Lakeside

Lakeside Legacy

New Shingle-style home in northern Michigan is a perfect gathering place for this family, now and into the future

BY KHRISTI S. ZIMMETH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES HAEFNER

This page: Varied roof lines give the home a unique look from different perspectives. Opposite page: The home’s design makes the most of beachfront vistas.

ven the best-laid plans can change. The owners of this breathtaking new build on an inland lake in northern Michigan had just finalized plans to renovate their existing cottage when “an amazing and virtually untouched wooded and large property on the same lake came up for sale,” explains Birmingham-based architect Brian Neeper. Neeper, who worked with builder Jamie Cracchiolo of Joseph Philip Craig Custom Homes and the homeowner on both projects, quickly switched gears from a design tailored to the existing property to one that would do justice to the new site.

The homeowners’ goals were not only to create a place that would serve as a current gathering spot and getaway for their family, but one that also could function as a gift to future generations. Designing a long-lasting retreat and one that would make the most of lake vistas and the lot’s connection to the beach were top priorities. “With any lake house, it’s all about the water view and how the home captures the assets of the site,” Neeper says.

The home’s large and heavily wooded hillside site may be enviable, but it wasn’t always easy to work with, the architect explains. The clients’ wish for a design with a strong beachfront connection required a driveway to be cut through an existing and previously impassible wooded bluff that dropped nearly 50 feet to an open meadow — and, eventually, to the beach. “The major challenges usually turn out to be the driving forces of a dynamic and unique design,” Neeper says. “In this case, it was the raw nature and terrain.”

Neeper’s imaginative solution included building two flanking four-car garage wings that act as retaining walls and create a motor court entry into the home’s main level. “The circulation spine (linear hallway) and service spaces are connected along the motor court as the plan spreads out along the lake, optimizing an open connection, visually and physically, toward the beach,” he explains.

Northern Michigan vacations provided the inspiration for the 12,700-square-foot

residence’s architectural choice, a relaxed Shingle style that unifies the design inside and out. Exterior materials include both traditional siding and rustic stone from three Michigan quarries. “The architecture and materials are symbolic of the strength of tradition,” Neeper says. “The rough textures and earthen hues set a distinct contrast to the Victorian qualities of the Shingle-style forms.” The site design also depends heavily on natural ledge stone quarried from the Upper Peninsula to retain the earth along the drives, walks, and home perimeter, Neeper explains. “The stone is the primary element of strength that anchors the home to this site.”

Inside, blue and gray tones punctuated with ivory and other neutrals provide a restful and relaxing palette and are another nod to the nearby lake, according to designer Tina Cracchiolo, of Craig & Co., and mother of builder Jamie Cracchiolo. The elegant yet easygoing East Coast-inspired style can be seen in the open living area and kitchen on the main floor, and in the home’s four bedrooms, seven baths, and two bunkrooms, which are built into the home’s sloping roof and are meant for the young and young at heart. Views can be had from all living and sleeping areas.

Tradition and timelessness are recurring themes. “The owners wanted the

This page: Rough textures are a contrast to the home’s Victorian qualities. The view to the water is oustanding.

Opposite page:

Rustic stone from Michigan quarries adorns a stairwell.

The architecture and materials are symbolic of the strength of tradition.

— BRIAN NEEPER

house to look like it had been there a long time,” the designer explains. That goal also drove some material choices, including scraped vintage-looking wood flooring and classic molding that includes a circular coffered ceiling and paneling in the front staircase, and paneling and coffers in the lower-level bar, which also showcases a custom built-in shuffleboard table. “Cottage-style interiors are reinforced through the millwork, which was designed to provide a casual and comfortable feel with a familiarity of the past,” the architect adds. Builder Jamie Cracchiolo, who worked with his mother on the interiors and his brother on the landscaping, was often onsite during the construction process, he says. “I lived on the road for two and a half years,” he admits, adding: “The winters were very challenging.” Neeper credits Cracchiolo with being “not only the builder, but also an invaluable partner throughout the entire process.”

Cracchiolo, who grew up on Lake Angelus, says he can relate to the project’s family focus and to the homeowners’ unexpected yet serendipitous decision to change plans midstream, even if it meant starting from scratch. “In the end, the lake is everything,” he says.

