Expansive custom ranch home, steps to Lake Leelanau!

Find the best of both worlds in this very private and quiet setting, with a newer home that's been built to be very energy efficient, only a short stroll to the lake or a short drive to Traverse City.  This home was custom designed and built by the current owner to high standards, is setup very well, and has always been very well maintained.  With a main floor master, large open kitchen/dining room layout, gorgeous main floor three season room, huge wrap around porch, and no steps access to all areas.  Enjoy the huge kitchen that's perfect for entertaining family and friends around the island, outfitted with beautiful maple cabinetry and solid counters.  The comfort of a Swedish ceramic wood stove in the center of the house along with extra insulation keeps things warm and toasty and the efficiency of use at the highest levels.  There are two bedrooms on the main floor, and the lower level has a separate bedroom suite.  In addition to ample storage in the lower level, this home boasts an additional living room, walkout to a lower patio and lawn, and a separate shop area with exterior access.  With the addition of a kitchen, the lower level would make a great separated living space!  This home has a very quiet setting among tall trees, with an additional lot available directly behind it for indefinite privacy.  Membership to the Timberlee Beach and Clubhouse is available for additional purchase as well - enjoy a huge beach on Lake Leelanau, clubhouse to host gatherings, and an opportunity to moor or dock your boat!  This is a phenomenal setup! Click HERE to see more on this listing.

For more information call Clare and Blake  

Phone: (231)994-3763 or (231)714-4787

Email: Clare@homewaters.net

or visit HomeWaters.net

No Horsing Around

With spring in the air, buds on the trees, and flowers starting to pop, one cannot help but be amazed at the speed with which northern Michigan transforms from ice to nice; from shades of black and white to welcome colors of peace and tranquility. We are blessed with a varied landscape of inland lakes, rivers, ponds, streams and a Great Lake of blue hues.  

One of Northern Michigan's gems exists just minutes from Traverse City in the small town of Rapid City. On the crest of a hill overlooking some of mother nature’s best countryside, is a home equipped with amenities akin to a resort property.  I commonly refer to this property as an 'equestrian paradise', and it's one that you could call 'home'. This two-story, one-of-a-kind home features an open floor plan, large kitchen, two separate living quarters, game/exercise room, exquisite landscaping with tennis courts, soccer field, heated swimming pool, large deck, and more.

Outside, stroll to the stables where your equestrian dreams become reality with an indoor arena, many stalls, and all you need to groom and train your pasture-full. The scenery is breathtaking with wide, open meadows, distant hardwood forests, and rolling countryside to be experienced while exploring your sixty acres atop your horse named Ed.  Stop paying board, keep your four-legged friends at home, and transform your dreams of ownership into reality.  We’ll leave the lights on.

Contact listing REALTOR® Vince Edwards at 231-715-9037 or vince@homewaters.net.

Intimate Interlochen

Are you in the market for a home in close proximity to Traverse City, but want to be removed from the hustle and bustle of city life?  Consider Interlochen, home of the world-renowned Interlochen Arts Academy on beautiful Green Lake. This small community has a surprising number of amenities, thanks in part to the music camp. The farmers' market is laid-back and full of friendly folks, and there is a terrific quilt shop, miniature golf, large grocery store, library, community composting program, cafe and ice cream destination: Bud's, and locally famous restaurants the Hofbrau and Maddy's Tavern (named after the founder of the Academy).

Interlochen is home to great fishing on Green, Duck, Cedar Hedge Lakes, as well as private Round Lake, which can only be accessed and fished as a homeowner, and there are only six homes on the Lake.  In fact, we have a home that that will grant you that exclusive right, and we would love to buy you a cup of coffee and a donut at Bud’s, and let you have a look at it.

The craftsmanship in this custom home speaks volumes. The location is less than five minutes to Interlochen and 15 minutes to Traverse City, in a one-of-kind development with an idyllic park-like setting. Round Lake is spring-fed and home to some of the best pan-fish angling in the area: perch, bass, bluegill, pike, and more.

If you work in Traverse City, it’s an easy drive to Interlochen, allowing you to unwind from the busyness of your day.   This comfortable home has an inviting setting for entertaining friends and family, with a wide open floor plan, master suites both up and down, and tons of natural light.  Enjoy the multi-level decking to the lake where you can fish, kayak or even hike the large tract of State Forest just steps away. This home is set back on a very private large lake parcel, with over an acre of gorgeous serene woods. You definitely feel like you've gotten away from it all when sitting out on the deck with a beverage or taking a relaxing soak in the hot tub.

See more photos here.

