“January is the month for dreaming.” ~ Jean Hersey
publisher
Happy New Year to you and yours. I love the feeling of January—all around the air feels full of possibilities. The house becomes free of clutter, you have good intentions, you organize. Everything has a purpose; a place and time management is at its best. You feel productive and accomplished. You feel compelled to devise plans and allow yourself to dream a little…or a lot.
In 2023 I wonder how many more people are planning a new life here. Our town is booming with intense growth and endless potential. I remember the year we did. We rang in the New Year of 2010 toasting to our big move from Maryland to TC. We had picked out a house in November 2009. Finally, in May 2010, we packed up a giant U-Haul semi-truck, our Toyota SUV, and headed due North. We had no jobs, and we didn’t know a soul, except for our realtor.
We have never looked back. Traverse City’s monumental achievement as a cherished place to live is no accident and it all comes down to one man: our founding father, Perry Hannah, a true visionary who built this town from the ground up. It would never have been a booming hidden gem without him.
In the Spring of 1851, at just 26 years old, he sailed into Grand Traverse Bay for the first time. He purchased 200 acres of land and a mill from Captain Harry Boardman. He led the way for Traverse City to thrive in the logging and industrial era. He
donated land to build the infrastructure that still stands today. He brought the hustle and bustle with steam ships and railroads, full of people from wealthy Chicago. He was the original Traverse City Tourism promotor, buying large ads in big city newspapers to entice tourists to flock here. His life story is captivating, and in 2013 Tom and I were honored to work with the authors Peg Jonkhoff and Fred Hoisington as the publishers of their historic book, Perry Hannah’s Gifts, Then and Now: Traverse City’s Founding Father.
With a few excerpts from their book inside this issue, we highlight the timeline of his master plan to make the place he called home, a fulfilling and prosperous place, then and now.
In a funny twist of fate, the Jonkhoff family have owned the business housed in Perry Hannah’s great retirement mansion on Sixth St. for generations. In 2010, when we moved into our first TC house and started Baylife Magazine in the basement office in 2012, we discovered it had also been the family home of the Jonkhoffs years before, where they raised their two girls. Now our little girl was sleeping in Lindsey’s childhood bedroom. Peg was also one of our very first advertisers, without which we couldn’t publish Baylife for free as a gift to our community as we have for the last 11 years.
Hope you enjoy this issue cover to cover. And because I’m a hugger, count it as a big New Year’s hug.
Teri Gorsline, PublisherBayLife Magazine is a family owned, Traverse City based publication with over 38 years’ experience in the industry. We are proud to be 100% made in Traverse City, Michigan.
PUBLISHERS
Teri and Tom Gorsline
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Tom Gorsline editor@baylifenorth.com
COPY EDITOR Hannah Ryder
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rachelle Robinson, Todd and Brad Reed Hannah Ryder, Angela Goodall Darric Newman, Sakura Takano
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tom Gorsline, Todd and Brad Reed Photography, Cerys-Ann Photography, Tyler Leipprandt - Michigan Sky Media, Jason Hulet Photography
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Bethany Gulde www.bethanydesigntc.com
ADVERTISING SALES
Teri Gorsline teri@baylifenorth.com
ABOUT THE COVER Sleeping Bear Beauty
By Tyler Leipprandt – Michigan Sky Media BAY BREEZE MEDIA LLC 10966 S West Bay Shore Drive Traverse City, MI 49684 231-715-6088
BAYLIFE Magazine Number 65 is a bi-monthly publication of BAY BREEZE Media, LLC. Advertising Rates available at baylifenorth. com. or calling 231-715-6088. BAYLIFE Magazine is a controlled subscription, direct mailed to 8000 affluent homes located on Old Mission Peninsula, Wayne Hill, Slabtown, Traverse City, Incochee and distributed to locations throughout the Grand Traverse Bay and Northern Michigan. BAYLIFE Magazine is owned exclusively by BAY BREEZE Media, LLC. 2023. All content of this publication is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior approval of the publisher. BAYLIFE Magazine is family owned and is a registered trademark of BAY BREEZE MEDIA, LLC.
