Realty Round Up: Harbor Springs Township, Michigan

Driving again! This time I am heading to Northern Michigan (about 4 hours north of Pentwater) to the Harbor Springs area. I grew up vacationing in Northern Michigan so I am rather excited about this trip. I am going to be in and around the Little Traverse Bay area so I thought I would select Harbor Springs Township to feature. The town of Harbor Springs, sits at the south end of the township with Cross Village marking the northern edge. The "Tunnel of Trees" as it is called connects the two with views of Lake Michigan visible almost the whole 20 mile stretch. Cross Village is home to the famous Legs Inn, an authentic Polish restaurant family owned and operated for over 90 years, and is well worth the drive. Harbor Springs, which is just a ten minute drive from my family's vacation home, is a beautiful small town that comes alive during the summer months. Some of my almost favorite local attractions are:

- Tom's Mom's Cookies - I will be sure to enjoy some fresh out of their oven and bring a dozen home!
- The Outfitter - the go to store for all your outdoor needs
- American Spoon Foods - amazing for all things jarred.

House #1: $0 - $250,000

information and images via Zillow

This recently renovated home has a great location with just a ten minute drive to downtown Harbor and access to 250' of Lake Michigan beachfront. Other features include: a finished basement, a carriage house and lots of cottage charm.

House #2: $250,000 - $500,000

information and images via Zillow

The view from this home is definitely its main selling point however it also has other great attributes such as an updated kitchen, lots of bedrooms, and 100' of beachfront access. 

House #3: $500,000 - $750,000

information and images via Zillow

This home is located just north of Cross Village and is completely new construction. It sits on the beach with amazing views out to the lake from almost every room. Another bonus is its large lot size.

House #4: $750,000 - $1,000,000

information and images via Zillow

This historic home basically has it all. A very convenient location to Harbor, a view and direct and easy access to the lake. It has also a guest cottage which would be great for large gatherings.  

Happy Friday! 

Realty Round Up: Pentwater, Michigan

We are on the road again, this time for Jeff's family reunion. We left Wednesday evening stopping in Chicago for the night before proceeding Thursday morning up the west side of Michigan to the town of Pentwater. Pentwater is a two hour drive from Grand Rapids and is just about as picturesque as summer towns in Michigan get. Year round the town's population is very small (around 850 people) but in the summer the village swells with vacationers primarily from the Chicago and Detroit metro areas. One of the main draws to the area is that there is access to both the "big lake" - Lake Michigan and the "little lake" - Pentwater Lake. This gives people the best of both worlds - great beaches on the big lake with all the activities of a small lake. Some of my favorite local attractions are:
- House of Flavors - amazing ice cream!
- The Brown Bear - some crazy large burgers
- Cottage Garden Cafe - really yummy breakfast

House #1: $0 - $250,000

information and images via Zillow

This is a true fixer upper - it doesn't even list number of bathrooms. However, it has such great original charm and is close to town and the beach. So many possibilities with this one!

 House #2: $250,000 - $500,000

information and images via Zillow

This house sits on an amazing lot with direct access to Lake Michigan. I love the big screened porch for those buggy summer nights and how this home is sited amongst the trees. 

House #3: $500,000 - $750,000

information and images via Zillow

This house sits on Pentwater Lake and would be a boat lover's dream. I personally enjoy the use of cedar shake and all the windows.  

House #4: $750,000 - $1,000,000

information and images via Zillow

This home had very few pictures and little description. However, you can still tell what an amazing house it is/could be. I can only imagine the amazing views and how much privacy you would have.  

Hope everyone has a relaxing weekend! 

Realty Round Up: Glen Ellyn, Illinois

As I mentioned last week, we were in the Chicagoland area this past weekend for a wedding (Congrats Ryan and Dana!). The wedding took place out near Joliet (for those of you who are familiar) with supporting events in the western suburbs near where Jeff grew up and where his parents still live. So I thought I would pick Glen Ellyn for this week's Realty Round Up . I have been to Glen Ellyn several times but usually just to catch a train into the city. Even though my visits are very quick,  I always notice all the cute homes and streets that surround the main town area. 

Glen Ellyn is located roughly 25 miles west of Chicago. The town is situated near Lake Ellyn, once a popular vacation spot for city dwellers, and has 29 parks, the Willowbrook Wildlife Preserve and access to the Illinois Prairie Path. It is known for having some of the best schools in Illinois making it a highly desirable suburb to live in. College of DuPage, the second largest provider of undergraduate education in Illinois with 26,000, is also located in Glen Ellyn. Local attractions include:
- Waterleaf Restaurant - located in the hospitality center at the College of DuPage, we had an outstanding meal here for this past Father's Day.
- Glen Prairie - I haven't tried this place but it looks very yummy with a locally sourced menu and appreciation for naturally grown products.
- Flour + Wine - this place looks really fun with a focus on wood-oven pizzas and wine. 

House #1: $0 - $250,000

information and images via Zillow

This house has nice curb appeal that could be easily enhanced with just a bit of landscaping. It also seems to make good use of space and has two full baths which is often a rarity for a house of this size. 

House #2: $250,000 - $500,000

information and images via Zillow

I love the exterior of this house and just look at all those windows! Also the location seems rather ideal as it is just a short walk to downtown Glen Ellyn. I also really like the small living area right off the kitchen. 

House #3: $500,000 - $750,000

information and images via Zillow

Barely coming in on budget, this home screams stateliness. It has a great location, beautiful historic detailing and a large backyard so basically positives all around.  

House #4: $750,000 - $1,000,000

information and images via Zillow

This home is not a walking distance to town but is actually in town which is pretty great. It also has a ridiculous master bedroom and bath, a completely finished basement and a wine cellar. 

Happy weekend!