1913 Island Cottage in Cedarville, Michigan With a Turret, Solarium Sunporch, and 3-Stall Boathouse With Stained Glass
This remarkable 1.5-story, three-bedroom, two-bath century cottage commands its own private island in the Les Cheneaux Islands, Cedarville, Michigan, offering a rare Lake Huron sanctuary with 575 feet of prime Snows Channel waterfront. Showcasing late 19th or early 20th-century architectural charm—highlighted by an iconic turret with wraparound balcony, sunporch solarium, and a waterfront gazebo—the cottage perfectly blends historic character and modern leisure. The property encompasses 0.05 acres and features a multi-dock, 3-stall boathouse (one with stained glass), hot tub, sauna, and a deep-water protected harbor. Listed at $1,000,000, this unique estate offers an unmatched island legacy, centrally situated for optimal scenery and access between Cedarville and Hessel.
Private Island Main House
A small, wooded island is surrounded by blue water, featuring a cluster of buildings with green and red roofs nestled among tall evergreen trees. At the center stands a prominent, tower-like structure with a white conical roof, reminiscent of a lighthouse or Victorian turret, adding historic charm. Multiple docks and boat houses with direct access to the lake are visible, while pathways and patios weave around the structures. The natural shoreline is dotted with bushes and docks, creating a rustic, secluded retreat. Off the island, a small orange boat glides through the water, suggesting easy water access and a tranquil lakeside lifestyle.
Rooftop Tower
A whimsical rooftop tower rises above the house, featuring a tall, pointed spire topped with a weather vane. The tower has a small balcony enclosed with a white railing decorated with red heart-shaped accents. Vertical wooden slats, painted in green and outlined with red trim, support the outdoor structure. A large tree appears to grow directly from the roof nearby, its green foliage offering shade and a touch of nature. The roof is covered in reddish shingles, and a wooden ladder leans up to the tower’s base. The overall aesthetic is eclectic, playful, and reminiscent of fairytale architecture.
Boathouse Exterior
A weathered boathouse with faded white wooden siding and green trim sits at the water’s edge, partially overhanging a calm lake. The building features two large boat slips; one is closed, while the other opens to reveal canoe storage and a cozy seating area with mismatched wooden chairs and nautical décor. On the roof gable is a large green life preserver and a carved wooden fish. The setting is relaxed and rustic, with an American flag flying overhead, mature trees in the background, and a whimsical white tower rising behind the boathouse, giving the scene a historic and charming lakeside feel.
Porch Windows
A rustic wooden porch space displays a row of colorful stained-glass windows looking out onto a lake, filling the area with soft, multicolored light. The wood-framed window panels feature geometric borders in vibrant hues of yellow, green, magenta, and blue arranged in symmetrical patterns. Beneath the windows, wooden lattice detailing adds charm. To the left, a large American flag hangs across the wall, reinforcing a sense of history and patriotism. Shelving above holds various paint cans and items, giving the space a lived-in, informal feel. Bentwood chairs are stacked in the corner, emphasizing the cozy, utilitarian atmosphere.
Waterfront Porch
A narrow wooden porch stretches along the side of a house, bordered by rustic log railings wrapped in thick rope. Soft, white benches are built into the house wall, offering a place to sit and admire the lake view. The siding features staggered tan wooden shingles and pale green trim, adding a quaint, weathered charm. Decorative Victorian-style brackets adorn the eaves, while a green life ring is mounted between the wide windows. A yellow kayak is tethered at the edge, reinforcing the waterside setting. Sunlight bathes the porch, highlighting the calm lakescape and distant tree line.
Porch Dock Seating
A small, cozy porch sits directly on the waterfront, framed by white trimmed posts and decorative woodwork, shaded by overhanging trees. Nautical touches include a life preserver labeled ‘Dollar Island,’ a boat steering wheel on the rear wall, and marine lanterns. The space features a cushioned bench with a crocheted red, white, and blue afghan, and a white table with a small floral centerpiece. Ropes serve as railings, enhancing the maritime theme, while heart-shaped wall hangings and accents add charm. The porch’s green roof and the surrounding lush foliage create a welcoming, tranquil outdoor retreat ideal for relaxation by the water.
Front Porch Entry
A small porch area features a rustic stone wall on one side and a solid wooden front door framed in dark green trim. Ornamental white trim with cut-out patterns decorates the porch posts and balustrade, contributing to a Victorian or cottage-like charm. There is a blue settee with a white star pattern cover and a net-like fabric draped over, offering a cozy sitting space. A vintage clock and a red lampshade sit on a small side table, while a quirky white barrel labeled ‘Rum Grog’ adds character. The space is accented with green and white painted wood, creating a welcoming lived-in atmosphere.