This page: “In the end, the lake is everything,” says builder Jamie Cracchiolo. And this is one of the prettiest. Opposite page: The site design features natural ledge stone to retain the earth along the drives, walks, and home perimeter.

This page: Designer Tina Cracchiolo created a feel of tradition and timelessness in the getaway’s interiors. Opposite page: The home looks extrabeautiful at night.

BUYER’S GUIDE

ARCHITECT

Brian Neeper, Brian Neeper Architecture,

Birmingham, brianneeper.com

BUILDER

Jamie Cracchiolo, Joseph Phillip Craig

Custom Homes Inc., Troy, jpcraighomebuilders.com

BEDROOM, MASTER

Armchairs – Uttermost Bedframe – Taylor King Bench – Taylor King Chests, Bedside – Hooker Furniture Table, Decorative – Uttermost Flooring – Hand-Scraped Walnut, Everlast

Floors, Troy Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Ozark Shadows

COMMON ROOM

Armchairs – Rowe Bar Stools – Jessica Charles Centerpiece, Table – Hooker Furniture Chairs, Dining – Hooker Furniture Chandelier – Baldwin, Hudson Valley Lighting,

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery,

Troy Fireplace – Custom Lake Blend, Bay Harbor

Stone, Capital Stoneworks, Bridgeport Flooring – Hand-Scraped Walnut, Everlast

Floors, Troy Rugs – Imagine Palmas, Felt Gray Sofa, White – Rowe Furniture Table, Coffee – Union Home Furniture Table, Dining – Hooker Furniture Table, Display – Mercana Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Ozark Shadows

STUDY

Armchairs – Rowe Furniture Bookcases, Paint Color – Sherwin-Williams,

Lace Custom Blend Flooring – Hand-Scraped Walnut, Everlast

Floors, Troy Rug – Imagine Palmas, Felt Gray Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Ozark Shadows

EXTERIOR

Driveway and Walkway – Exposed Aggregate,

Kwall Blend Exterior Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Resilience;

Shingle Siding, Peppercorn Fireplaces – Custom Lake Blend, Bay Harbor

Stone, Capital Stoneworks, Bridgeport Garage Doors – Carriage House Doors,

Birmingham Door Co., Troy Patio – Gauge Bluestone Plumbing Fixtures – Brizo Rock Work – Superior Blue Boulders, Upper

Peninsula; Installation, Northern Impressions, Troy Roofing – Synthetic Slate with Copper Turrets,

DaVinci Roofscapes Siding – Shingle Siding, James Hardie, Stairs and Balcony – Northern Staircase Co.,

Pontiac Stone – Custom Lake Blend, Bay Harbor

Stone, Capital Stoneworks, Bridgeport Trim – Azek Exteriors Trim Color – Weather Shield, White, Custom

Color Match Windows – Weather Shield

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS

Interior Design - Tina Cracchiolo, Craig & Co.,

Troy, interiorsbycraigandcompany.com Landscaping – David Cracchiolo, Northern

Impressions, Troy

Scenic Byway

Beach towns preserve Old West Michigan Pike’s rich history of motor touring

By Sally Hallan Laukitis

I f you think about it, Detroit automotive pioneer Henry Ford actually helped launch the Pure Michigan marketing campaign more than 100 years ago. After he built his first car in 1896, motor touring quickly became one of America’s favorite pastimes, and visitors flocked to the Great Lakes State in their new cars to discover its natural beauty and waterfront charms. Even locals began branching out to explore more of their home state.

As car ownership skyrocketed, conversations soon turned to building a scenic trunkline along the Lake Michigan coastline to connect New Buffalo, near the Indiana state line, with Mackinaw City some 400 miles to the north. Excited supporters talked about the boon a well-built road would be for the waterfront communities along the way. To help the cause, the slogan “Lake Shore All the Way Chicago to Mackinaw” was introduced to lure more vacationers from the Windy City to Michigan. In 1911, the hard work of building a touring route began.

