Southwest Michigan Residence
Buchanan, Michigan
Nestled on 125 acres of lush woods along a pristine inland lake in Southwest Michigan, this getaway was created for a young Chicago family seeking a home intimately connected with nature—rustic, rural, and entirely informal. The couple, both writers, envisioned a retreat that would not only inspire their craft but also welcome friends. The property includes dedicated writing cabins, cozy attic hideaways, screened porches, and expansive decks that offer quiet spaces for reflection and focused writing.
Inspired by classic Midwest lake houses, the home’s ground floor is an open, inviting space, with beamed ceilings, a large stone fireplace, and a farmhouse-style kitchen that forms the heart of the house. Upstairs, four bedrooms connect to an adjoining barn-like structure, where a garage on the lower level and a spacious recreation room above give the children room to play and grow. Atop the home, the attic spans the length of the house, creating a light-filled writing room. The unique angles of the roof and dormers shape the space, offering glimpses of the surrounding woods and lake for constant inspiration.