South Haven Farmhouse

What began as a partial rebuild of a 100-year-old farmhouse became a major reconstruction after extensive dry rot was discovered, requiring the building to be torn down to its foundation. The home was re-built in much the same character of the original, a less adorned Victorian two-story home with wrap-around porch. Located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, the new owners wished to make the home a summer gathering place for their extended family. Rooms were rebuilt in largely the same locations as in the original layout, although bathrooms and kitchen were upgraded to today's requirements for size and convenience. Cove lighting was added to main rooms, original interior door and trim designs were replicated throughout, and while the home's center stair was recreated near the front door, its spirit was preserved in the details. Current lake shore regulations allowed for removing just enough grade to create a walkout space beneath a new elevated sunroom off the rebuilt kitchen, allowing for extra living space and convenient access to the lake.