~ For decades city dwellers have
found their way to Union Pier to escape the city bustle and to enjoy
the casual, quiet living and beautiful sandy beaches of Lake Michigan
- as did the owners of this unique lakefront home, who first found
this perfect lot, over an acre in size, with wonderful trees and
99 feet of private pristine beach.
~ With the help of noted architect
Rey Manalang and Mike Schaap, one of Southwestern Michigan ’s
master builders, they created this unique home, superbly suited
to its special site on a quiet shady lane next to the lake.
~ Lake Avenue , much as it
was decades ago, is still sans macadam or blacktop, but nicely
maintained. The paved, slightly inclined drive leading to this
home includes a large paved parking area adjacent to the attached
high-ceilinged three car garage.
~ The home’s eclectic
architectural style, with exterior of stone, brick and cedar shake
shingles includes a classic two-story turret and covered stone
front porch leading to over 10,000 sq. ft. of comfortable living
area on four levels with a formal front entry hall and side entry
leading to mudroom, half bath, garage and kitchen.
~ The main level includes
a kitchen designed for the serious or casual chef, with alder
wood cabinets, granite counters and a large center island with
its own separate sink and wine cooler. The kitchen floor is heated,
as they are in many other rooms, and an octagonal, many windowed
dining bay provides ever-changing lake views.
~ More gorgeous lake views
are present from the spacious living room with a fireplace gathering
area at one end and a perfect table for puzzles or games at the
other. The formal dining area alcove across from the living room
also shares lake views.
~ A main floor guest suite
is handicapped accessible with a large “roll-in” shower
and higher stool as well as a double closet.
~ From the main level a wide
stairway leads to the (mostly above grade) walkout lower level
- having radiant heated floors throughout - with a laundry room,
mudroom, bath and side entrance for use from the beach. A huge
lake-side "rec" room with an octagonal-windowed bay,
as in the kitchen, and a snack bar is ideal for family fun. This
level also includes three bedrooms, another full bath, and a mechanical
room, as well as a 24 x 38 workroom under the garage which is
ready for installation of a home theater - complete with ticket
window.
~ On the main level near the
entry hall is a third stairway, with wrought iron railings, which
winds its way up through the interior stone-walled turret to the
upper level. A large foyer and 14 x 17 office occupy one end of
this level. Another laundry, a full wall of Elfa system storage
closets, and a large studio or guest apartment with bath, kitchenette,
window nooks, and entertainment closet occupy the other.
~ The lake side Master suite
is fabulous, with a third octagonal window bay (which the owners
call their indoor gazebo), a gallery, and reading room with fireplace
all overlooking the lake. The Master bath is luxury personified,
with heart-shaped Jacuzzi tub, separate vanities, two stool rooms
with sinks, and a huge shower with personal and standard shower
heads - plus a drencher.
~ Finally, the attic, with
its lake view eyebrow window, provides another almost completely
finished area (over 550 sq. ft.) for another very private hideaway
for family or guests.
~ Throughout all three levels
of this superb home one will find finishes and appointments of
the highest quality and wonderful taste. This is not just a “Trophy
House” but a home for casual, comfortable enjoyment as well
as state of the art construction, design and beauty.
~ (Click
here for specific construction and systems features.)