ON THE TOWN
ON THE TOWN
A
White Christmas Gala
City Opera House December 3, 2022 Deb and Mark Jackson Amy Shamroe, Mi Stanley, Amy Ranger Chad Hall, Jess Heller, Joshua Anderson Kristal Flateau and Judy Harrison Rob and Shayna Marsh Erica Moon Mohr, Lisa Schmidt Mark Pomaranski with daughter, Ava Edson and Susan Pontes Isthmia Smith, Jillian Wolfe, Melanie and John MinerON THE TOWN Eagles for Children Awards Reception
Traverse City Country Club November 9, 2022
Jane Price, Tyler and Lindy Sanborn The check celebration Rick and Terrie Birndorf Kids on the Go founders Dr. Natalie and Shaun Ramsey Kathy Bussell, Lisa Brady Founder of The Rock of Kingsley, Diane Walton and Sharon Neuman Child and Family Services – Linda Sommerville and Gina Aranki Eagles for Children founder Don and Pamela Kegley, with Suzanne and Kent Mueller Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Cecilia Chesney, Connie Wintzinger Pat Warner, Joyce Rogers Kedrick Merwin, Joyce and Bob Gingras, Tom Neirman The Eagles For Kids CommitteeON THE TOWN
Gladhander 2022 St. Francis High School October 29, 2022
Page Sponsored by Brian and Christy Hater Terry Baumann and Margaret Podworski Alex and Sarah Wood Sara and Dr. Alexander Molinari Lisa and David Rapson Megan and Peter Schous Jennifer and Russ Spranger Tyler and Heather Schell, Chelsea and Jimmy Mowry Dr. Jessica Arden and Tyler Vandongen Meredith and Todd Jarrold Adam Brown and Patrick LavisON THE TOWN
Gladhander 2022
St. Francis High School October 29, 2022
Peg and Dan Jonkoff Melissa and Shawn O’Brien Susan Rice. Melanie Presley Melissa and Ethan Morgan, Michele Canfield Lindsey and Chris Rogers Sarah Socks, Kecia Brick, Jill Reid, Jane Twomey, Lisa Kaupas, Robyn Doriot Christina Mazzola and Sara Odette Bryan and Jaclyn Clever Julie Egelus and Sara Pearson Melissa and Brian BoalsON THE TOWN
7th Annual
Fundraiser Dinner
Jim and Jan Tuohy Greg Thompson and Ginny Fey Michelle and Tim Cerny Anna Idziak, Molly Vanderhorn, Marya Mellinger, Diane Hinsenkamp Lauren Pauly, Jack O’Malley, Lisa Trombley Ted Wickman, Molly Vanderhorn Pete and Kathy Schroeter John and Lisa Dykema Shaun Schneider and Michelle Cerny Honor Flight Traverse City Country Club November 5, 2022Are there any words of wisdom you live by?
“A phrase that has kept me positive and steady in the face of adversity is from my dear friend, CFM, and it is 'Bless and release.' So powerful.”
Tell us something that would surprise us about you?
“I’m an avid home cook and discovered it is one of the top ways I relax and exercise my creativity. Over the last five years, I’ve offered a sushi making lesson and private dinner for nonprofit fundraisers and have generated over $10,000 in local support.”
Sakura Takano MEET
2023 will be your second year, in the CEO role at Rotary Charities. What are you most proud of so far?
“Focusing in on helping community organizations do what they do best and build for the future within my first year at the helm was a big challenge. It required me to get creative with our resources, prepare our team for unexpected grant awards totaling over $400k, and reach out proactively to quickly inject resources into our region. I’m grateful for a staff, board, and community partners who put their trust in me to lead this effort.”
What are your goals set for this year?
