This distinctive hillside home was designed by celebrated Northern Michigan architect Roger Hummel during the formative years of Sugar Loaf, when modern architecture and outdoor recreation converged in a way rarely replicated today. Purpose-built for its setting, the home remains largely original and clearly reflective of its era. The design unfolds vertically, with multiple levels connected by sculptural stairways and intimate moments of discovery, including built-in seating, child-scale details, and unexpected vantage points throughout the home. A centrally located fireplace anchors the main living space, while original finishes and handcrafted elements preserve the character and craftsmanship of the period. The lower level includes a private entrance, kitchenette, full bath, and bedrooms, allowing for guest separation while still functioning as a single residence. A sauna, outdoor terraces, and hillside views further enhance the experience. The property directly abuts the former Sugar Loaf ski resort lands, now permanently protected and under active revitalization by the Leelanau Conservancy. The Conservancy has secured full funding to transform the 285-acre site into a year-round public natural area featuring extensive trail networks for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, along with summit access, gathering pavilions, sledding areas, nature play spaces, and ecological restoration initiatives. This protected landscape ensures long-term continuity of open space, recreation, and viewshed immediately adjacent to the home. Short-term rental use has occurred in the surrounding area; buyers should independently verify current regulations and eligibility. This home was never intended to be generic. It offers a strong architectural foundation for thoughtful evolution while preserving an important chapter of Northern Michigan’s architectural and recreational history.