The first promotional West Michigan Pike tour in 1913 started in St. Joseph, with the hope of ending in Mackinaw City. However, according to the history book “Vintage Views Along the West Michigan Pike,” once the caravan of cars reached Petoskey, they split up, with one group driving north to Pellston and the other heading around Little Traverse Bay to Harbor Springs. The next day they reunited in Petoskey — a happening town even back then, with a population of about 4,800 residents compared to roughly 5,800 by current counts.

While the caravan never made it to Mackinaw City, the point had been rendered that this was, indeed, a viable project. The work continued and the West Michigan Pike was finally completed in 1922. It became part of the federal highway system in 1926 and was renamed U.S. 31; today, it connects northern Michigan with southern Alabama.

Time Travelers: Fast-forward 90 years to 2016, when the Michigan Beachtowns Marketing Group, consisting of seven southwest Michigan visitor bureaus, succeeded in having a specific stretch of the

Explorers on the West Michigan Pike will want to stop in Grand Haven to see the captivating South Pierhead Lights.

old West Michigan Pike from New Buffalo to Silver Lake/Hart (south of Ludington) designated as a Pure Michigan Byway. It was a long process, but well worth the group’s collective efforts as the southwest region gained another valuable marketing feature to showcase Pure Michigan’s sunset side.

Communities involved in the Beachtowns group include St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, South Haven, Saugatuck/Douglas, Holland, Grand Haven/Spring Lake, Muskegon, and Silver Lake Sand Dunes/Hart.

While each of these communities oozes with its own distinct personality, they all share three amazing traits: sugar-sand beaches, towering sand dunes, and majestic Lake Michigan.

Hop into your favorite vehicle and explore the beautiful little coastal communities you can visit along the celebrated West Michigan Pike. To help you plan your trip, here’s a collection of my Beachtown favorite attractions.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes/Hart: With 2,000 acres of sand dunes, beaches, and the Little Sable Lighthouse, you’ll definitely want to stop at Silver Lake State Park. If you’re not up for climbing one of the magnificent dunes, check out the Mac Woods Dune Rides, a 90-year-old tourist attraction. A knowledgeable driver will take you on a fun-filled, seven-mile ride through the dunes. You’ll also want to swing by John Gurney Park in Hart, one of the first overnight car parks on the West Michigan Pike.

Muskegon: To truly get a flavor of the West Michigan Pike, a must-see is a Pike marker located in Muskegon. These markers guided early travelers along the Pike, but very few remain today. In stark contrast, you’ll also want to check out the City Built on Timber sculpture at Heritage Landing, site of the 2016 West Michigan Pike Pure Michigan Byway designation ceremony. This contemporary sculpture honors Muskegon’s history as a lumber town.

Grand Haven/Spring Lake: Make sure you visit Grand Haven State Park, historically known as The Oval. Weather-permitting, take a walk on the pier adjacent to the state park — home to Grand Haven’s

brilliant red lighthouse and matching red foghorn building (built in 1875). If you’re in town at dusk, head to the musical fountain at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, where you’ll be treated during the summer to a light and water show that’s synchronized to music (depending on COVID restrictions).

Holland: For a change of pace, tour DeZwaan, the only authentic imported Dutch windmill in the United States. Brought over from the Netherlands in 1964, this 260-year-old grain-grinding working mill sits on 36 acres of beautifully manicured grounds bursting with more than 100,000 tulips each spring, and stunning annuals and perennials in the summer. A guided tour includes the mill’s fifth floor, where you’ll see the huge grindstones and learn how the winds blowing off Lake Michigan are harnessed to grind locally sourced winter wheat into flour.

Saugatuck/Douglas: The must-see “Pike stop” here is the award-winning Oval Beach. Accolades include Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 25 Beaches in the World,” National Geographic Traveler’s “Top Freshwater Beaches in the USA,” and MTV’s “Top 5 Beaches in the USA.” Climb the dunes, pack a picnic lunch, or grab a bite at the beach’s concession stand. Don’t forget to catch a jaw-dropping sunset over Lake Michigan before heading into town for the night.

