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.

Lake Michigan home

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.

luxury

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.

bedroom

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.

craftmanship

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.

private pub

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.

movie theater

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.

wine cellar

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.

lake michigan deck

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

beach

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!

4th of July Fireworks in West Michigan

This year, do it big. From Saturday to Tuesday, celebrate with a remarkable firework display, in your community or somewhere new! Don’t forget the lawn chair or blanket and make 2017 fireworks the best you’ve ever seen!

Need to know where to catch them near you? We’ve rounded up West Michigan’s firework calendar below. Find your closest spot or venture to a new area! And be sure to share with your neighbors, friends, and family to get them involved, too!

 

4th of july

 

 

Relax: In-Home Spas with Ultimate Tranquility

Serenity, tranquility, peace – these homes are the ultimate relaxation locations. From idyllic massage parlors to harmonious steam rooms, these spa-like sanctuaries are so remarkable, you may try to schedule your own private retreat.

Colorado$27,000,000 USD | Aspen, Colorado | Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty

Located at the top of Toby Lane, a gated private road at the end of South 7th Street, elegance and timelessness define this high-quality 10,000-square-foot home on over one-acre backed by protected lands. Polished and rough limestone highlight the exterior and interior; an interior courtyard with BBQ, fountain, fireplace, and high ceilings with tremendous art-filled walls can all be found inside. Enjoy the spa-like amenities overlooking the wooded surroundings.

TCI$19,500,000 USD | Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands | Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

Nestled in a half moon bay on the exclusive island of Parrot Cay is “Serenity Villa”, an outstanding achievement in beachfront elegance and sophisticated architectural design. This luxurious four-bedroom sanctuary is the private island’s crown jewel. Set on more than five lush acres fronting 373 feet of white sand and brilliant turquoise water, Serenity Villa’s design ethos is sensitive to its surroundings, reflecting the glorious natural aesthetic for which Parrot Cay is known. A gorgeous outdoor dining area and cabana housing a custom Maine cedar spa are steps from the home’s main living areas.

Brazil$ 30.000.000 BRL | Sao Paulo, Brazil | Bossa Nova Sotheby’s International Realty

This exceptional penthouse features 360-degree views of São Paulo’s skyline. Calm and silent, the residence offers a sensation of a big, classic-style house with its columns, wide spaces and plenty of natural lightning thanks to the windows that allow views from everywhere. The third floor holds a spa surrounded by big glass windows offering nearly endless views. The lighting, silence, and massage area with lounge chairs, a steam room, and a shower create a relaxing atmosphere.

Georgia$13,500,000 USD | Canton, Georgia | Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

This truly one-of-a-kind luxury estate near Milton encompasses nearly 40 acres and features amazing gardens, peaceful pastures, relaxing pavilions, trails, a stocked lake and breathtaking landscapes. Perfect for unwinding, this home features a variety of spaces to find your personal tranquility – exercise, sauna, steam shower, craft, yoga, meditation and fabulous game rooms abound.

California$18,995,000 USD | Laguna Beach, California | HÔM Sotheby’s International Realty

Completed in 2016, this new-build Santa Barbara style estate on an oversized lot in Emerald Bay emanates the finest in luxury living. Capturing the tranquil essence of the ocean and earth, the expansive property boasts unobstructed sweeping views of the Pacific. The “smart” home provides countless amenities and exceptional construction using superior materials inside and out. Ease the body in your own personal massage parlor surrounded by elements that anchor the natural light and coastal colors, making this stunning home your personal sanctuary.

 

Ready to find your ultimate paradise? Work with the professionals at Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty!

Here’s Why You Should Work With Sotheby’s International Realty in 2017

Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty, a luxury real estate firm based in Holland, Michigan, today announced that the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand reported that in 2016 its affiliated brokers and sales professionals achieved approximately $95 billion in global sales volume, the highest annual sales volume performance in the history of the brand, driven largely by a brand record of over 127,000 transactions.

Global Growth

The Sotheby’s International Realty® brand also reported growth across its global network, which now encompasses nearly 70 countries and territories worldwide. At year-end, the network totaled 880 offices and more than 20,000 sales associates.

“2016 proved to be yet another record year for the Sotheby’s International Realty brand,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “In just 12 years, we have grown from $4.2 billion to $95 billion in sales volume. Our brand has achieved exponential growth, and I am immensely proud of the hard work and dedication from our affiliate member companies, their independent sales associates and our dedicated worldwide staff. This is a true testament to the strength and international footprint of this extraordinary brand.”