“I’m not huge on goal setting because I like to be open to what might come across my path. Those opportunities have been the most rewarding and fruitful in my life. If I had to choose a goal, it would be to maintain some of the space opened up over the past few years to spend more quality time with my family.”
Who’s your biggest role model?
“I have so many! When I get to know someone with humble generosity, kindness, a good sense of humor, and a willingness to try new things, I know I’m going to respect and reflect those qualities right back. It’s a two way street!”
You have 2 awesome kids. What would they tell us about you?
“On a good day… that I love them, feed them very well (with love), and help them see the world. On a normal day… that my 'clean room' inspections are non-negotiable.”
What is one thing checked off on your bucket list?
“As I write this, I am heading to Mexico City with my partner, Tony Vu. Traveling to a new, unfamiliar destination each year is a luxury and practice I’d love to maintain! Viva Mexico!”
TC – Try Curling!
It’s finally happening: The TC Curling Center in the former Kmart building in the old Cherryland Mall will be opening its doors any day now! The sport of curling blew up in popularity after the 2010 Vancouver Olympics was televised on NBC. For avid TC Curling Club members, the only ice available was Center Ice Complex and only in the off hours, which was usually late at night. The club had been planning and fundraising to build their own stand-alone facility. After COVID the cost doubled; that’s when the idea to buy the old Kmart building emerged. The 28,000-square-foot space is impressive. Our tour guide was Tim Violette, the newly hired Executive Director. Fresh from Wisconsin, he’s been curling since he was a young boy in Northern Minnesota. “The difference of an ice rink to this professional facility is like playing golf on a temporary green and then playing in Augusta. It’s a big deal.” The club is hoping to boost memberships and host learn-to-curl classes, leagues, and open play. “We are hoping to build a junior program and maybe even get the high schools involved.” The centers size gives them the ability to host tournaments. As the movie quote goes, “If you build it, they will come.”
TC Curling Center 1712 S Garfield Ave. traversecitycurling.com
Candles for a Cause
When your last name is Hart, to have a big heart must come naturally. Josh Hart recently opened Riley’s Candles, a one-of-a-kind candle store on a single mission to light the way to save dogs’ lives. He was inspired by his family’s 13-year-old beagle, Riley, who has needed emergency back surgery three times over the course of his life to save him from paralysis. “The surgeries can be so expensive that some families’ only choice is to put them to rest. It’s a heartbreaking decision we want to help avoid.” Every candle sold raises funds to help families with beloved dogs in need. The store is located inside the Flat Cap Ventures building near Chums Corner. If you’re lucky you may get to pat the namesake himself.
Riley’s Candles 476 US-31, Traverse City. rileyscandles.com
Bun in the Oven on the East Side
The second location of Common Good Bakery on Eighth Street has been a growing bun in the oven for months. The anticipation for its long-awaited “arrival” to open the doors and fire up the ovens will happen early January. Jason Gollan , chef and owner shared with us, “We’re working towards a January 16th opening. We will have the same menu and hours of operation as our original Common Good Bakery on Fourteenth St., with two exciting additions on Eighth: 1) Weekend Brunch! Saturdays and Sundays are about to get even better, and 2) A pizza and pasta wine bar menu called Common Good @ Night. We will have a full Class C liquor license.” If Common Good Bakery on Eighth is new to you and your neighborhood, you are in for a treat. It’s been five years since Jason’s hot morning buns and decadent croissant collection debuted—now they are legendary. Bonus for loyal Common Good Bakery guests at the Fourteenth St. location: they will finally welcome walk-in guests again!
