This charming Vintage Victorian home, built at the turn of the century in Empire, showcases historic craftsmanship with original hardwood floors, 10-foot ceilings, and solid wood features. This 4-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers 1,310 square feet of character-filled living space. Located near Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes, it is perfect for those seeking Northern Michigan nostalgia. The home features a main-floor bedroom, sun-filled porch, and a spacious fenced backyard with a clawfoot tub upstairs. Recent updates include a large laundry/mudroom and an oversized 26′ x 30′ garage with built-in workbench. Listed at $300,000, it merges historic appeal with modern convenience beautifully.

Exterior View

A classic, two-story American home painted in a deep forest green with white trim around the windows and doors. The house has a steep gabled roof and a small covered front porch with several windows, displaying a charming, vintage aesthetic. Two red flowering plants in pots add a bright pop of color on either side of the front steps, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere. The property is bordered by a large tree with sprawling branches and lush green leaves that frame the scene, while a well-maintained lawn and sidewalk complete the peaceful suburban setting.

Property Aerial View

Aerial view of a residential neighborhood with a emphasized property outlined in white. The house appears to be a large, green-painted historic home with multiple rooflines and an adjacent garage or outbuilding. Mature trees and well-maintained lawns surround the property. The neighborhood is lush with greenery, mature trees, and older residential homes, conveying a quaint, peaceful community atmosphere. In the distance, Lake Michigan is visible about 0.3 miles away, with a shoreline, docks, and forested areas contributing to the natural charm. The overall scene combines suburban living with close proximity to a scenic lakeshore.

Lake Michigan Beach Park Entrance

Stone and wood elements frame the entrance sign to Lake Michigan Beach Park, situated in the Village of Empire dating back to 1895. Natural landscaping with tall green foliage and scattered rocks surrounds the base of the sign, adding a rustic charm. A paved road curves gently past the sign, leading toward a sandy beach area with playground equipment visible in the background. Mature trees, both leafy and bare, border the scene, lending a serene and park-like atmosphere. The mix of planted greenery, traditional materials, and the peaceful lakeside setting reflects a welcoming and natural aesthetic.

Beachfront Park Overview

A sandy strip of land extending between two bodies of water, Lake Michigan and South Bar Lake, forms a natural park area. The beach features a playground with equipment such as slides and climbing structures, surrounded by sparse trees and picnic benches. A paved road runs alongside the beach, with parking spaces near the playground. The landscape shows early spring foliage with a mix of leafed and bare trees. The shoreline gently curves, creating a scenic waterfront view with calm water under a bright, clear blue sky. This peaceful setting merges natural beauty with recreational amenities.

Beach Bench View

A solitary bench with concrete sides and wooden slats sits embedded in soft, beige sand along a peaceful shoreline. Nearby tufts of beach grasses sprout intermittently amidst scattered rocks, adding texture and natural detail. The calm waters gently meet the sandy beach, extending to the horizon where a low-lying landmass and gentle hills covered in verdant greenery frame the view. The sky is mostly clear with soft blue and subtle cloud wisps, providing a serene, open atmosphere. A small white lighthouse and adjacent buildings peek through the trees in the distance, contributing a quaint maritime charm to the scene.

Lakefront Overview

A serene aerial view of a lakeside community along Lake Michigan, highlighting a sandy shoreline with a parking area and scattered trees, adjacent to calm, turquoise waters. Beyond the beach, a narrow strip of land with vegetation borders a pond or small inlet. The neighborhood lies inland, featuring a mix of individual homes nestled in lush, green forested hills. Roads wind gently through the area, blending with the natural landscape. The colors include soft greens, blues, and sandy beige, evoking a peaceful, natural environment perfect for waterfront living and nature appreciation.

Backyard and Deck Area

A green-painted, two-story wooden house with a gray shingled roof anchors this quaint backyard scene. The wooden deck extends from the back entrance of the house, partially covered with a white lattice privacy screen. Shrubs flank the short wooden steps leading down to a well-maintained grassy lawn. A circular firepit with flames flickers near a simple, curved stone bench, suggesting a cozy outdoor gathering spot. The fenced yard, bordered by weathered but sturdy-looking white wooden fencing, is nestled between neighboring houses, creating a private and inviting space surrounded by mature trees and natural greenery.

Detached Garage Exterior

A white detached garage with horizontal siding stands at the end of a gravel driveway bordered by patches of grass. The garage door is solid white without windows, and the roof is gabled with an asphalt shingle covering. The property is flanked by mature trees and shrubs, lending a natural and serene atmosphere. Behind the garage, a green two-story house with multiple dormers and windows partially enclosed by a weathered white picket fence adds a historic, countryside charm. The lawn is well-kept with fresh grass, contrasting the rustic, unpaved driveway.

