A Dream Home Crafted in Stunning Stone and Timber
Mike and Diane Arnold are relaxing on the deck of their custom-designed home enjoying a classic fall day on Lake Michigan. After ten years of planning, their dream home away from home is finally complete. Originally from Chicago, the Arnolds and their three children spent many vacations over the years exploring all that nature has to offer in Northern Michigan, water skiing in the summer and downhill skiing in the winter. To celebrate Mike’s 50th birthday, the couple purchased property in the area where they’d built so many memories.
The Arnolds had found the perfect location, the next step was to design and build a custom home that enhanced the landscape and their lifestyles. A double-sided fireplace was where the design started. Set in the center of the home and accessible to an open living space and the kitchen, the fireplace is built of stone with a wood mantel. It sets an inviting and intimate tone for the whole house. “We really wanted to create a space that combined a mix of Lodge and sophisticated Farmhouse designs,” explains Diane. “The fireplace just makes the space.”
Every detail in this house has been given careful attention, from the adzed timber trusses, beams and posts, to the custom wood built-ins. There are many barn wood accents throughout the home, and the numerous windows overlooking Lake Michigan and Native Northwood Forest let in plenty of natural light. The stonework accents add to the rustic intimacy of the home and contribute to the overall Farmhouse feel.
To bring the vision for their new home a reality the Arnolds worked closely with their designer, Jill Rowley, and a “dream team” of builders and suppliers. Nick Fettig with Harbor View Custom Builders was the project manager and led a team of designers, builders, suppliers, and even a blacksmith. Heartwood Mills was integral in the construction and installation of the soaring trusses and beams in the family room, dining room, and kitchen.
“We were so impressed with the quality of the work that everyone did,” Mike affirms. “They gave all had passion and attention to detail, just as if they were building their own home.”
The biggest challenge of the building process was the long distance. Since the couple lived over six hours away, they had to do much of the design through email. They did what they could in Chicago, such as picking out lighting and plumping fixtures and furniture. “Diane used to carry around this big bag of samples for the house,” Mike laughs. “It really came in handy though, because every time we were out and about, we could pull it out and match stains, choose fixtures, and select other items for the house.”
When asked what advice the couple would give about undertaking a custom home project, Diane emphasizes the importance of finding the right team. “We would just show our team photos of ideas that we liked, and it was magic – they would just make it all happen.” Mike agrees and adds, “You can get a really good sense of the quality of your team by looking at their past projects. By seeing what work they’ve done in the past, you can know whether they are the right fit for you and your project.”
Now that the home is complete, the Arnolds are looking forward to enjoying many more family vacations in their home. “Our children are all in their 20s, but someday we are looking forward to having grandchildren in our home,” Diane explains. Mike adds, “We designed the upstairs living space so that family could come visit and have their own private space. We can’t wait until we have grandchildren that will come visit and enjoy vacations here, just as our family has done for so many years.”
“Our team of experts really nailed everything and helped us create a stunning and inviting retreat,” Mike states. “We are so thankful for our home, and we feel like we are on vacation every day!”
Be sure to take a look at more photos of Mike and Diane’s home.
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