by Petula Brown

By Petula Brown

Over the course of my midwestern travels, I’ve developed a love/hate relationship with interstate highways. They provide an efficient means to reach a destination but lack the character of local byways. Rest stops are reliable, but the highway is a predictable excursion with few opportunities to embrace the unique cultures and gifts of smaller communities. So, I relished the chance to visit Onsted’s Greenleaf Mansion by way of Michigan

Steve and Diane Newell Avenue. Though very familiar with Ypsilanti and Saline, I reimagined the experience as a traveler whose only community exposure may be highway exit signs. The drive became a means to foster a stronger understanding of a village’s distinctive traits or a township’s historical significance. For me, that occurred driving through downtown Clinton, a village named in honor of former New York Governor DeWitt Clinton. Continuing through the Irish Hills, the serpentine road was a contrast from a straightforward highway path. While the drive to Greenleaf, located in the village of Onsted took less than an hour, I felt like I arrived in a simpler era for a respite from the 21st century.

A shared appreciation of antiques, which began with dates to antique shops prior to their 52-year marriage, means guests can expect to find distinctive features that aptly balance elegance, comfort, and novelty.

Greenleaf’s homage to the past is understandable given its origin as a farmhouse built in 1873 by its namesake, Charles Greenleaf. Its evolution as a bed and breakfast has been a labor of love orchestrated by innkeepers Steve and Diane Newell. They’ve owned the property for over 15 years and spent a decade completing renovations.

Greenleaf— A Southern Sanctuary

Steve’s experience as an appraiser and Diane’s skills as a professional chef were well suited to steward the Mansion’s journey. A shared appreciation of antiques, which began with dates to antique shops prior to their 52-year marriage, means guests can expect to find distinctive features that aptly balance elegance, comfort, and novelty.

The Mansion’s six accommodation options include three suites with private bathrooms and fireplaces.

Furniture throughout the Mansion proudly honors the site’s Victorian roots while serving as a backdrop to the Newell’s unique touches and eclectic finds. The tigerwood Murphy bed in the Traveler’s Room is a creative adaptation for a limited space. The penny floor bathroom within the Governor’s Suite is an artistic installation as well as a bold design choice. The Newell’s introduction of a bar in the veranda enhances the communal tone and serves as a useful amenity for social events. Coffee stations featuring Starbucks products adorn all rooms in lieu of phones and televisions. Plush robes provided to guests reinforce Greenleaf’s relaxed aura. The Mansion’s six accommodation options include three suites with private bathrooms and fireplaces, while three other rooms have shared bathrooms. Every room has distinctive features to set it apart.

Greenleaf’s dining room, adorned with a classic grandfather clock and the warm lighting of a shared chandelier, provides the ideal backdrop for Diane’s inspired breakfast offerings. To truly appreciate the character of Greenleaf, a tour with Steve is a must. You’ll discover the nods to the mansion’s farmhouse roots which complement the house’s tone of unpretentious luxury.

Though impressed by the relaxed elegance of the Mansion, I was drawn to the natural beauty of the mature landscaping surrounding Greenleaf. As master gardeners, the Newell’s have nurtured the property’s five acres. The vegetable garden’s bounty informs Diane’s culinary offerings. Several outdoor lounge areas provide room for group activities, but also options for individuals to have space for reading or reflection. Entering the tent-style gazebo, large enough to host yoga classes, was reminiscent of arriving at a modest sanctuary where guests can concentrate on inner wellness by minimizing external distractions. The recent addition of a rose garden not only provides a welcomed respite but has spiritual significance as a Newell family memorial. Beyond Greenleaf, visitors can explore regional wineries, visit the 654-acre Hayes State Park for hiking, boating, and fishing, tour Hidden Lake Gardens, shop at numerous antique stores along US-12, and seek out kettle lakes within the Irish Hills region.

Beyond Greenleaf, visitors can explore regional wineries, visit the 654-acre Hayes State Park for hiking, boating, and fishing, tour Hidden Lake Gardens, shop at numerous antique stores along US-12, and seek out kettle lakes within the Irish Hills region.

Nature’s tranquility, Greenleaf’s comforts, and the Newell’s warmth combine to create a welcoming retreat. The elegance of Victorian furniture and handpressed bed sheets are impressive. The variety of activities within and beyond Greenleaf’s five acres provide ample opportunities to experience and embrace the natural beauty of southeastern Michigan. The unique flair of Diane’s culinary gifts (and ability to accommodate dietary needs), Steve’s antique finds (visit with Miscellaneous—an artistic installation in the office—during your stay) and their 50+ year relationship (chronicled in an endearing photo album) gives Greenleaf a character that’s an extension of the owners’ personas—creative, cozy, and classic.