537 W 14th St. & 1115 E 8th St. Traverse City commongoodbakery.com
Breaking Bread on the West Side
You may have recently heard that Steve and Stacey Wilcox, after twenty years of running Bay Bread Company, have hung up their aprons and hair nets and are passing along their prized baking pans and secret recipes to new owners Scott and Krystal Fluette . We wanted to show off their smiling faces. “We switched up our life path and bought a bakery,” laughs Krystal. They have donned the aprons and hair nets with excitement to continue the traditions that Bay Bread is renowned for, like its 40 varieties of bread, their massive wholesale deliveries to local grocery stores including Costco and Sam’s Club, as well providing daily fresh bread for numerous restaurants. The Fluettes are shaking things up too. They have already brought back
the beloved biscotti, granola, and brownie recipes. It’s a true “hands on” family business, with taking their kids to work to roll dough on a few occasions. Scott also shared, “The most surprising thing is how personally involved you become with the people. They all tell us how they’re going to use it and who’s coming for dinner. I had no idea.” We think it must be the hidden power of bread.
601 Randolph St. Traverse City baybreadco.com
GOOD EATS
KEEP CALM & KEEP BAKING PASTIES
Cousin Jenny’s delicious gourmet Cornish pasties are true comfort food, made-from-scratch, buttery pastry, each one rolled with extra love, filled with meats, veggies, and potatoes for fuel for the body, wrapped up like a gift and baked to perfection in the oven. Topped off with steamy beef or chicken gravy, this is food heaven! The pasty itself originates from 17th century Cornwall, England, as practical nourishment as a handheld food for the coal miners to take down in the mine. Baked by the wives, they were affectionately known as Cousin Jenny’s. Traverse City’s Cousin Jenny is Jerilyn De Boer, who brought these beloved pasties from her parents’ restaurant “Jean Kay’s Cornish Pasties” in the Upper Peninsula and founded Cousin Jenny’s all the way back in 1979. For 30 years, Jerilyn’s Cousin Jenny’s pasties have been a staple stop for locals and visitors alike. Each has their favorite: Steak, Veggie, Chicken, Steak ’n Cheddar, German, Italian, and French Potato. All served hot and fresh in the familiar bright red building on the corner of State and Union, proudly flying the British Union Jack flag, an homage to the English heritage.
This year brings change. They recently moved to newly built location just down the road, at 222 E. State St. They are breaking in the building with the unmistakable aroma of mouthwatering pasties in the oven. They are loving their new digs and the new concept. “We love it, its so much more cozy with lots of charm,” says Jerilyn. The new two-way traffic on State St. is also a big plus. On a cold winter’s day in northern Michigan, what could be better than a warm pasty to warm your heart and fill your belly? Newsflash—If you are on a New Year’s diet, they have 12 amazing salads to go.
222 E. State St., Traverse City cousinjennyspasties.com
Happy New Year!
I’m sure most are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead. With that in mind, it’s time to try some new vino and give a great big CHEERS to the upcoming months.
Here’s a fun new wine Folg’s has been selling like crazy, Mastro Janni Costa Colonne Red Blend. We have been selling Mastro Janni Brunello for a while now, it’s one of my favorite Brunello’s, but the Costa Colonne is new to our portfolio. Comprised mainly of Sangiovese with a bit of Ciliegiolo (indigenous grape to Tuscany) and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine shows aromas of bright red fruits with floral notes while on the palate it is soft and silky with velvety tannins on the finish. A perfect wine to pair up with pasta, red meats, charcuterie, and aged cheeses. It really is a perfect wine for the entire meal.
We look forward to seeing you wonderful people soon. Keep sipping.
secret recipe: FRENCH ONION FONDUE
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 Vidalia or yellow onions, cut in half, and slice thin
2 cups Leelanau Cheese Raclette, grated (can substitute Swiss or gruyere)
¼ cup sherry vinegar
¼ cup beef stock
1 tsp thyme, finely chopped
1 tsp rosemary, finely chopped
1 tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Preparation
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss the onions in the butter and turn to medium-low. Every 3-5 minutes, stir and add a splash of the sherry vinegar and beef stock, waiting for evaporation after each interval (approx. 30 minutes). Once the onions are caramelized, add herbs salt & pepper, and stir to combine.