South Haven: Walk the length of the wharf to the South Pier Lighthouse. This iconic landmark boasts a vibrant red base and a 1,200-foot catwalk (one of only four in Michigan). Built in 1903 to replace the original 1872 lighthouse, the steel structure was electrified in 1923 with a 200-watt bulb that still operates. The lighthouse is the city’s most recognizable symbol, so plan to take some photos in front of it as the sun dips below the Lake Michigan horizon.

St. Joseph/Benton Harbor: Be sure to check out Silver Beach in downtown St. Joseph. This county park has a beautiful Lake Michigan swimming beach, beach wheelchair rentals, barrier-free walkways, a concession stand, grills, picnic tables, a playground for the kids, and beach volleyball courts. Adjacent to the beach is the Silver Beach Carousel. You’ll definitely want to take a spin! The carousel recorded its one-millionth rider in 2017.

While those are just a sampling of top picks from my many years as head of the Holland Visitors Bureau, I’m always discovering something new when I cruise old West Michigan Pike country. It’s rejuvenating to travel the back roads, and so much easier today than it was back in the early 1900s.

With that in mind, I invite you to think about leaving your worries behind and grabbing someone special to “Take the Lakeshore All the Way.” Just like those motor touring adventurers of the past, make your own memories by experiencing the stunning beauty and diversity of these coastal West Michigan towns. You’ll be delighted by what you find beyond the mile markers.

“A City Built on Timber” is located in Muskegon at the entrance to Heritage Landing. Sculpture by Erik and Israel Nordin.

PLAN IT! Michigan Beachtowns michiganbeachtowns.org

Welcome Spring with a Well-Earned Getaway

TTHE SOUNDS OF BIRDS CHIRPING in the early morning, patches of green peeking out in formerly snowcovered landscapes, the air warming as the sun wakes earlier and retires later — it all means spring is in full swing in Michigan, and it’s perhaps never been more meaningful than in 2021. A sense of hope fills our hearts and energizes us as we begin anew.

For many of us, our first thoughts have to do with travel. After a year of uncertainty and personal sacrifice, what better way to emerge than to treat yourself to a proper getaway? Take some time to escape from your usual surroundings; it’s a moment to breathe, rejuvenate, and simply enjoy. Where to? Residents of the Great Lakes State don’t need to go far; there are plenty of destinations right in our own backyard where adventure, relaxation, recreation, and indulgence await — from the lakeshore to Up North to bustling cities and quaint townships. This season, stay close to home and take in everything our beautiful communities have to offer!

The Lilley Mansion

TTHERE WAS A TIME when the small community of Spring Lake was considered only an access point to Grand Haven; it was a place to drive through, but not stop and linger. That’s changed over the past few years, as more restaurants, cafés, and boutiques have moved into town. Today, the unveiling of Epicurean Village is on the horizon, but the most remarkable development is Lilley Mansion, a newly opened luxury B&B and upscale event space. Locals will remember the mansion’s move from its original location to where it rests today, just steps away from the Grand River waterfront. A historic mansion parading down Savidge Street is unforgettable in itself, but even that doesn’t compare to the complete transformation the home has undergone since. Proprietors Patrick Roggenbau and Robert Lopez are responsible for its grandeur, having decorated and furnished every room with their own exquisite tastes as inspiration.

“At Lilley Mansion, we’re welcoming people into our lifestyle — how we eat, what we read, the elements of art, décor, and landscaping we like to surround ourselves with,” Roggenbau says. “That’s the difference between us and a hotel; it’s an experience in itself.”

The mansion features four lavishly appointed suites with spacious bathrooms, each with a soaking tub and shower, aromatherapy infusers, and premium toiletries. Overnight guests are treated to a gourmet breakfast that can be served in-room or in the bright, airy breakfast parlor. A sip of the signature coffee blend, Lilley Blue, is just the way to welcome the day.

Also available as an event space and community hub for weddings, receptions, anniversaries, and business meetings, Lilley Mansion has a commercial kitchen and can accommodate groups small and large, up to 160 people.

“This level of elegance and splendor doesn’t really exist in West Michigan,” Lopez says. “It’s unexpected. We keep an eye on the details and our guests get completely pampered here.”

THE LILLEY MANSION

113 S. Division St. Spring Lake, MI 49456 616-843-6558