Custom Arts & Crafts Home w/Pond & Creek

A superb interpretation of the timeless classic features of the Arts and Crafts era are built into this wonderful, private country home.  Offers beveled and leaded glass, quarter sawn oak kitchen cabinets, raised panel and built-in cabinetry, a gorgeous cherry library, tile baths, and a full basement finished into family-friendly areas for entertaining, crafts, or fitness, plus lots of storage.  A 36x80 wing houses a heated woodworking shop (36x40) with built-in air and vacuum systems and an unheated area (36x40) with 14' side walls and two 12' overhead doors to accommodate a boat and RV.  There is also a 900 square foot, pine paneled in-law or guest apartment.  Beautifully landscaped yard has a soothing pond and waterfall off the south-facing, entertainment-friendly deck, and more!  The winner of 5 "Parade of Homes" awards in 2005 for a reason.

• MLS# 1693220
• 4 BR/3 BA, 4258 sq/ft finished living space
• 2.19 acres, zoned AG
• Built in 2004
• 370' creek frontage 

Rob says... 

"You know when a home wins 5 awards in the annual Parade of Homes, that it must be sepcial.  Just after completion in 2005, Mark and Cathy Martin's home won 5 first place awards in the categories of best craftsmanship, interior design/decor, kitchen, pinnacle (builder's award), and the people's choice.  From the moment you turn in the drive, you have to slow down and drink in what's ahead.  A charming stone bridge leads you up a gently rising paved drive past a gently flowing creek, beyond a canopy of mature hardwoods, into a lush green yard with just the perfect amount and array of landscaping.  A covered front porch beacons further exploration.   

The solid oak entry door with beveled glass is the next intriguing element and stepping foot into the spacious foyer and gazing ahead, you don't quite know where to focus first.  Dark wainscoting adorns the walls with authentic period hardware and light fixtures, tile accents, and leaded glass.  Cathy Martin has even mentioned a visitor say they were taken back in time to the Arts and Crafts style of a grandparent's home built many decades before.  The ceilings are high in the foyer and dining areas, with clerestory windows that cast a natural light onto the splendid contrasting colors of wood and drywall surfaces.  The built-in cabinetry in the living room houses media and printed word on each flank of the stunning fireplace treatment.  Dark stained beams and coffered ceilings complete the authenticity of the design. 

The kitchen is a continuation of the theme, with quarter sawn oak cabinetry, complete with square peg accents and crisp mission style lines.  A lowered marble countertop is perfect for the chef who likes to create pastries at a nice working height.  The double oven allows you to have multiple dishes cooking at the same time.  There's a back-up cooking area in the form of a large deck for grilling and outside entertaining just outside the kitchen, with a peaceful waterfall that splashes into a shimmering pond.  (The Martins say they are often lulled to sleep at night by opening their bedroom window just an inch or so and listening to the water dance...).

 The woodwork continues, with Mark's "Perfect Miter" talents being showcased (he's an excellent trim carpenter - see more of his work at www.perfectmiter.net) down the access hall, complete with a built-in linen area with drawers and custom doors, leaded glass transom windows above the doors to a wonderful guest bedroom, grand cherry library, and master suite.  One of Cathy's favorite get-away spots in the house is a red cedar-lined sunroom that facilitates pondering the 2" novel or quiet movie watching.  

The lower level has a half log and pine tongue and groove family room, perfect for watching the big game or "racking up" for another game of 8 Ball.  There is also a third bedroom (adjacent to a full bath) and four additional areas for craft pursuits, exercise, and storage. 

The 36 by 80 "west wing" is where some of the fine work Mark creates takes place.  He's got a 36 by 40 foot heated wood shop complete with dust collection and air compressor for woodworking air tools.  Above the shop, a self-contained 900 square foot in-law/guest suite with kitchen, full bath, and pine-paneled interior gets used for Mark's musical and artistic interests when not housing company.  The western-most 36 by 40 portion of the stick-built structure has two 12 by 12 overhead doors (great for indoor boat or RV storage) and 14 foot ceilings.   

There's an invisilble fence around the permieter of the yard, as well as a dog kennel to keep the Martins' two Corgis entertained while mom and dad are away (or a new owners' pooches).  There is a raspberry patch, along with plenty of area to plant additional fruit trees or just have a yard to play in. 

There are many more special features to the Martins' home, but I don't want to give all the secrets away.  It's definitely worth looking at and could be the perfect location for the family who is on the verge of retirement and has multiple interests and extended family and friends they desire to entertain in a wonderful setting.  Glen Arbor and Empire are only 10 minutes away and Traverse City is 20 minutes in the other direction.  The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore boundary is just north, with lots of opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation in our Leelanau paradise."