Pour the mixture into a 2-quart (or an 8x8) baking dish and sprinkle grated cheese on top.
Bake uncovered in oven for 15 minutes. Then, switch the setting to broil for 2-3 minutes to get the top brown and bubbly. Keep a watchful eye, it browns quickly!
Serve with crusty bread (we love Common Good Bakery), crostini or crackers and enjoy!
HOME GROWN & LOCAL
HOME GROWN & Local with Korner Gem Jewelers
Korner Gem Jewelers 13031 Fisherman Cove, Traverse City Korner Gem Gallery 327 Main St, Frankfort
Tell us the history of how Korner Gem came to be.
“Growing up in Northern Michigan I’ve been an avid rock hunter since around 9 years old. I had a treasure trove of shoeboxes full of hidden gems. They drove my mom nuts and she told me to do something with them or get rid of them. I put it on hold for a while, after graduating Michigan State University I moved into the corporate world of Chicago, but still dabbled in jewelry making and would come up for art shows. My company offered me a promotion to double my salary and travel internationally. I said, Thanks, but no thanks, I’m going to move back home to open a ‘Rock Shop.’ It took a couple of locations to get it right, but we have been here for almost 20 years. In 2020 we opened a second location in Frankfort.”
What is a Rock Shop?
“Our perfect 'Rock Shop' is one that welcomes little kids to come hunt for treasures that can be 50 cents. And invites big kids to come in and choose a treasure of fine jewelry worth thousands. And every other price point in between, everyone can find their wow! My rare stone collection is handpicked from all over the globe and has been 40 years in the making. Some stones are from mines that don’t even exist any longer.”
What keeps your creativity flowing?
“I’m always inspired by the colors and endless beauty of nature. My true passion is cutting the rock. I don’t let the shape of the stone limit what it can be. I’m also blessed and humbled to have a trusted team that are so talented. We enjoy the creation, being able to take a raw piece of nature and then turn it into a very wearable piece of art. Probably my true enjoyment is the expression of the customer when they see it. I enjoy when they see how a custom piece turns out."
What do you think is the secret to your success?
“Our wholesale business allows Korner Gem jewelry to be in 40 other locations throughout Michigan. And, the support of my mom Ruth. She has worked in my store since day one.”
Kevin has also authored 3 books.
Lake Michigan Rock Picker’s Guide
Lake Superior Rock Picker’s Guide
Lake Huron Rock Picker’s Guide
d
Traverse City’s
19th Century Boom
d
Perry Hannah
It’s 2023 and, love it or hate it, Traverse City is booming, bursting at the seams with its once small-town charm hanging on by a thread. It makes you wonder what our founding father Mr. Perry Hannah would be thinking. The Traverse City of today would never be possible without his legacy of yesteryear. His brilliant visionary thinking, generosity, and planning changed the course of our history. With excerpts and photos from the Perry Hannah’s Gifts Then and Now book it seemed like a fitting time to give him credit.
September 22, 1824 // One of four children, Perry Hannah is born near Erie, Pennsylvania, to Scottish parents who were humble farmers and receives a basic public education.
1827 // Perry’s mother dies. He moves in with his paternal grandmother and lives with her for the next 12 years. His father migrates to Port Huron, Michigan.
1840 // Young Perry moves to Port Huron to work with his father in the lumber business. Thereafter, he moves to Chicago to work for Jacob Beidler, the wealthiest lumberman.
1847 // Captain Harry Boardman’s mill is constructed on Mill Creek.
1849 // Mr. Hannah becomes president of Hannah, Lay and Company with A. Tracy Lay and James Morgan. The company purchases lumber at wholesale in the Chicago Harbor and sells in small lots to retailers.
Spring 1851 // At the tender age of 26, Mr. Hannah sails into Grand Traverse Bay for the first time and purchases approximately 200 acres of heavily timbered land and a mill from Captain Harry Boardman for $4.500.
