lakeshore life
North Muskegon, Michigan Snatch up this custom-designed dream home. by colle e n h . trou pi s
Specs Address: 535 Ruddiman Dr. North Muskegon, MI 49445 Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 5 full, 2 half Square Footage: 7,202 (5,328 above grade) Shoreline: 250 feet Acres: 3.52 Price: $2,500,000
Contact Sandi Gentry RE/MAX Grand Haven 616-638-3900 sandigentry.com
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hen Dan and Mavis Thill decided to build their dream home in North Muskegon, Michigan, they knew exactly what they wanted: They’d spent 30-some years collecting ideas. With the help of architect Bob Israel, their dream was realized in the 7,000-square-foot home that sits atop a hill overlooking Muskegon Lake. Situated on some 3.5 acres on the north shore of the lake, just a short boat ride from Lake Michigan, the home—built in 1998—takes full advantage of its position. “We’re about 100 yards from the water, and we’re up on a hill,” Dan Thill says. “We probably overlook 60 to 70 percent of the lake.” There are plenty of ways to enjoy those views, from the windows in virtually every room of the home—including the breakfast room, with its three glass walls—to the extensive ironwood decking. Winding down to the sand beach at the bottom of the hill is a gorgeous drive, with meticulous landscaping adding to the view. And, both outside and in, “everything we put in was of the highest quality,” Thill explains.
That includes marble floors, granite countertops, four fireplaces, a custom winding staircase and a front door made of mahogany and glass—also custom built. The kitchen includes top-of-the-line appliances, an island, two ovens and a five-burner stove. Between the formal dining room and family room is a full-service bar complete with an ice maker and wine cooler. The first floor master bedroom retreat overlooks the lake and includes a fireplace, TV disguised as a mirror, bathroom with steam shower, Jacuzzi tub, powder area, and walk-in closets. A guest suite also is on the first floor. Upstairs boasts two bedroom suites with full baths, as well as a playroom and sitting area that overlooks the living room. The finished full basement, complete with an exercise room and a gift-wrapping room, overlooks the lake. While there isn’t a dock on the property currently, Thill says it would be easy to build one. “And we’re probably three blocks from a marina, which makes boating easy,” he says. “Muskegon is a great boating community. It’s a fun place to live.” r PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANDI GENTRY