WRITER | RACHEL WHITE
PHOTOS | WINDBORNE PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIOS
A Star is Born
The picturesque community of Bay Harbor, tucked just between Petoskey and Charlevoix, has a new development. “The Ridge” comprises 11 new home sites and sits on a bluff with panoramic views of Little Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan, and the Village at Bay Harbor. Denny Brya of Lakeview Builders has just completed two of the homes, and they are, well, heavenly. “The Ridge brings a metropolitan neighborhood to the Bay Harbor community, with proximity to social gatherings, shopping, and dining in the Village,” Brya says. Named after celestial bodies, the two homes are known as The Rigel (a star in the constellation Orion) and The Luna (moon).
The Rigel
The Rigel is a more classic cottage, just under 3,000 square feet with four bedrooms and four and a half baths. The exterior is cedar shake in a serene gray with white trim. The back of the home has a substantial patio for fun and easy outdoor entertaining, with full glass panels so as to not disturb the view. The interior is clean and bright, with sparkling turquoise lake views from the abundant windows in every room.
An open floor plan for the perfect gathering space starts with the living area, which is bathed in light by the windows on three sides. There are wide-plank oak floors throughout the main level, grounding the rooms in a natural look that will hold up to the seasonal wear-and-tear of northern Michigan. The living room flows into the dining room, outdoor patio, and kitchen. There is also a main-floor laundry.
Moving into the kitchen, the centerpiece of the room is the island, where gorgeous quartz countertops are elevated even further by a waterfall element that gives a luxurious and dramatic look to the space. Glass overhead lighting feels dynamic and modern. The white cabinetry is complemented by upscale appliances, stainless hardware, and ample counter space. A celestial blue hood finishes off the room, providing interest and detail.
The owner’s suite is also on the first floor, with an ample walk-in closet. The spa-like bath again utilizes stunning white quartz, veined in gray. A vast frameless mirror is hung over a double vanity, and the walk-in shower has two showerheads with which to rinse off after a dip in the bay. There are three more bedroom suites upstairs, each with details to make family members or guests swoon. Downstairs you’ll find a large open and airy walkout lower level perfect for get-togethers, with an option for another bedroom suite.
The Luna
The Luna is a more contemporary look, with a sweeping roofline and even more sweeping views. It has 2,441 square feet, with three bedrooms and an option for a fourth on the walkout lower level. White painted cedar siding with a 3-inch exposure, paired with a black roof and black-trimmed windows, give the home a modern feel.
Of course, Lakeview Builders continued the use of luxe finishes in this interior as well, with hardwood floors throughout, custom cabinetry in the kitchen, quartz countertops, and gorgeous bathroom suites. It has an enormous patio to take advantage of the views, and there’s also a small private patio upstairs.
As the newest star in the Bay Harbor constellation, The Ridge is a more urban option that includes out-of-this-world views and all of the other amenities that residents of Bay Harbor enjoy. “My favorite thing about The Ridge is you can take in the most spectacular view of Little Traverse Bay and breathtaking Lake Michigan sunsets every day,” says Brya.
The beauty of each and every home is guaranteed by the architectural control of the community. Homeowners walk or bike to their boat in the marina, stroll to the Village to shop or grab a bite to eat, play a round at the golf club, or hit the beach to soak up some sun. Residents may also choose to rent or own a GEM (low-speed vehicle) to drive in the neighborhood. When in the mood for some culture, there is the Great Lakes Center for the Arts, a new performing arts center that is also within walking distance, to enjoy concerts, theater, cinema, and dance. When it comes to this development and this community, the stars are shining brighter than ever.
Lakeview Builders
4000 Main Street, Bay Harbor MI 49770
(231) 439-2540
BayHarbor.com/LakeviewBuilders
