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llen Arvig, president and CEO of his family's telecommunications company in Perham, has built a dream home with his wife Carmen. The 14,000-square-foot estate on six acres features six bedrooms, two wine cellars holding over 4,000 bottles, and a tasting room. With a $14 million price tag, it's about 40 times the median home value in Perham, where the median is around $350,000 to $370,000.
Perham, a town of 3,600 people three hours northwest of Minneapolis, has a small but lively downtown and a manufacturing hub with more jobs than residents. City Manager Jon Smith describes it as "a small town with the amenities of a city of 25,000 to 50,000." While $2- or $3-million houses are not uncommon in Perham's lake properties, homes in the tens of millions are rare.
The Arvigs' home was built in 2005 after years of planning and features elaborate interior design, including arched doors and windows, hand-carved wood, stained-glass art, and European chandeliers. Architect David Heide describes it as a "storybook" look popular in the 1920s and 30s.
The home showcases the work of mostly Minnesota-based artisans, with handmade cabinetry throughout, including the basement and garage. Many of the main-level ceilings are coffered or elaborately patterned wood, and there's a large walk-in butler's pantry in the kitchen. The dining room has heated terra-cotta tiles, and the library features a carved-wood fireplace.
The property also includes two wine cellars, a family room, kitchen, billiards room, screened patio, craft room, and a life-size playhouse for the Arvigs' grandchildren. Despite its extravagant luxury, the detached garage is notable for holding 20 cars in addition to the attached three-car garage.
Carmen Arvig said the home feels warm and welcoming once guests come inside, despite its immense size and grand décor. The couple has entertained gatherings of up to 100 people and plans to sell the home after Allen had a couple of strokes.
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