Fireplace Nook
A cozy corner centers around a grand stone fireplace with a chunky log mantle decorated with family photos, a vintage clock, nautical items, and assorted collectibles. The large river rock stones add rustic texture, while brass-trimmed glass fireplace doors gleam beneath the shelf. To the left, a sturdy wood door with an ornate glass window is flanked by eclectic art and figurines, where a striped sock hangs from the knob. A rocking chair with a green throw sits invitingly on a warm-toned wooden floor. The ambiance is nostalgic, layered with personal mementos and historic Americana, accented by soft cream walls and natural timber.
Bathroom Sauna Corner
Warm, honey-colored wood panels line the walls, evoking a cozy, rustic ambiance reminiscent of a historic cabin. A small window with black latches lets in light above a red heater filled with rough stones, suggesting a traditional sauna experience. To the left, a round porthole window framed by a wooden wheel adds a nautical touch to the space. A vintage-style brass handle and a framed painting enhance the nostalgic feel. The lower walls have white tiles, and a pink floral wash basin sits atop a wood counter, balancing utilitarian elements with charming decorative details.
Sunroom Retreat
A spacious sunroom lined with large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooks a serene lake and tree line. The room features warm, honey-colored wood-paneled walls and a matching wood-beam ceiling, adding rustic charm. The tiled floor leads to a seating area filled with wicker and wood furniture, including a dining table, lounge chairs, and tables stacked upside down. There are plush cushions and throws casually piled on the chairs, suggesting a cozy, informal atmosphere. A large, white whirlpool tub sits in the foreground, giving a luxurious touch to the relaxed space. Soft natural light brightens the entire room.
Kitchen Cabinets
Warm honey-toned wooden cabinetry fills the walls and ceiling, creating a cozy rustic ambiance. The upper and lower cabinets are accented with dark wrought-iron handles, while the countertops feature light neutral tiles. A corner sink is set beneath under-cabinet lighting, and a small shelf displays various trinkets. The backsplash has a checkered blue and white tile pattern. Glassware hangs from an overhead rack, and kitchen essentials like a toaster, paper towels, and a microwave are neatly arranged. A stained glass porthole window with a ship motif adds character, complementing the historic, hand-crafted feel of the space.
Kitchen Details
A cozy kitchen is adorned with warm, honey-toned knotty pine cabinetry that wraps around two walls and extends to both the ceiling and the entrance door, creating a unified woodsy aesthetic. The door features an oval window with a stained glass sailing ship for added character. The countertops are tiled in earthy hues, providing a textured contrast to the wood. Above the sink, a single window offers a glimpse outside and allows natural light in. Vintage kitchen appliances, neatly organized jars, and miniature decorative ducks add personal charm, while a rack of shimmering glassware hangs overhead. The flooring is checkered in blue and tan, completing the homey, rustic atmosphere.
Study Nautical Decor
Warm pine paneling covers all walls and the arched ceiling, creating a cozy, cabin-like feel. The area features a vintage wooden flat-file cabinet adorned with a lace runner, nautical instruments, a tea set, and model ships. Wicker and rattan chairs with green and cream checkered seats surround a table with a dark green patterned tablecloth. Above, decorative plates, framed photos, and maritime memorabilia such as a barometer, clocks, and porthole mirrors enrich the space. The overall effect blends rustic charm with a strong nautical theme and vintage elegance, highlighted by the soft golden glow of the wood.
Kitchen and Dining Nook
Warm wood paneling and cabinetry dominate the space, creating a cozy, rustic feel throughout. A U-shaped kitchen features white tile countertops accented with small blue squares, stainless steel sink, built-in dishwasher, and classic hardware. Above the sink, a window lets in abundant natural light, enhancing the golden wood tones. The adjacent nook has a rectangular wooden dining table covered in a light cloth, surrounded by wicker chairs, set next to large windows with views of snowy outdoors. Decorative china, crystal, and vases line the sills and shelves, while a door bears a striking stained glass ship motif, adding vintage charm.
Living Room Decor
A cozy living room with a symmetrical layout featuring two ornate wooden doors with decorative glass panels on either side of a double-hung window. The room is painted in off-white and crowned with dark oak trim. Under the window sits a television and a stack of electronic components, flanked by two tall black speakers. Above the window, a shelf displays a line of bird sculptures, while the walls are decorated with bronze plaques, framed artwork, and sculptures of human figures. The coffee table in the foreground showcases an eclectic collection of stones, minerals, globes, and decorative objects, contributing to an antiquarian aesthetic.
