A FOREVER HOME

WRITTEN BY BRITTANY DARGA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN HASTY, WAVE BREAK MEDIA home

There’s really no place like Michigan; and this house shows off Michigan’s best side like no other.

“We wanted to build in a place that felt like home – and a place that will keep our kids with their growing families coming back,” said homeowners Mike and Lauren McMillan.

Constructed in 2019, and built by Paul Mauer General Contracting, this home was developed in a heavily wooded area on the sandy bluffs of Lake Michigan in Leelanau County. The homeowners worked very closely with not only the building company, but also Brad Shapiro, an architect from Memphis, where the couple used to live.

The house sits high upon a bluff, and one of the first features guests will notice when they enter the home is the spectacular view of Lake Michigan through tall, encircling windows. The height of the windows not only showcase the water’s gorgeous greens and blues, but also the sandy beach and the vast sky. North and South Manitou Islands can be seen from this view, as well as Pyramid Point and South Fox Island.

“We wanted not only wide, but tall windows so the view is encompassing,” Lauren said. “So, you can look out and the lake is also in your peripheral vision.”

When building, the homeowners didn’t want to see a lot of trees cut down. So, the placement of the driveway and house itself is meticulous. The trees that did have to be cut down were preserved and used throughout the house in the red oak floors, mantle, beech coffee and dining room table, kitchen shelves, as well as maple trim.

“We are very proud we were able to repurpose the trees,” Mike and Lauren said. “We felt so bad about having to cut down any trees at all.”

Walking into the house, guests will follow the white shiplap walls through the entryway until the shiplap stops in the stunning living area. And, if the view is the first thing that gets noticed, the impressive living area and kitchen are probably the second. Cozy seating surrounds a wooden coffee table and a gas fireplace in the living area, and plain white walls are contrasted by a white washed poplar wood ceiling.

Neighboring the living area is the kitchen that has wooden tables, shelves, and nature tones throughout. A comfy nook makes up the dining space here, with a large booth as well as chair seating. More seating can be found at the island that has a unique granite countertop, which is from a query in Ireland. The rock has different shades of green, brown, and gray in it. “I just fell in love with this piece of granite,” Lauren said. “I wanted colors from nature in our kitchen and this just fit so well.”

A six-burner stovetop with a griddle is in front of a backsplash with different shades of gray and white. On the floating shelves, which have puck lights underneath, are dishes and various sizes of globes. “We love maps and all the color globes have to offer,” Lauren said. The kitchen also has a sizable refrigerator and freezer. “This is something I’ve always wanted,” Lauren said.

Walking through the house, guests are sure to notice the unique artwork, such as a large clay pot, clay wall hangings and paintings. These are proudly displayed as they are works done by Lauren’s brother, Mark Chatterley. There are also lots of photos and artwork from Memphis, the city where the couple used to live.

Off of the living area and through double doors is the home’s master suit, which also has a view of Lake Michigan that can be seen through tall windows. Close the retractable shades for a good night’s sleep, or keep them open for sunlight. The bedroom is modest in size, which lends itself to a warm feel. Turn on the gas fireplace to feel even more cozy. An office nook sits in-between the bedroom and bathroom. The master bathroom is complete with a heated tile floor, double sinks, walk-in shower, and stand-alone tub.

Across the hallway from the master suit, and through more double doors, is a craft and quilt room, with a half bath beside it. “I love to quilt,” Lauren said. “And I love having a dedicated room with lots of natural light.” The room overlooks a yard and a garden, which the homeowners are notably proud of.

Behind the kitchen is a spacious walk-in pantry and laundry room, which is lined with plenty of shelves and cupboards for storage. Next to the kitchen is one of Mike and Lauren’s favorite parts of the house – the screened in porch. Step out here and instantly hear the sound of waves swooshing on the shore. The porch as a large sitting area with chairs and couches facing a television and an impressive stone wood burning fireplace. Exposed beams line the ceiling and a dining table with seating for 12 is next to a large built-in grill.

The homeowners can relax in the sun or watch the sunset from the outside porch that neighbors the screened porch. From here, the lake view is perhaps even more striking. Steps down to the 155 feet of shoreline can be seen from here, as well as a firepit with benches made from the repurposed trees. To the north side of the house are two trees that could have been cut down to optimize the view. “We already have enough view,” Mike and Lauren said. “We didn’t want to cut down even more trees.”

The Moon-Mohr Team Lynne Moon 231.218.6667 Erica Moon-Mohr 231.499.5558

Follow the metal railing down to the lower level and guests will find a second living area as well as four guest bedrooms. A floating floor is used here, so that moisture doesn’t become a problem. “We wanted to use the repurposed wood from the trees for flooring here, but we were advised against it because of moisture,” Mike and Lauren said.

Comfortable seating surrounds a gas fireplace and television here. There is also a pool table and wet bar next to it. “We have four grown kids and they each have growing families,” Lauren said. “We wanted to make sure we have plenty of space.”

Behind the living area is a display Mike is particularly proud of. There are 48 records showcased here from Mike’s collection, or from gifts. “This was the only area of the house I was allowed to decorate,” Mike says jokingly.

A sliding door opens to a lower level porch that mirrors the upstairs one can be found here, and it also offers a sunken hot tub. Down a hallway decorated with a very large United States map with the original 13 colonies, are the guest bedrooms. Each of the four guest rooms is spacious with a king-sized bed, and two out of the four have their own bathroom. The others have a jack and jill style bathroom. Each room also has a view of the lake. There is also laundry downstairs, as well as a reading nook filled with children’s books for Mike and Lauren’s two young grandchildren.

“There are so many things about this house we are proud of,” Mike and Lauren said. The couple reiterated their close relationship and trust with their builder and architect. “When you work with someone so closely, a certain trust has to be held,” Mike said. “Lots of conversations with constructive criticism have to be had and you have to be OK with that.”

Mike and Lauren bought the property for this house more than a decade ago. “We met up here and throughout the years we’ve always come back,” Mike said. “We are back now in a place that feels like home.”