The Garden Peninsula extends 21 miles south into Lake Michigan. Its waters create a climate as mild as mid-Michigan, suitable even for sweet and tart cherries, apricots, and of course gardens. 50 or more variety of apples are grown here commercially, and much of the peninsula is farming land. But at this property it’s a wild, private, expansive view. And the views are magical.

This is a beautiful, quiet, sparsely populated, gently rolling landscape where large forests and small farms are bordered by the clear waters of Lake Michigan. Archaeological studies have shown that indigenous people lived in villages and campsites, and hunted, fished and farmed the Garden Peninsula and surrounding islands over 2000 years ago. French explorers and fur traders first came to the area in the 1630s. This area is filled with natural biodiversity. Dwarf lake iris, Houghton’s goldenrod, and some ferns are among the rare and unique species.

The logging era began in approximately 1860, and the historic charcoal iron furnace was built in Fayette in 1867. With the land cleared, farming followed. Today residents of the Garden Peninsula include outdoor enthusiasts, artisans and retirees as well as the many who still work farms, commercial fisheries and work in the timber industry.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has identified coastal areas along the Garden Peninsula as outstanding cool and cold-water fisheries. Walleye, lake perch, bass, sturgeon, salmon and whitefish are among the sport and commercial fish in these waters.

This is some of the best perch, small mouth bass and northern pike fishing you can find. Charters are available nearby while you decide what boat you need. Below the upper dam in Manistique there is a flume and steelhead and Chinook salmon can be found here during spawning season. The annual Trout and Salmon fishing tournament is held in July each year in Manistique. Trout fishing in streams can be found with 5 miles of the property.

Birds seen here include migratory shore birds, songbirds, Canada geese, cormorants, bald eagles, osprey, night herons, great blue heron, and terns. Wildlife includes: white tailed deer, otter, rabbit, porcupine, fox, and mink.

Roughly half way up the Garden, you enter this property on a quarter mile drive through mature hardwoods.

The cottage is an antique treasure brought up to date. It is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home set 90 feet above a hard, sandy beach. There is an additional sleeping loft, and plenty of space in the basement for another bedroom. It was built in 1996 and remodeled in 2010. That year the porches, a new roof, the three 3 season rooms, and 4 storm doors were added. Gutters on the pole barn and stone walkways were added in 2010/2011. New steps to the beach, the deck and new benches on the deck, a fence, new wood floors, 3 new Pella windows in front on the lower level, and stairs and landings to the lake were added in 2012.

The Master bath has jetted tub, separate shower, toilet and full vanity. The Master bedroom has a walk-in closet and Master bedroom and loft have berber carpet. The first floor has hickory hardwood floors. Kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room and entry room have ceramic floors.

A full poured basement is roughed in and has a sump pump for easy water drainage if shutting down the cottage for the winter. There is a laundry room with new washer and dryer, and a sink and disposal on the first floor. The kitchen has disposal and dishwasher, and a new refrigerator. The stone fireplace is real fieldstone and is fitted for gas at this time.

There are two three-season porches and two screened porches. Porches on two sides are poured cement. The third three-season porch has wide pine board flooring.

Two years ago, a new furnace, heat pump and A/C were installed.  The house can be heated with forced air furnace (propane), or by the fireplace and two gas room heaters. There are gaslights if needed and of course electric. There is also a generator that kicks in if the electric goes out and shuts itself down when the electric comes back on. pole barn has electric service, and a small log shed, a former generator shed, can be used for garden supplies or whatever’s.

The owners purchased the property in 2006 and added the porches, new roof, wood floors, ran electric power in, added electric in the garage and had new stairs and landing to the lake built. They also had the logs removed from the lakeside wall, had it framed and finished with wood shakes and new Pella windows on theta first floor side. The weather from the lake was just too harsh on the logs on that side and maintenance was a nightmare. Porches for easier maintenance now protect most of the logs.

Manistique, 13 miles from the property, is handy for supplies and entertainment. The owners enjoy the Three Mile Supper Club, family owned and run, and the Cedar Creek Cafe or the Upper Crust Cafe with bakery and deli. For groceries they like Jacks Supermarket, which moved 9 miles from the property to a location on US-2 a few years back and expanded. Organic fruits and vegetables are available and the selection has expanded nicely as has the beer and wine department. There is a large deli if you would rather not cook. If you need it there’s a new hospital in Manistique.

Golfers have the choice too. Stoney Point Golf Course is a 3,055 yd. 9 hole golf course. Indian Lake Golf and Country Club on big, beautiful Indian Lake is an 18 hole, par 72 with a slope rating 133. Both are open to the public.

In the early morning the water shimmers far to the east until sunrise marks the end of the earth. Sweet clean air smells peaceful. The wind speaks to me, and I grin. I feel waves reaching my feet. It’s a relaxing, beautiful place to be with so much to do, if doing is what you want. If not, why not just settle in and enjoy it.

$396,000

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