CLASSIC COTTAGES of Walloon PART FOUR

By Lauren Macintyre

MOIRA HILL FARM CAROL CAWTHRA HOPCRAFT, OWNER

M-75 North

Perched majestically on a hill overlooking the Foot is elegant Moira House, a stunning example of Victorian splendor. Begun in 1900 by the pioneering Jordan family, the house sits on a working farm celebrated for its prize livestock, dairy, corn and wheat. Henry Simpson “Harry” Jordan of Grand Rapids, founder of the Michigan Chair Company and a founder and first president of the Walloon Lake Association, came to the lake in the 1870’s and by 1881 had established the farm. Later the original farmhouse was moved, and the splendid mansion constructed. Henry’s grandson Jordan Cawthra was a world class sailor closely associated with the development of the Walloon 17 sailboat. Today, Moira Hill Farm, which retains many of its Victorian features, is lovingly cared for by Henry’s great granddaughter Carol Cawthra Hopcraft. Carol has recently written a fascinating book entitled Moira Hill Farm, featuring never before seen vintage photographs of Walloon, which is now available.

BEDLAM MANOR BUNNY MARQUARDT, OWNER North

Shore Drive

This lovely house not far from the Village reflects the era when many of the finest houses on Walloon were found on North Shore Drive. Believed to have been built around 1900, it was owned by several notable lake families such as the Spindlers, Suppigers and Lundells before Bunny and Bob Marquardt bought it in 1978. The Marquardt’s made two seamless additions to the house to increase its number of bedrooms to five. The bright, airy kitchen features a custom-painted backspace depicting the house and the family. Antique furniture, woodwork and light fixtures, including one her son found snorkeling in the lake, adorn the interior. The stunning wraparound porch features Bunny’s extensive collection of vintage wicker and gives her the perfect place to relax from her busy, busy schedule of community activities!

CHARMWOOD JOHN & KRISTIN PARENT, OWNERS North

Shore Drive

Sitting high on a hill with a glorious view of the main body of the lake is this stunning North Shore cottage. Although the exact age of the cottage is unknown, the deed for the land dates to 1884. Owned for many years by the Carson, then Barrett families, this expansive five-bedroom house was purchased in 1977 by Robert and Katherine Higginbotham. The Higginbothams built a one-story master suite addition in the 1980’s. Much larger than most cottages of that era, its interior decor features beautiful woodwork, paintings, antique furniture, original sconces and hanging light fixtures. The original kitchen house on the grounds is now a guest house. Lovingly preserved by the Higginbothams, today Charmwood is owned by their daughter Kristin and husband John Parent, owners of the Walloon Junction.

KUNAWAH SCOTT & SUSANNA BYRAM, OWNERS Country

Club Shores

The longtime home of the Downing family is one of a cluster of vintage cottages south of the country club, where some of Walloon’s oldest families settled. The back portion of this cottage dates to the 1890’s; the front portion was added in 1924 by the Downings. William Chappell Downing and wife Louise brought their family to Walloon from Richmond, IN. Still preserved on a wall in the cottage is an interesting pencil notation from 1899 regarding the likelihood of catching fish in the lake! A smaller cottage on the grounds called the “Beehive” was used as a playhouse, according to Ann Downing Booth, William’s granddaughter, who visits every summer. Today the much-loved cottage with its authentic features is owned by Ann’s nephew, Dr. Scott Byram, great grandson of William Downing, and his wife Dr. Susanna Byram.

HILLSIDE HOUSE PHIL & RACHEL THORNTON, OWNERS

Forest Lane

Well-known builder Ben Ellis designed this cozy, charming cottage built in Wildwood Harbor in 1938 for Dr. Herman “Frenchy” Thornton, professor of French at Oberlin College, and wife Winifred. One of many college families from Oberlin to summer in Wildwood, the Thorntons, including son Phil and daughter Sue, rented nearby before building on the site of the old Breen cottage. At one time the Thorntons owned thirteen lots on the lane. Over the years, the cottage has been enlarged by adding two bedrooms and a family room and enclosing the porch to expand the living room. The beautiful, finished woodwork in the cottage was done by well-known local craftsman Irv Burns. Today, Phil, a noted sailor and supporter of Walloon Sailors, Inc., and wife Rachel enjoy Hillside House along with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

CAMP WALLOON JOHN & LINDA CLEMENTS, OWNERS

North Shore Drive

This storied cottage on North Shore was home to bicycle and automobile magnate Henry Hearsey and wife Nellie, who arrived at Walloon in 1897. The Hearsey family, which owned the cottage until the 1950’s now includes the Adam, Jose and Colburn lines. This lovely Victorian cottage is now the home of John and Linda Clements, whose Indiana family also has deep Walloon roots, dating to 1933 when John’s grandfather Whitney McGuire bought the cottage next door. Frances McGuire Clements Georgeson, John’s mother, grew up there before purchasing this charming cottage in 1964. The remarkably well-preserved cottage features a ginger breaded exterior with a hexagonal turret on the inviting lakeside porch. Pine paneling, shiplap and other vintage features adorn the interior, which includes four bedrooms, plus a small guest cottage.

BAYOU BANKS NORTH STEPHEN & DONNA BANKS, OWNERS

North Shore Drive

This meticulously renovated vintage cottage was built in 1906 by the celebrated Whitfield family. Originally a dark brown, one-story cottage called “Buena Vista,” a second story was added by Peirce & Mary Whitfield Erb about the time of the Mackinac Bridge completion. Interestingly, one of the beams used to support the second floor was an unused I-beam from the bridge. The cottage was eventually purchased in 1997 by the late Marilyn Banks Martin, a longtime Wallooner and well-known sculptor. Today, her son Stephen Banks and his wife Donna own the cottage, now painted a pristine white and featuring an airy, gracious interior with an enviable kitchen. Featured prominently in the decor are some of Marilyn’s stunning sculptures. The charm of the five-bedroom cottage is further enhanced by its picturesque, flower-filled lakefront and vintage bathhouse.