1851 // Population is predicted as a sawdust town with 150 people.
January 1, 1852 // Mr. Hannah marries Anne Amelia Flint of New York, with whom he fathered three children.
1852 // Mr. Hannah builds a seasonal residence known as Mr. Hannah’s cottage on Bay Street and a new steam powered mill east of Union Street between the river and the Bayshore.
1856 // Mr. Hannah establishes the first official bank in the region known as the Banking House of Hannah. Later, the name would become Traverse City State Bank.
1859 // Mr. Hannah builds the first of four wooden company retail stores, east of Union street on the banks of the river.
1860 // Mr. Hannah generously donates 40 acres of land on the east side of town for Oakwood Cemetery.
1860–1904 // Mr. Hannah donates land to virtually all churches and public agencies for public use.
1860 // The steam ships Allegany and City of Traverse transport lumber, passengers, supplies, and merchandise to and from Chicago.
1886 // Population of settlement reaches 2,663.
1872 // Mr. Hannah shepherds the construction of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, the first connection to Traverse City from what is now Walton Junction.
d1870 // Mr. Hannah purchases the Campbell House, renovating and doubling its size and renaming it the Park Place as a hotel for the growing tourism. In 1930 Floyd Clinch, son in-law of Tracy Lay, demolishes the original Campbell House and builds the nine-story Park Place Hotel Tower we see today.
1883 // Mr. Hannah builds the elegant Hannah Lay Mercantile at the corner of Front and Union Streets, the largest and best stocked department store north of Grand Rapids. Today it houses Boyne Country Sports, many businesses and third floor luxury condominiums.
1885 // Mr. Hannah was instrumental in the selection of Traverse City as the Northern Michigan Asylum location. In 1885 its first structure, the 400,000 Square foot Building 50 is completed. Ensuring employment and growth in the area for years to come.
1891–1893 // Mr. and Mrs. Hannah build their elegant retirement home at 105 Sixth street at a cost of $35–40,000.
1900 // City population reaches 9,407.
1903 // New Traverse City State Bank is built at the corner of Front and Union Streets. Today it is the Fifth Third Bank.
August 16, 1904 // Mr. Hannah passes away at home on Sixth Street at the age of 79 of a stroke. Son Julius assumes leadership of the company. He and his wife Elsie occupy the mansion, they have no children.
1910 // City Population reaches 12,115.
Uninterrupted growth, a strong economy, and meticulous attention to neighborhood and landmark architectural design might best describe Mr. Hannah’s vision for the Grand Traverse Region from the time he arrived in 1851 until he died in 1904. He left a great legacy to be proud of. Traverse City is the hidden gem in the north where everyone dreams to call home. We couldn’t possibly fit all of his accomplishments in one feature. So we encourage you to purchase the beautiful book, Perry Hannah’s Gifts Then and Now by Peg Jonkhoff and Fred Hoisington to experience the story in full. Locally available at Horizon Books. It’s hot off the press in its third edition.
University of Michigan Stadium (The Big House) Ann Arbor Michigan, October 2022
by Tyler Leipprandt of Michigan Sky MediaThis rival game shot of MSU vs. U of M has been on my bucket list for quite some time. This is the 2nd night game in 114 years between these two teams. Four hours before the game, I found out that the Coast Guard was doing the flyover, which is special because I had the opportunity to fly with the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City last week in their MH-60 Jayhawk. .You have no idea how hard this shot was to align. If you look closely at centerfield, is the Coast Guard’s H-65 helicopter directly inside the block M!
I have dreamed of getting this shot, and seconds before I did, I thought I blew the opportunity. The wind shifted and pushed the helicopter so the landing skids covered up the middle of the field. At that moment, I made a quick decision to move my camera angle between the helicopter and the skids. I held the shutter down and prayed. Huge props to @myflighttours and Kory! Seconds later, I scrolled through my camera to see what I captured and was ecstatic! You can purchase this print on my website.
