July 2017 - Beacon Sotheby's International Realty

Featured Listing | Exclusive and Refined Luxury

The word that comes to mind regarding this exclusive listing? Serenity. Located in Hart, Michigan, the custom built home is nothing short of extraordinary. Take a closer look into this refined estate to truly see the magnificent details that sets it apart from the rest.

3648 N 72nd Avenue, Hart, MI| $1,100,000

Situated on 15 captivating acres of manicured property, the cabin-style home makes a statement the moment your car rounds the drive. An inviting front porch is waiting for your favorite rocking chairs, as you take in the stillness and privacy of this grand estate. The barn sits just to the right, with its own inspiring details, but we’ll get to that later.

The home is designed with the surrounding nature in mind. Large windows are featured throughout, letting in stunning natural lighting. The timeless open-concept design allows for easy entertaining in front of the fireplace, perfect for game nights, evening cocktails, or a relaxing read.

Ready for a delicious meal? As the oven preheats, marvel at the white cabinetry and sophisticated countertops. Let guests hang at the island bar as you glance at views of Hart Lake.

Relaxation finds new meaning in the three-season sunroom. With nearly 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, this room lets in a gentle breeze as you enjoy a quaint evening.

Remember the barn just steps from the front door? It’s an organization-lovers dream come true, with ample space for storing cars, terrain vehicles, boats, water toys… virtually anything you want out of sight (but never out of mind).

Privacy is certainly not scarce at this Hart Lake retreat. The barn features an inviting upper loft, ideal for visitors. They’ll feel right at home as it includes recreation room and kitchenette.

Whether it’s the holidays or just another fantastic Michigan summer, you won’t have to fret about additional guests coming for an extended visit. They’ll appreciate the separate guesthouse with private living quarters.

Rounding out this exclusive estate is 665 feet of Hart Lake frontage. From jet skiing and boating to taking a dip, the all sports lake is ready for whatever the water enthusiast dreams up. If you can slip away from your piece of paradise, you can enjoy nearby Silver Lake, Pentwater, or Grand Rapids. No matter how you slice it, tranquility is sure to meet luxury.

Interested in our Featured Listing? Contact Wendy Ryder!

West Michigan Highlight: Grand Haven

Among historic downtown storefronts and the seemingly endless sandy shoreline sits Grand Haven, a Lake Michigan beach town with a contagious relaxed lifestyle. Known as “Coast Guard City, USA”, you will find small town charm with big lake appeal in this West Michigan city, including vibrant downtown district and inviting neighborhood areas. With nearly endless possibilities for residents and vacationers alike, here’s a day in the life during a visit to Grand Haven. But don’t just take our word for it – this is one beach town you have to experience for yourself!

9 AM – With a seemingly infinite shoreline, where cascading waves peak while the sun glimmers on the surface, you can’t waste a minute of the day not in the Lake Michigan sun. Scope out the perfect tanning spot: just inside Grand Haven State Park and a short jump from the refreshing water. It’s fun to watch kids build sandcastles or the ambitious runner take a jog along the water’s edge. Don’t mind me, I’ll be comfortably taking in the rays for a while.

11:15 AM – It’s midmorning and there’s still plenty of room for everybody? That’s the beauty of a big, beautiful beach – no overcrowding! Regardless, the Grand Haven boardwalk and pier is calling my name. The boardwalk provides a manicured path to walk along, with incomparable views of the Grand Haven lighthouse. Boats roll through the channel and, being an inviting West Michigan community, the passengers shout hello as they pass by.

12:20 PM – Hunger. Is. Striking. Thank goodness a Grand Haven favorite is just around the corner. Pronto Pups is a local delicacy that you have to taste to believe. Picture this: a deep fried corndog with the perfect dough-to-dog ratio, slathered with mustard and ketchup. Sound like nothing special? TRUST ME you’ll be going back for seconds.

2 PM – With the hunger adequately settled, it’s back to relaxing… with a show! Kiteboarders get kicked into the air by the Lake Michigan waves as windsurfers skim the tops. There’s a group of fishermen packing their loot for the day; lucky for them, Grand Haven has Catch & Cook opportunities so their fresh fish can also be their dinner.

4:30 PM – Time for a little activity, volleyball style. A pickup game has just begun at the courts, and it’s easy to jump in. It’s hard to tell who’s a Grand Haven resident and who’s just visiting – everyone’s mingling and having fun.

6 PM – There are so many options for dinner – Kirby House, Snug Harbor, Porto Bello. Choosing is the hard part.

7 PM – Time for a sunset. Pink, yellow, and orange hues cascade across the open blue sky as a flurry of families grab a passerby for a quick photo op. The water is calm and the beach is quiet as the energy winds down for the day.

9:30 PM – It’s time to find a seat for the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. This fully synchronized water and light show plays a variety of music that quite literally lights up the night. While bands begin to tune their instruments for shows at the downtown pubs, the city presents a serene atmosphere. Those fortunate enough to spend the day in Grand Haven are taking a rest before psyching up for another day at this remarkable Lake Michigan beach town.

Featured Listing | Incomparable Lake Michigan Beach House

A true Lake Michigan masterpiece, this remarkable South Haven home is a refined destination for all things beach, style, and timeless intrigue. The luxury is in the details, with amenities to suit nearly every lifestyle. Take a peek inside one of our favorite listings, a truly inspiring and unique beach house.

