WRITER | CANDIE CONAT
PHOTOS | WINDBORNE PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIOS
From Hidden Gem to Magnificent Gathering Place
Known for their ability to take a step back and see the full potential in a piece of property, the team at Socks Construction knew from the start: there was something special here. Another team might have dismissed this parcel of land, unable to see beyond the weeds and overgrowth to recognize a true hidden gem on East Grand Traverse Bay.
From the outset, it is always the mission of the Socks Construction team to put their experience to work for their client. With an innate ability for asking all the right questions, they take the time to get to the heart of what their client is searching for, considering it their job to make family dreams into reality. Here, it was obvious; the client yearned to create a special gathering place that would endure the test of time, with special spaces for adults and children alike.
When you pull up to this warm Contemporary home, the feeling that you’re about to experience something outstanding strikes you. The exceptionally deep lot allows for a garage that is fully functional but set away from the house. A courtyard with a long welcoming sidewalk flanked by birch trees and beach grass screams family fun. On one side, a horseshoe pit, and on the other, a bocce ball court; it’s the ultimate place to let off some steam. At the end of the sidewalk, a front door as blue as the water that fills East Bay beckons you inside.
Beyond that blue door, as you step into the upper level of the home, you are graced with a view that will take your breath away. The use of glass half-walls, along with nearly the entire water side of the home constructed of glass panels, creates a striking view of the water beyond the beach and gives way to your first thought of “Wow. I have truly arrived.” As Dave Socks puts it, “The view is so stunning that you can hardly resist taking a walk down the staircase to the beach level.”
Kim Vos with HomeWorks Interiors was tasked with ushering the surrounding colors and textures of the natural world into the home itself. Her expert eye and instinctual creativity inspired her to use the many hues and textures from the beach, surrounding woodlands, the brilliant blues and greens from the water, and of course, the radiant, energizing natural sunlight to create a truly spectacular getaway. Exquisite details such as a giant mirrored clock and glass globe chandeliers, along with the perfect selections in furnishings and unique artwork, reflect the natural beauty in a subtle way that invites you to sit down, relax, and enjoy a warm conversation.
Whenever possible, rooms were placed for optimal water and sunset views. There is hardly a spot in the home where you cannot gaze out at the mesmerizing water. The home faces northwest, and it could easily be said it has the longest, most spectacular view on the bay. Gazing out over the water, it seems the Old Mission Peninsula goes on forever.
In the kitchen, the entire backsplash is constructed of mirrored glass to reflect water and sunlight. A long, graceful bar offers plenty of seating. The open design of the home, along with the large sliding glass door walls, creates a seamless transition to the outdoor living space.
Speaking of outdoor living space, this home takes it to a whole new level. A vast custom stone patio graced by a convenient fire pit wraps around patio furniture, a separate area to relax on a chaise lounge and chat, an outdoor kitchen and grill, and a specially created outdoor dining area. There is really no reason to go inside unless a storm rolls across the Bay. An outdoor shower area, with side entry for direct access to laundry and bathroom facilities along with the kitchen, makes it practical and easy for family and guests to have quick access to anything they need.
The homeowners made a conscious decision to focus on engaging conversation, sharing friendship, and completely unplugging to fully enjoy the beauty that surrounds them at this sacred place. With that in mind, there are no TVs in the main areas of the home. They instead chose to create a separate family room as the perfect place to hang out for movie night.
For 35 years, Socks Construction has been known for taking a customer’s dream and vision and turning it into a reality that far exceeds expectations. This home might be the finest example yet.
Socks Construction
607 Randolph Street, Suite 101, Traverse City MI 49684
(866) 997-1717
SocksConstruction.com