Outside the United States, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand achieved $10 billion in sales volume in 2016 and continued to expand into key markets. The brand saw continued growth in Europe, entering the countries of Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Montenegro. The brand also expanded in the Asia-Pacific region through affiliations in Fiji and Shanghai and continued to grow in Hong Kong and greater Thailand. Finally, the brand expanded its presence in the Caribbean with the addition of affiliates in Roatan and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Innovative Technology

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand was at the forefront of interactive technology in 2016 with the introduction of 3D Tours with Virtual Reality capability on sothebysrealty.com. Additionally, the site saw the most traffic in its history with nearly 22 million visits, a 54% increase year-over-year.

The brand also launched the first luxury real estate app for Apple TV, featuring professionally curated high-resolution photography and high-definition video giving consumers the opportunity to explore homes on a screen larger than ever before. An alliance with Juwai.com was launched in 2016 that gives the Sotheby’s International Realty network an edge to generate Chinese homebuyer interest on one of the world’s most prominent real estate websites with over two million monthly visitors. As a truly international brand, Sotheby’s International Realty has the most global representation on Juwai.com, displaying luxury listings from 66 countries and territories.

Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty offers exclusive Sotheby’s International Realty marketing, advertising and referral services designed to attract well-qualified buyers to the firm’s property listings. In addition, the firm and its clients benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house, which promotes real estate referral opportunities with auction house clientele.  Property listings from Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty also are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website, as well as on the firm’s local website, beaconsir.com/eng.

We’re Welcoming New Real Estate Professionals!

Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty, Lake Michigan’s premier luxury real estate brokerage, recently welcomed six new real estate professionals to their downtown Holland office. Among them include several of West Michigan’s top-producing agents and 2017 Realtor of the Year Beth Foley. 

Beth Foley has worked in the industry since 1986, specializing in relocation, waterfront, and new construction properties. Among her many awards, accomplishments, and achievements in the industry, Beth has held top tier positions within the National Association of Realtors, Michigan Association of Realtors, and West Michigan Lakeshore Association of Realtors.

Wendy Ryder brings superior client servicing through representation of properties spanning the Lake Michigan shoreline. With a refined skill set, sophisticated service, and efficient work ethic, Wendy is one of the industries leading top producers.

Kersh Ruhl, Mary Zeppenfeld, and Lauri Sisson join Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty with relationship-based philosophies and a proven sales history. Representing incomparable listings as a team, Kersh, Mary, and Lauri are committed to their clientele, providing unparalleled service and routinely building trust and assurance throughout all of their transactions.

Josh Breuker has had exposure to the real estate industry all his life, having the benefit of hands on experience during familial home building. Whether in acquisition or disposition of real estate assets, Josh’s extensive knowledge of West Michigan real estate proves to be an incomparable asset. 

Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty is now represented by these qualified real estate professionals. They continue to artfully market scores of extraordinary properties and assist many discerning buyers.

“We pride ourselves on nurturing our client relationships and operating with open communication, transparency, honesty and integrity,” said Chad Van Horn, brokerage owner. “The affiliation with the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand brings an incomparable value proposition to our clients and our marketplace.  The brand heritage, unique marketing approach and the people in the network drew us to the brand and we are thrilled to now offer increased global exposure, a vast referral network, and sophisticated marketing programs to our clients.”

Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Expands Presence in Michigan

Sotheby’s International Realty® announced that the Real Estate Firm – Van Horn Team in Holland, Michigan, is the newest member of its network and will now operate as Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Founded in 2005, the boutique firm is owned and operated by Chad Van Horn.  In addition to Holland, Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty will provide luxury residential real estate services to communities along the Lake Michigan shoreline including Grand Haven, Saugatuck/Douglas, and South Haven.

“The Lake Michigan shoreline is an enticing second home location, with Holland as an anchor for the luxury real estate market, offering the best of the waterfront lifestyle,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC.  “We are proud to welcome Chad and his team at Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty to our network.”

“We pride ourselves on nurturing our client relationships and operating with open communication, transparency, honesty and integrity,” said Van Horn.  “The affiliation with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand brings an incomparable value proposition to our clients and our marketplace.  The brand heritage, unique marketing approach, and the people in the network drew us to the brand and we are thrilled to now offer increased global exposure, a vast referral network, and sophisticated marketing programs to our clients.”

Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty is located in historic downtown Holland.  The firm is one of four independently owned and operated Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate companies in Michigan; also operating in the state are Harbor Sotheby’s International Realty, Shore Sotheby’s International Realty, and Signature Sotheby’s International Realty.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 20,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 850 offices in 65 countries and territories worldwide.  Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website.  In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.