474 Lake Shore Drive, South Haven, MI | $2,650,000

Watch the waves lap upon the sugar sand shores of Lake Michigan directly from your living room! The inviting architectural design is ideal for entertaining in any of the living spaces, providing picturesque views of the crystal blue water. Grab a cocktail from the hammered copper wet bar or simply unwind with your favorite book in the lavish sun room.

Prepare a light summer meal in the chef’s kitchen hosting appliances such as Wolf, Sub Zero, Asko, Miele, and Grohe. There is ample dining space, whether at the spacious island or flowing into the dining room – the beauty of the open-concept design.

With six bedrooms and six full bathrooms to house guests, it’s difficult to pick a favorite, but the vote is unanimous that our favorite is the bunk room. Featuring two full over full bunks, the charming sleeping quarters suit both children and adults alike. The guest accommodations include living area, kitchenette, and multiple sleeping areas, creating a private area for your cherished guests to relax.

Go from a serene Lake Michigan beach house to an enduring private pub, all within a flight of stairs. The private pub boasts extensive custom Walnut woodwork finishing the walls and trim.

Redefine after-dinner cocktails at the bar! Take a sip at the imported African Wood bar top or have a fireside chat, all within one room. With multiple TVs, ample bar seating, game tables, and karaoke stage, this pub is nothing short of impressive.

Entertainment to you might mean movies in the theater room and we’ve got you covered there. Catch the big game or watch a family flick – whichever you choose, the comfortability is certainly not scarce with the reclining theater seats and candy stand.

There’s only one way to chill fine wine, and it’s in a personal walk-in Chicago Brick cellar. With custom racks and cabinetry, there is ample space for the finest of wines.

The outdoor patio is an ideal place to watch the waves, especially with the Phantom screens feature.

From sunny summer days to star filled nights, this Lake Michigan dream home has amenities to suit. Roast s’mores over the outdoor fire pit, visit nearby South Haven, or take a walk along the shoreline, which is just 10 steps away via tram. However you choose to relax, this South Haven home is truly one-of-a-kind.

Interested in our Featured Listing? Contact Josi Van Horn!

Top 10 Reasons to Love Summer on Lake Michigan

When you live near one of the most beloved bodies of water, it isn’t hard to feel like everyday is a stay-cation. No need to hop on a plane or sit in the car for a summer getaway when you’re this close to the shoreline! The list runs long, but we simplified down our top ten reasons why spending the summer near Lake Michigan is the greatest. Have a different reason? Leave it in the comments below so we can love it too!

1. Freshwater – Picture this: diving into bright blue water that’s reflecting beaming rays of sunlight, chilled to the perfect temperate that is as refreshing as it is invigorating. With no concern for intimidating wildlife or salty ocean spray, the freshwater of Lake Michigan is ideal for a cool dip on a hot summer day.

2. Sugar sandy beach – Take your shoes off! The sand will squish between your toes while you walk along the shoreline or run to catch a football. Hear that sound? The sandy beach is nice and clean so your feet might give off a little squeak when you walk by.

3. Festivals – Life near the lakeshore means summer activities abound. Check out South Haven’s Harborfest, Grand Haven’s Coast Guard Festival, Holland’s Tulip Time Festival, or Traverse City’s National Cherry Festival. Snag details on other festival favorites here.

4. Lakeshore communities – Whether dining in Grand Haven, playing at the park in Ludington, or shopping in South Haven, the lakeside towns all provide a unique community for vacationers and residents alike. Summer is the perfect time to transport yourself into the compelling history each beach town provides while immersing yourself in the local shops, breweries, restaurants, and activities.

5. Fishing – Trout, perch, bass – they all live in the lake! The freshwater fish make for fantastic meals, whether you’ve caught it yourself or you’re tasting one at a beachside restaurant.

6. Sunsets – Ask any Lake Michigan local their favorite color and they might answer ‘sunset’. Warm orange hues, brisk blue sky, cotton candy clouds – all referring to the unbeatable sunsets that glaze over the horizon on a timeless summer night. There’s no better way to end another serene day on the lake than with a picturesque sunset.

7. Lighthouses – Full of history and wonder, lighthouses along Lake Michigan’s shoreline foster guiding light for ships, as well as proudly stand at the end of impressive piers. Admiring the structures up close or even heading in for a tour is an incomparable treat.

8. Relaxation – Unwind in the summertime! Lake Michigan is the perfect place to unplug from distractions to find necessary “me” time.

9. Boating – No matter what your style is, there’s a boating opportunity on Lake Michigan for you! If you’re a sports enthusiast, grab a speed boat for tubing or skiing. Add some luxury to your life with a yacht, cruise the open waves on a sailboat, or feel the need for speed on a jet ski. The lake is ready for whatever summer boating adventure you dream up.

10. Lifestyle – The Lake Michigan lifestyle extends throughout summer and beyond. We’re not sure if it’s the calming waters, bright sunshine, remarkable scenery, or simply the communities that form the one-of-a-kind lifestyle the lake presents. Whatever it is, we’re certainly fortunate to spend the summer here!