POPS OF
PROJECT HOME
DESIGN TRENDS
What a change to our homes a pandemic can bring! Before the events of 2020, most of the population was gravitating towards minimalist: bright white and gray tones, and smaller footprints in our homes.
Spending time indoors, with our entire family, trying to work while other family members were trying to “attend” school, balance of space became a very large challenge. Open floor plans did not lend themselves for private Zoom or team meetings. Children trying to learn via a computer screen needed space that was safe from distraction. This has brought larger homes back into the forefront. Separate office spaces, lofts for learning, and separate spaces for TV watching or gaming have become a priority.
The incredibly stark and crisp white palette is also waning. Warm wood and colorful painted tones are returning to architectural elements like casework, interior trim and doors, tile and paint. Blush tones and brass continue to be popular, but offset with dark greens, blues, and warm woods. Counter surfaces are changing to materials like soapstone or wood. Quartz tops are still desirable due to their low maintenance antimicrobial properties. The manufactures are responding with expanded design options like a larger color pallet, matte finishes, and in some products like Cambria, introducing texture to their offerings. Darker, warmer, softer is a more frequent theme now. Tiles are colorful, textural, and patterned. Contrasting grouts, hand-glazed, hand-made, more personal, and less neutral or generic is the current trend for spaces. The idea of softer and more inviting spaces is recognized by international brands for the color trends of 2023.
If you are wanting to warm up and personalize your spaces, you are not alone. A new color palette that includes color, might be just what’s needed!
magic PURE MICHIGAN
Atop a bluff sits a home that has arguably the best views of Harbor Springs and Little Traverse Bay. It’s a striking, regal house that is a blend of classic up-north cabin and a clean, modern feel, everything the homeowners dreamed of. “We’ve got a piece of art,” one of the homeowners said.
WRITTEN BY HANNAH RYDER CERYS-ANNE PHOTOGRAPHYIN 2014,
the husband-and-wife duo drove up from their home in Toledo, Ohio, and visited friends in Harbor Springs. They were treated to a driving tour and were taken to the bluff, where a 100-yearold home sat on what was christened “the best view in Harbor Springs.” In less than 48 hours, the decision had been made—Harbor Springs was a magical place, so magical that the pair wanted a piece of it for themselves. “It rained the entire time and the leaves had already changed. But six months later, we signed the papers for the house on the bluff,” the homeowner shared.
They purchased the old house with plans to renovate, but four different architects warned them of potential issues in executing their dream home. Instead of unearthing any hazards, the couple decided to start from scratch. In 2018, their dedicated team of craftspeople began the two-anda-half-year journey to create the couple’s custom dream home.
A lot of hands were involved in crafting that dream. Fred Ball, the homeowners’ architect, recommended Miller, Poineau & Naumes (mPn). The homeowners were drawn to the dedication to craftsmanship and the fact the mPn was home to a woodshop. “They took great pride in their work, and it shows,” the homeowner said. “Fred’s plans were complicated, and there were parts of the build that weren’t easy, but they worked at it until it came out perfect.”
“Perfect” is putting it mildly; the exterior is a study in geometry. The roof flares with sharp lines and culminates in hidden junctures, making the entirety of the house look seamless. “There’s a detail in every corner. I like to show guests where all the corners come together outside by the three French doors. There isn’t a straight line,” the homeowner shared. Eaves and gables catch the eye but come together in such a way that is careful and unique. Out of the defined lines rises a stone chimney, crafted by local masons and integrated to the home by the carpenters. “It really is amazing.”
“The exterior is a study in geometry. There’s a detail in every corner.”
INSIDE,
the house opens up, a vision in white bathed in natural light from the numerous windows. “Every room except the basement and mudroom has a view of the water,” the homeowner said. The large stones in the fireplace in the living room and sunroom give the white motif a rustic edge, alongside strong wood accents, angular light fixtures, muted patterns and colors, and hints of hand-forged metal.
