1703 Saunders Avenue

Nestled in Saint Paul’s Highland Park on a premier corner lot, this masterfully transformed 1950s rambler blends mid-century integrity with modern luxury. This reimagined ~2,926 sqft home offers a complete interior and systems rejuvenation. By removing restrictive walls and radiators, the main level was reborn into an open-concept space featuring low-maintenance porcelain tile floors and recessed lighting throughout. No expense was spared on infrastructure. Upgrades include electrical, $20,000 reinsulated attic and garage, a $10,000 main sewer line replacement, a ~$60,000 radiant in-floor heating system engineered across three zones ensuring complete, even warmth through winter. The journey begins in the heated ~67 sqft breezeway, a functional entrance with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and c ubbies. The 62 sqft back of the breezeway is a sunlit alcove, perfect for a reading nook, art studio, or mudroom. From here, the floor plan flows into an open kitchen centered on a large sink overlooking the garden, granite surfaces, white cabinetry, and Bosch stainless steel appliances. The kitchen overlooks a luminous dining room and living room anchored by a gas fireplace with floor-to-ceiling granite. Ideal for main-level living, the three main-floor bedrooms showcase beautifully refinished original hardwood flooring, a porcelain-tiled full bathroom with double-sink quartz vanity and original architectural tub, modern shower w/glass screen. The primary bedroom is complete with expansive custom built-in wood cabinets and en-suite bathroom with marble floors and shower w/glass screen. The finished lower level serves as the ultimate recreation hub. Warmed by its own zone of radiant porcelain tile, the expansive footprint features a large family room with a (wood) fireplace, easily accommodating a sectional sofa, card and foosball tables. Adjacent is a spacious recreation room hosting a pool/ping-pong table setup. This level also hosts a private fourth bedroom and 25 sqft walk-in closet, supported by a 3/4 porcelain-tiled bathroom. The laundry room features an independent stainless steel sink. Basement walls finished in white painted pine. Beyond the interior is a private, low-maintenance outdoor oasis. The fully fenced, landscaped yard features a 350 sqft maintenance-free deck, an 850 sqft paver patio with a custom planting wall and dedicated rock “dog area.” Keeping the mature garden life vibrant is effortless thanks to an 8-zone irrigation system. Curb appeal is enhanced by two city-owned ornamental street lights and a street-accessed paver driveway leading to a fully attached, oversized garage. The pristine garage features in-wall spray foam insulation, abundant outlets, and an independent ~$30,000 climate system. Complete with epoxy flooring and an exterior Tesla NACS fast charger suitable for native NACS EVs, it is perfectly suited for home gym, hobby space, or art studio, with ladder access to massive attic storage space and 60,000 BTU garage furnace. Location is paramount. This address delivers an unparalleled Twin Cities lifestyle within a quiet pocket of Highland Park. Close to the excellent St. Paul Academy and Highland Park schools, this home is a paradise for recreation. One block from Highland National Golf Course, great to play or walk around or ski. For walkers, runners and cyclists, the home offers very close access to the Mississippi River Boulevard Trail, Minnehaha Regional Park, and the pristine trails of Crosby Farm and Hidden Falls Regional Parks, and Saint Paul Public Pool. Combined with the shopping and dining lining nearby Highland Village and the Highland Bridge, this property represents a flawless blend of an easy layout, mechanical excellence, privacy and premier neighborhood placement.