Fireplace Mantel Details
A rustic stone fireplace wall serves as the focal point, featuring a wooden mantel adorned with maritime and nautical memorabilia. A wooden ship’s wheel and an old saw blade are mounted against the stones, while the mantel displays a vintage clock, framed family photos, and sailor figurines. Decorative ropes, brass bells, hats, and a bottle further the maritime theme, creating a sense of nostalgia and history. Warm, earth-toned stones and wood complement each other, and the gentle light from a nearby sconce adds a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The overall style blends personal heritage touches with traditional American coastal charm.
Living Room Details
A cozy corner of the living room is decorated with Americana and outdoors-themed memorabilia. The walls are white, adorned with framed photographs, paintings, and a large portrait titled ‘El Capitan.’ Two mounted fish and a pair of antlers add a rustic feel. Below the artwork, vintage wooden armchairs with textured, richly colored cushions face inward. The closet with louvered doors sits in the corner, topped with a decorative carved piece. An old-fashioned radio sits on a lace-covered table alongside a small lamp. Natural woods, hunting trophies, and lake-themed photos combine to evoke nostalgia and the spirit of adventure.
Laundry Closet
A compact laundry space with bi-fold louvered doors features a striking pair of red front-loading washer and dryer machines. Above the machines, a white shelf holds a variety of decorative pitchers, jugs, and metallic containers, adding a vintage touch. Miniature lighthouse models rest on top of the appliances, injecting a whimsical, coastal theme. The closet’s walls are white, and the area to the right displays framed photos and a large, polished wooden sculpture, contributing a personal and eclectic feel. The overall atmosphere blends functionality with historical and coastal decorative elements.
Living Room Details
A cozy living area features rustic log beams overhead and wood-paneled architectural details, lending the space a cabin-like charm. Two armchairs upholstered in camouflage-patterned fabric sit around a wooden side table adorned with decorative items. A wooden chair draped with a colorful blanket rests against a white wall, which displays an eclectic collection of framed art, including landscapes and portraits. The light walls contrast with warm wood accents, including doors and trim. Bookshelves and small furniture pieces are visible throughout, creating a sense of comfort and personalized decor. The layout leads into a hallway filled with more artwork, giving the home an inviting, lived-in feel.
Living Room Details
Two plush, wingback armchairs with forest green camouflage-patterned upholstery face a thick, rustic wooden coffee table. The coffee table, crafted from a solid tree slab with bark edges, is topped with various collectibles, including rocks, fossils, a brass instrument, and shells. Behind the chairs, an ornate wooden side table holds small decorative items, while a rocking chair upholstered in a rich brown fabric sits to the right. A large, multicolored area rug defines the seating area atop polished wooden floors. The backdrop features white walls adorned with bookshelves, framed art, and warm wood accents creating a cozy, vintage atmosphere.
Bedroom Details
A classic brass bed frame dominates the room, featuring ornate spindles and a shiny, golden finish. The bed is topped with a thick, brocade-patterned quilt in warm beige with subtle hints of rose and green. Next to the bed sits a small wooden nightstand supporting a dark, velvet lampshade. The walls are painted plain white, enhancing the historic simplicity. To the side, a wooden door stands out, accented with panels bordered in a pale mint green. A decorative, oval mirror with a carved wood frame hangs nearby, lending a touch of elegance to the otherwise understated room.
Bedroom Details
A cozy bedroom features a brass bed frame with polished posts and a plush white comforter. The walls are soft white, and a simple framed painting hangs above the bed. To the left, a vintage wooden door is slightly ajar, revealing a gold table lamp set atop a nightstand draped with lace. The lamp emits a warm, soft glow, creating an inviting atmosphere. Another lamp, with a decorative ceramic base and a dark shade, rests on the right side. A wall-mounted porthole mirror and a small, blue rug on hardwood floors add subtle character and historic charm to the space.
Bathroom Vanity
This bathroom features warm, honey-toned wooden paneling on the walls, evoking a nautical theme highlighted by a round brass porthole window and large, ornate brass hinges and fixtures. The white pedestal sink stands below a wooden-framed medicine cabinet mirror, flanked by uniquely shaped wall sconces with soft, beige shades. A white hand towel hangs from a brass holder beside the sink, while a decorative, dark wood trim with curved details runs behind the vanity. The lower half of the walls is lined with glossy white square tiles, and there is a staircase-like shelf to the left, continuing the maritime design aesthetic.