Historic Green Exterior

The house sits on a corner lot with a walkway leading to a raised enclosed porch outfitted with multiple white framed windows. The exterior is clad in traditional horizontal green wooden siding with white trim outlining the roof edges, windows, and doors, giving a vivid contrast. The roof is steeply pitched with layered gables, characteristic of older American homes, showing some weathering. Red flowering plants in pots add vibrancy near the entrance. Mature trees with fresh spring foliage provide shade and framing, while the overall structure is solidly built on a raised stone foundation with a rustic charm.

Front Porch Entrance

Concrete steps lead up to a small enclosed front porch with large multi-pane windows creating a bright and airy space. The exterior walls are clad in green horizontal wooden siding, accented with white trim around the windows and door, which shows signs of weathering and age, adding to the historic character. Two planters with vibrant red flowers flank the entrance on wooden crates, bringing a welcoming touch of color. The porch roof has a small triangular pediment above the door, further reflecting traditional architectural details of this classic American home.

Enclosed Porch Entrance

This enclosed porch connects to the interior kitchen, visible through a door to the left. The room has white paneled walls and a beadboard ceiling, recalling early 20th-century craftsmanship with slight aging visible on the paint and woodwork. Large, multi-pane windows on two sides let in ample natural light, offering views outside. A weathered wooden floor painted gray shows character wear. A simple, hanging flower pot adds warmth and charm. The space is accented by a vintage standing plant holder and a welcome mat that says “HOME,” with a muted blue and beige area rug providing a soft touch underfoot.

Enclosed Front Porch

Wide, multi-paned windows stretch across the porch, framed by weathered white wood with paint peeling to reveal the character of the home’s age. The ceiling and walls are constructed from beadboard paneling, continuing the vintage aesthetic in soft white tones. Below windows, gray wainscoting adds contrast with visible distressing. The floor shows signs of wear but is softened by a large cream area rug bordered with a dark blue floral pattern. A wooden interior door with multiple glass panes leads inside, while a simple white door offers exterior access. Overall, the porch blends functionality with historic charm.

Entryway Door Detail

A close-up view of a dark green wooden door with a vintage white porcelain knob and an aged brass keyhole plate contrasts with a modern silver deadbolt lock. The door’s paint shows signs of wear, revealing its historic character. Beyond the door, a bright enclosed porch with large multi-pane windows allows ample natural light to filter through. The porch features beadboard paneling painted gray below the windows and white painted walls and ceiling. On the floor lies a woven rug with a blue and beige geometric border, adding subtle warmth to the space. Outside, trees and neighboring homes are visible.

Living Room Area

The space combines two adjoining rooms divided by a wide wood-framed open doorway, creating an open flow. Walls are painted a muted teal blue, complemented by warm medium wood trim around windows and doorway, giving a vintage charm. The floors are classic hardwood with visible wear that adds character to the room. A large, ornate oriental rug in blues and reds anchors part of the space, while minimal furnishings include two simple wooden chairs and potted plants on a small table and on the floor. Natural light filters through multiple windows with white shutters, enhancing the room’s calm and traditional aesthetic.

Dining Room Cabinet

A built-in wooden cabinet with glass doors occupies a central position on a blue-painted wall, adorned with decorative items including a “WINE” sign and small potted plants on top. The cabinet, crafted from rich, medium-tone wood, includes a middle drawer with antique brass handles and lower solid doors, blending functionality with vintage charm. The surrounding wood trim, baseboards, and door frames have a warm, natural finish, complementing the wide-planked hardwood floor showing signs of age and wear. The room connects to adjacent spaces through doorways revealing contrasting lighter and neutral color schemes, highlighting the historic character of the home.

Living Room Details

Wood-framed windows punctuate the cool blue walls, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere. The room’s floor is composed of worn yet charming hardwood, centered by a traditional Persian-style area rug featuring intricate red and cream patterns with a blue background. Simple wooden chairs and small plant-adorned tables in the corners hint at the space’s potential for warmth while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. The ceiling is textured with a central air vent, and the wooden door on the left adds a rich contrast, emphasizing the room’s historic character infused with subtle modern touches.

Living Room Area

Open adjoining rooms with vibrant blue-green walls framed by natural wood trim create a cozy yet spacious feel. The hardwood floors carry a warm, rustic charm, though slightly worn, and a detailed oriental-style rug with blue and red hues anchors the space. The tall, narrow windows enhance natural light, their wood casings matching the wide door frames and baseboards. A simple wooden chair and a small corner with a lamp and plants add subtle character without cluttering the room. The classic ceiling fan with light adds functionality, maintaining a historic yet lived-in ambiance.

