax.”

When asked about how interior design and décor decisions were made, Zoie says, “We wanted really timeless [elements]. There were so many trendy pieces that we loved, and were obsessed with, but we knew that they were trendy. So for us, it was all about choosing things that are timeless.”

One timeless element of the interiors are the Cambria quartz surfaces used throughout the resort. This design choice also reflects the owners’ desires for high-quality materials with a local connection. Cambria is a family-owned company and all of its quartz surfaces are American made.

Nature Link’s owners are passionate about sourcing materials through as many local vendors as possible. “We have Cambria in our house,” says Ben. “We have a great relationship with the company and have even been on a tour of Cambria’s Minnesota facilities. And with the elevated design style for Nature Link, I think it was just pretty clear from a design perspective that we wanted to use Cambria throughout the resort. I think working with a local high-end company was just a no-brainer for us.”

The resort owners also gained firsthand experience with Cambria’s world-class customer service. Ben says, “We were significantly behind our due date to finish three cabins that were pre-rented for a wedding. So there was no canceling on these people. And Cambria bent over backwards to install the countertops quickly. One of the most significant value-adds with Cambria is that there's always a person you can talk to—there’s someone who can help you out if you’re in a pinch.”

A Hundred Years of History and a Bright Future

There is also an embrace at Nature Link of luxury as attainable—the idea that all walks of people crave self-care experiences and the benefits of unplugging to reconnect with nature and each other. And Nature Link stands out as a unique offering, providing design-forward luxury in a natural setting that is both historical and beautiful. For couples seeking a quiet getaway, families looking for some quality time, or corporate teams seeking to build stronger bonds, Nature Link resort is the relaxing nature-immersive experience many of us long for.