Nautical Bathroom
A compact bathroom with strong nautical theme, featuring honey-colored vertical wood paneling that covers the walls and door, giving the space a cozy cabin-like feel. A mauve-colored toilet sits beneath maritime artwork, including framed paintings of ships and a decorative ship’s wheel displayed above. The toilet paper holder and door handle are crafted from wood and brass, blending with the rustic aesthetic. A small mirror hangs on one wall, while a shelf holds air freshener and other toiletries. Elements like a model sailboat on the toilet tank and porthole-style accents evoke the feeling of being aboard a vintage ship.
Lakefront Porch
A rustic wooden porch extends over the water’s edge, surrounded by sturdy posts linked with thick white rope for a nautical touch. Weathered Adirondack chairs made of natural wood are grouped for conversation and relaxing while facing the serene lake view. Glass sliding doors connect the porch to the interior, where a glimpse of a cozy sunroom or spa area is visible, featuring wood-paneled walls and a white soaking tub. The porch’s roof sports reddish-brown shingles, complementing the wood tones below. Soft ambient light and lush green treetops across the lake complete the tranquil, warm atmosphere of this inviting lakeside retreat.
Boathouse Interior
An indoor area featuring a wooden dock extending into a body of water, giving access to a yellow kayak floating beside the deck. The space is constructed with wooden walls and beams, showcasing exposed wooden planks and a rustic, utilitarian design. Garden tools, oars, and maintenance supplies are organized on one side, suggesting functionality and readiness for outdoor activities. Natural light enters through a large opening to the right, casting reflections on the water and illuminating the wooden textures. The overall atmosphere is practical and inviting, blending storage and water access with a casual, lakeside charm.
Workshop Interior
This room is a well-used workshop featuring wooden walls and ceiling finished in a glossy varnish, which gives the space a warm, rustic ambiance. A large red tool chest stands against one wall, surrounded by a variety of power tools, hand tools, and hardware meticulously organized on racks and hooks. The workbench is cluttered with mechanical parts and equipment, including a black coffeemaker and a green adjustable lamp. Natural light comes through a wide window above the workbench, offering a view outside. The area is practical, with ample storage, functional task lighting, and a blend of industrial and homey touches.
Workshop Interior
A spacious, organized workshop with exposed wood beams on the ceiling and walls. The central workbench is cluttered with tools, cans, and various supplies, giving the space a well-used, functional feel. Circular saw blades and grinding wheels are neatly mounted on wood beams, displaying the collection openly. Stained glass accents in purple, yellow, and blue brighten the double doors, adding a touch of color and vintage charm to the otherwise earthy palette of natural wood. Power tools and storage containers fill shelves and surfaces, emphasizing the room’s practical, industrious purpose.
Basement Workshop
A functional workspace filled with woodworking tools and machinery occupies this cozy basement. The structure features unfinished wooden beams and a low ceiling lined with planks. Circular saw blades are neatly mounted on a beam, while various hand tools hang from pegboards on the walls. A signature detail is the small, round window with a decorative green frame. Exposed pipes and ductwork run along the ceiling, enhancing the utilitarian feel. The overall palette mixes natural wood tones, white painted masonry walls, and pops of industrial blue and gray from the power tools, giving the room a practical and slightly vintage charm.
Porch Entryway
A cozy wooden porch leads up to a classic glass-paneled door with golden handles and a small wooden step. The siding is painted white with dark green trim and is adorned with a vintage snowshoe, wooden paddle, and a board, contributing to a rustic, outdoorsy charm. The porch area features white rocking chairs, decorative wooden posts carved like birds, and a nautical rope, all set amid large, mature trees. Natural wood planks form the flooring, and a slatted wooden ceiling provides a warm contrast. Reflections in the glass door reveal hints of the interior and surrounding landscape, uniting indoors and out.
Dockside Seating Area
Nestled under a canopy of mature trees by the water’s edge, this wooden deck features a worn white rocking chair positioned for a peaceful view of the lake beyond. Nautical touches abound with thick, coiled ropes looping between carved wooden posts topped with large eagle heads, their beaks painted yellow for accent. An antique bronze lantern sits atop one railing post, adding historic character. The dock’s atmosphere is rustic and inviting, with natural wood planks and surrounding greenery blending smoothly into the lakeside environment, creating a tranquil, nature-inspired retreat ideal for relaxation and reflection.
Listing Agent: JOHN GRIFFIN of COLDWELL BANKER SCHMIDT – CEDARVILLE via Zillow