Kitchen Area

Simple kitchen layout with wooden cabinetry in a medium brown finish lining the wall above and below the countertop. The counter is a muted stone-like surface, accommodating a double-basin stainless steel sink with a chrome faucet, under a small window cutout to the adjacent room. A small floral rug rests under the cabinet area. Flooring is a beige and light brown vinyl tile in a random geometric pattern. The walls are painted a soft off-white, and a single window with white trim lets in natural light to the right. A yellow wooden chair with a teal cushion sits next to a small foldable wooden table, beside a baseboard heater. A modest table with a white lace covering holds an arrangement of artificial flowers. The adjoining room is visible through an open door, displaying red walls and dark wood floors.

Utility Room Details

Wide utility space painted in warm reddish-pink tones with multiple windows allowing natural light to flood in, enhancing the airy feel. The floor reveals weathered, distressed dark green wood with significant paint wear, suggesting age and character. A large, rustic, deep green utility sink sits prominently on the left, supported by black metal legs, emphasizing utilitarian function. Below the windows on the right, white cabinetry with simple metal handles offers storage, topped by a countertop adorned with small plants and decorative pieces that add subtle life and contrast. A gray door and white trim frame this functional yet charming room.

Utility Room Details

A spacious utility room with a retro vibe characterized by worn, distressed dark green wooden flooring that adds a rustic charm. The walls are painted a warm, muted coral, providing a cozy yet lively backdrop. On the left, a large vintage green utility sink with dual basins sits beneath wooden cabinets with a classic natural wood finish. Opposite the sink, a long white countertop with storage cabinets underneath stretches beneath three wide-paned windows that allow ample natural light to stream in. The gray back door and simple white trim punctuate the room with clean, functional lines. A soft fluorescent ceiling light fixture illuminates the space, blending old-school practicality with inviting warmth.

Sunroom with Garden View

Walls painted in a deep, calming blue frame this sunroom which opens through large glass French doors to a small garden patio. Natural hardwood floors aged with character add warmth and rustic charm. Two simple wooden folding chairs flank a small table holding a plant with bright yellow flowers, merging nature with indoor comfort. Soft wall-mounted sconces cast a gentle glow complementing the natural light from the window and doors. A patterned floral rug near the doorway subtly contrasts with the blue walls and earthy floor, inviting guests toward the outdoor space beyond.

Backyard Patio View

White-framed double French doors open to a wooden deck patio area with a pergola structure made of weathered wood featuring lattice panels on three sides. A hanging flower pot with colorful blooms adds a touch of vibrancy. The deck overlooks a grassy backyard with assorted shrubbery and trees beyond a simple white fence. A black outdoor grill sits on one side, providing a practical cooking option. The doorway rug inside bears a traditional blue and cream border pattern, complementing the calm outdoor tones and blending indoor comfort with a natural, rustic exterior ambiance.

Upstairs Bedroom

Simple and spacious, this room likely serves as an upstairs bedroom with sloped ceilings typical of older homes. White walls and ceiling create a bright atmosphere, complemented by two large, double-hung windows allowing natural light and views of surrounding trees. The floor features wide plank wooden boards painted gray with visible wear and aged patina. A ceiling-mounted light fixture with a delicate glass shade adds a touch of vintage charm. A rectangular attic access panel is present on the ceiling. Minimalistic details and an understated color palette enhance the room’s historic, modest aesthetic.

Bathroom with Clawfoot Tub

Soft blue hues dominate this quaint bathroom, highlighted by a classic clawfoot tub with a slightly worn cream exterior and white interior. The walls are adorned with textured blue and white sponge-painted wallpaper on the upper portion, complemented by smooth light blue tiles below. The ceiling is painted a solid matching blue, creating a cohesive and calming atmosphere. A sheer curtain softly diffuses natural light from the window, behind which a translucent floral arrangement is faintly visible. The floor features patterned vinyl tiles in neutral tones. White porcelain fixtures, including a pedestal sink and toilet, complete the vintage charm of this space.

Small Room with Desk

The room has a simple layout with a window offering natural light framed by brown trim contrasted against blue walls. The floor consists of worn wooden planks stained in a warm, orangish-brown hue. A narrow, vintage wooden desk with ornate legs and three drawers sits against the wall, displaying a rustic and antique character that complements the historic feel of the home. The brown-painted door frame leads into a lighter adjacent room with white walls and a light gray floor. A small closet or alcove opening next to the desk adds subtle functional space. The ceiling is plain white with a single flush light fixture.

Listing Agent: Joan Sturmer of REO-TCFront-233021 via Zillow