Enjoy gorgeous sunset views from this beautifully updated ranch minutes to Traverse City

This is the best of both worlds! A stylish mid-century ranch home with the social side of living in this popular subdivision, only a few minutes to Traverse City, but with a country setting at the end of the road that boasts a phenomenal sunset view from the big back deck. Many updates and upgrades have been made in the last few years, and you'll see the meticulous care throughout - front and back deck are new, new roof in 2012, the entire exterior was repainted, new hot water heater, all new plumbing and electrical, new furnace, gorgeous wood floors refinished, new tile, new dishwasher, new fridge, and 14" of insulation has been added in the attic.  The main bathroom is completely redone, with lots of newness and high end finishes.   The large unfinished basement is full of potential with high ceilings and windows - this space would be great for another bedroom or two and another bath.  A huge two car garage and mudroom finish things off and adds even more potential to this lovely home.  It's a must see! Listed at $234,900

Call Clare and Blake for more information

(231)994-3763

clare@homewaters.net

for property details click HERE

Stunning newly built home on Pearl Lake- 15657 Pearl Lake Drive

Nestled in the gated neighborhood of Pearl Lake Estates is a one of a kind, brand new custom lakefront home featuring the best frontage on the lake. Pearl Lake is a 600 acre all-sports paradise with the entire western half owned by the DNR, which will remain undeveloped.  The beautiful home, built by D&M Design in 2017 is positioned very nicely into the natural environment, with covered porches on the front and back to enjoy the lake views and sounds from either side. Entertain family and friends comfortably, or enjoy your morning coffee on the large back porch, partly covered and accessible from the dining room, or the master bedroom.  Inside, the wide open layout and modern kitchen highlight the main floor, along with high vaulted ceilings and many south-facing windows out to the lake. The kitchen features stainless appliances, custom cabinets with soft close hinges, a large island with seating for up to five, and gorgeous quartz counter-tops. A perfect master suite is complete with double walk in closets, custom double vanity, jetted tub, and a fully-tiled shower. Elsewhere in the house, you'll find three more large bedrooms,

with lake views from each of them, and two more well-fitted full bathrooms as well to allow many options for your family or guests. The large walkout lower level with 9 foot ceilings has great size, with space to complete more bedrooms, theater rooms, kids play space, and more. This large home offers plenty of storage options for toys big and small with a very deep two car garage, and even a separate deeded lot that's setup for a future pole barn or storage building of your liking. Pearl Lake Estates and this home offer the nature-loving lifestyle with a brand new quiet waterfront getaway, the opportunity for ample storage, only a few steps away from the lake, the woods, and the trails. Access 60 acres of neighborhood common area, or thousands of acres of state land, right out your front door - the perfect Northern Michigan getaway!

Contact Clare Bailey and Blake Bernard 

for more information (231)994-3763

or visit our website

Fishing the Betsie River

The Betsie river is one of two major river systems which flow through Benzie County. The following information from Ted Kraimer of Current Works guided fly fishing trips is an informative summary of the characteristics of the river:

"The Betsie River is located in Benzie/Manistee Counties, 30 miles south of Traverse City, and is most known for its steelhead and salmon fishing. The river itself has a mix of sand, gravel and clay bottoms, and the depths vary from long shallow flats to short, deep, cool holes for fish to hold in.The river is anywhere between 30 and 60 feet wide and is relatively easy to wade when using common sense. The Betsie River flows from Green Lake to Frankfort and offers anglers some of the finest salmon and steelhead fishing in the northern Michigan."

While trout fishing is not its strong suit, the trout season opened last week, and the migratory seasons of late August through early May are prime for steelhead, lake-run browns, coho, and chinook.

"Because of the watershed’s composition, the Betsie River can be easily affected by rain and run-off, and this impacts the fishing. While these surges of water “muck-up” the fishing for a while, it is the catalyst that brings more migratory fish into the river — take the good with the bad. The banks are mostly covered with trees, tags and other vegetation, so those with a good roll cast will be the most rewarded. When fishing below Homestead Dam you will find the highest concentration of anglers, which is why I prefer to take clients to more secluded sections of the river. Regardless of where you fish the steelhead and salmon in this size river, you will find that landing them is challenging, adding to the experience."

When up north in Benzie County, take County Rd 669 (North of Thompsonville) south to a left (east) turn on Wallin Rd to another left onto Reynolds Rd, to the bridge and check out the fishing.  While there, take a look at this amazing vacant parcel.  This is a large 10+ acre parcel with over 900' of Betsie River frontage. The 10 acres has been split into three separate 3 acre parcels with 300' river frontage each. Each has its own separate tax ID and are being sold separately at $65,000 each; or as one 10 acre parcel at $165,000. Take a closer look and let me be your river guide as you aim high for your northern Michigan dream parcel. Thank you, Vince Edwards

Adorable Cottage and 100 Private Frontage on Cub Lake!!

Kalkaska County's Cub Lake is a deep clean clear lake that is conveniently located half way between Grayling and Kalkaska in a highly sought after 4-season recreational area. This is a quiet no-wake lake and is visited by Loons, Eagles and Heron.

Located on a quiet cul de sac, this woodsy property features blacktop county maintained road and Charter Spectrum and natural gas at the road. The main rooms of the house all face the waterfront and feature spectacular views of Cub Lake.  Lots of outside room to entertain both at the waterfront with its sandy shoreline, deck and sauna plus on your wrap around deck.

Pride of ownership shows throughout the home and property. Everything is beautifully maintained. The home features cathedral ceilings, fireplace, 2 BR, 1 B, single car garage with workshop and drive thru doors plus a walkout basement.  10723 Black Bear Road, $174,900.00 click here for more information.  Contact Mary Janik, 231-384-1207 or mary@homewaters.net for more information or to schedule a showing.