We actually passed through Charlevoix on our last move, so the drive was familiar and not far at all. It had a quaint little touristy downtown area with so many fudge shops and T-shirt shops and bars and restaurants. It had a really good vibe and was interesting to walk around. The boats docked along the water told us there was some money in this town.
What? Another Cherry Republic. I wanted to see if their chocolate covered cherries were up to par, but the store was closed until the 7th of June. I guess I know where we will be next Thursday!
The view from the drawbridge included some of the prettiest blue waters we have seen since we were at Crater Lake National Park.
The Charlevoix South Pierhead Light, also known as the Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse, still housed the original lens in the lantern. The water was so crystal clear you would have thought we were looking in a swimming pool. The color had me thinking the bottom of the lake was somehow painted blue. Boats pass through this channel to reach Lake Charlevoix.
Every shade of blue-green in the cyan color range is represented.
One of the most famous attractions in Charlevoix is the collection of homes built by Earl Young. His use of thatched roofing prompted them to be known as "Mushroom Houses". We passed the house below on the street leading out to the pierhead light. Apparently, that is real thatch imported from England and it only lasts about six years before it must be replaced. I suspect this is probably the most photographed home in Charlevoix as there was an almost continuous stream of lookie-loos passing by.
The house below was actually the second home Earl built for himself. We found out later the house is currently listed at $895,000. The interior views showed it had not been updated since the 50's so you would have to consider it a "fixer-upper".
This house (below) was my favorite. It was a ranch with a million dollar view of Lake Michigan. The 2,400 sq ft, 3 bedroom, 4 bath house was listed at $2.99M, so maybe that was a two and a half million dollar view of the lake. The interior was nicely updated and move in ready, but we're not ready to settle just yet. When we do, I sure would like to be surrounded with such beautifully intricate stonework.
I captured a few pictures from Zillow that show the interior of this very special house.
Earl Young's homes were clearly more works of art than homes. He certainly was a master craftsman building with stone.
This far north in June, the days are so long that Sam and I both needed a nap after our tour of Charlevoix.
This is Sam's "happy place," perched atop David's beating heart.
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