Nate Granata, a real estate agent at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, expressed his surprise at the popularity of a particular home in a more casual tone. He remarked, “I knew things were getting crazy, but I never imagined it would become the most sought-after property. It’s just ridiculous.” Granata added that the house, known for its distinctive thatch roof, became the face of Charlevoix and caused a frenzy when it went up for sale. The whole community went wild, and it felt like a bomb had exploded with everyone’s excitement.
Both the main house and the separate guesthouse are currently available for purchase, priced at a total of $4.5 million.
The main house, an impressive 4,000 square feet in size, was originally built by Earl Young in 1918. The stone walls he constructed back then still stand strong today. Granata explained that the stones used in the construction were sourced from Lake Michigan, which is located diagonally across the street from the property. “From the living room, you get a view of the nearby lake. In winter, when the leaves are gone and the weather is colder, the vistas are even more spectacular.”
Young, the architect responsible for several mushroom-style homes in the Charlevoix area, had a unique approach to construction. He didn’t rely on blueprints, resulting in each house being one-of-a-kind. Young designed each dwelling to harmonize with the surrounding environment, giving them a whimsical appeal with their rounded lines, rough stone, abundant wood, and delightful mushroom-shaped roofs.
The current owners purchased the foreclosed home in 2012 for $349,000 after it had been vacant for some time. The thatch roof, a distinctive feature, caught the attention of home enthusiasts across the country. The owners decided to preserve Young’s stone walls during the extensive renovation they undertook. Granata mentioned, “The owner, who happens to have a doctorate in engineering, took it on as a side project because he is passionate about it. He completely renovated the entire house, from the floors to the roof, and the result is absolutely stunning.” Every detail was carefully customized and imported from abroad.
Granata explained that the thatch used for the roof was imported from Europe, and a master thatcher was brought in to install it. Previously, the house had a roof shaped like a mushroom but was made of regular shingles. The renovation cost a significant amount of money, according to Granata’s estimation.
The main house offers five full bathrooms and six bedrooms, while the guesthouse provides around 2,000 square feet of living space and includes a loft along with the main bedroom.
Although the furnishings are not included in the sale, their inclusion might be negotiable during the transaction. Each piece was handpicked to perfectly complement the house’s unique charm.
There is no trace of ordinary store-bought items in the house. Granata added, “I personally love the originality of the house and the fact that everything inside has been meticulously thought out.” Everything in the house, from furnishings to fixtures, has been specially imported or custom-made.
The current owner resides in the house personally but also rents it out to others. The property is listed on a vacation rental website with nightly rates ranging from $1,100 to $1,900.
Granata believes that the ideal buyer for this property would be someone who appreciates the artistic elements of the residence and takes delight in its distinctive character. He stated, “If you had $4.5 million, you could literally create or buy anything you wanted without restrictions. To invest that kind of money in a home like this, you really have to find fulfillment in living here. It’s truly breathtaking, from the ground up to the very top.”