Vaulted ceilings and exposed beams draw the eye up, making the home look even larger and taller. “The house might look big, but it’s incredibly cozy,” the homeowner said.
“The house might look big, buts it’s incredibly cozy.”
FORMand function coexist throughout the space beautifully. Metal touches are quietly bold throughout, all thanks to Greg Melms, a metalsmith the homeowners had worked with before in Toledo. The outside arch, pot rack, range hood, newel post caps, and little details on the kitchen cabinets and the balusters make the home sparkle in small ways. “He’s so precise with his work, and everybody loved him,” the homeowner remembered. “Fred envisioned all this metal throughout the house. I had worked with Greg before, and I knew he was just right for the job.”
The real entertaining and time spent is outside on the covered front porch that offers the best views of the bay.
“We had to have a front porch big enough for a dining room table so we could eat outside and enjoy the view,” the homeowner said, who is a fan of both cooking and enjoying the outdoors.
THE main home features only two bedrooms, but another bedroom can be found in the carriage house above the garage that features the same lines. Having a small number of bedrooms in the main house allows more square footage for common areas and exciting extras, like the gym and the wine cellar that is stocked mainly with French and California reds. “We usually drink Burgundy,” the homeowner shared. “Kelly Konoske at Cottage Company Interiors selected performance fabrics for the furniture. Within the first week of moving, I spilled an entire glass of red wine on a completely white chair in the living room. We freaked out, but I remembered Kelly said it was performance fabric, so I ran to get a towel. After patting it, it was gone! Anything that gets on there comes right off.”
“Every room, except for the basement and mudroom, has a view of the water.”
“The wine cellar is stocked with mainly French and California reds.”
THOUGHthe pair enjoys time inside, they especially enjoy relaxing and entertaining in the screened porch. “Neither of us had had a screened-in porch before, so we weren’t sure we’d use it often, but it’s one of our favorite rooms. It’s so nice to be in there, especially when it’s raining and the church bells start ringing. It’s pretty spectacular!” Furniture is suspended from the ceiling and is gathered near one of the home’s stone fireplaces, giving it the quintessential porch feel.
homeowner’s current full-time residence in Houston, Texas. It’s a mix of both states: a glimmering Lone Star contrasting with the earth tones of the locally sourced rocks that line the front yard and sidewalk. “I’m working on getting some sort of ivy on the arch,” the homeowner said. It’s a warm welcome that gives visitors a taste of what awaits.
The pair couldn’t be happier with the people who worked to make their wish list a reality. “They’re a talented group. We’re really good friends with Fred Ball and his wife, and we see people from mPn for small projects around the house,” the homeowner shared. Everyone from the architect, carpentry team, interior designer, kitchen designer, and metalsmith turned the home on the bluff into an eyecatching home that’s both practical and majestic. “They were all incredibly talented. We’re just so pleased with the final product,” the homeowner gushed. “There’s not a single square inch of this house not touched by love.”
Upon retirement, the couple plans on living in Harbor Springs and heading back to Texas after the new year to escape the chilly breeze whipping off the bay until spring. They couldn’t be happier to bask in the magic of northern Michigan and their piece of heaven on the bluff. “It’s amazing,” the homeowner said. “It’s really amazing.”
DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS TREE
THEN
Christmas Tree 200 Block of E. Front Street looking NW, circa 1924
DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY CHRISTMAS TREE
NOW
Downtown Christmas Tree 200 Block E. Front Street
Old Mission Art
by Brad ReedAfter spending a wonderful night on Old Mission Peninsula with one of my dad’s best life-long friends, Andy Gaines, and his wife Wendy, we spotted this scene alongside the road the next morning. As we often do, we pulled over and I hopped out to build a picture I have always dreamed about making.
D7000, F22 at 1/40, ISO 100, 70-200mm lens at 185mm