Northern Michigan has its fair share of architectural style. Wandering around Traverse City, you’ll find stately Victorians lining brick streets with hundred-year-old trees towering over the quiet sidewalks.
Head out onto the Old Mission Peninsula and you’ll find historic farmhouses perched on nearly every rise, holding dominion over the orchards, the vineyards, and the water far below.
Hugging the shoreline of our Great Lakes and just about every inland lake you’ll find homes of just about every shape, size, and variety. These areas are so desirable that everyone wants to build their “dream house on the lake”, so when new homes go in (or older homes are rehabbed), just about every make and model is represented.
So, with all this variety, why do Midcentury Modern homes capture our eyes, our attention, our conversation, and often our adoration? What is it about these homes that’s so captivating?
“You Know it When You See It”
First, love it or hate it, there is a somehow undefinable yet immediately recognizable style with Midcentury Modern design and architecture. As Potter Stewart once said about something completely different, “you know it when you see it” when it comes to MCM homes. Once you’re tuned into this design aesthetic, you start seeing it everywhere, from the Knoll office chairs that guests on The Daily Show sit in, to the impeccably designed sets on shows like Mad Men.
Second, the Midcentury design foundations play perfectly in Northern Michigan. Foundations like the integration of the environment into the design of the home, utilizing natural light as much as possible, and large windows and open spaces. There aren’t many places in the country that can boast as beautiful landscapes, incredible views, and dynamic natural light as Northern Michigan.
But, not all MCM homes are the same, not by a long shot. Even though they’re manifested out of the same foundational design ideas, the way those ideas take shape can vary wonderfully. And, there are a lot of homes in our area that may look like a standard ranch or bi-level home from the outside that are hiding incredible Midcentury Modern design on the inside.
MidCentury Modern Homes For Sale In Northern Michigan
You may have noticed that buyer demand for MCM properties is very high. Buyer’s agents on our team regularly report this style as highly sought after by their clients. Because of this, these properties don’t stay on the market for long, but there are a couple of standout options on the market right now.
245 W 19th Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
Photos and listing information courtesy of TAAR.
List Price: $399,900
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Square Footage: 2,459
Listing Agent: Jack Lane
Here’s what the listing agent had to say about this home:
“Mid-Century Classic. The architecture will transport you. This amazing house delights at every turn, from the beamed sloping ceilings to the fireplaces to the perfect floor plan to the inviting back yard. If you like a peaceful, family neighborhood, you’ve found the perfect spot. In town, yet away from the hubbub. Delightful gardens and private back yard. Everything will delight you.”
616 Monroe Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
Photos and listing information courtesy of Zillow.
List Price: $679,000
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Square Footage: 3,365
Listing Agent: Scott Fader
Here’s what the listing agent had to say about this home:
“Attractive Slabtown home inspired by Mid-century Modern influences with a location and level of privacy you will not find anywhere else! Located just five houses from the neighborhood beach on West Bay. Darrow Park, Ashton Park, Willow Hill, and the TART trail are all less than a block and a half away. Other neighborhood treasures include Hickory Hills, the Dairy Lodge, Sleder’s, and the State Hospital/Commons…”
1205 E South Shore Dr, Frankfort, MI 49635
Photos and listing information courtesy of TAAR.
List Price: $685,000
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Square Footage: 1,800
Listing Agent: Kari King
Here’s what the listing agent had to say about this home:
“Desirable South Shore location with a mid-century modern cottage on 85 feet of private Crystal Lake frontage awaits. This well-maintained and unique dome-style cottage with its large windows and sliding doors that bring in beautiful panoramic lake views to the entire living area will delightfully surprise you…”
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The Brick & Corbett Group Can Help
Midcentury Modern homes are stylish, fun, they offer a ton of amenities and lifestyle that works perfectly in Northern Michigan. The Brick & Corbett team would love to help you find (or sell) your next home, Midcentury Modern or otherwise! Our team of experienced professionals services communities all over Northern Michigan, and we can help you. Let’s Connect