3574 Saugatuck Beach Road

Perched on 447 feet of beautiful Lake Michigan beachfront with another 658 feet of frontage on the Kalamazoo River, this 8365 square foot home sits like a lighthouse overlooking the beautiful waters of the Great Lakes. In fact, it has become a navigational aide to boaters looking for the Kalamazoo River entrance since it's visible from miles out on the water. Designed to resemble a boat by Chicago architect John Tilton, the house was built by members of the Denison family - original owners of mega yacht builder Broward Yachts. Broward founder Frank Denison opened the company's second plant in Saugatuck on the edge of the Kalamazoo river in 1977, turning out several boats a year until 2000 when the company was sold to new owners who relocated their operations to Florida. Driving up to the house through hundreds of acres of gently rolling forested dunes, the boat-like design is subtle but once you see it, you see it. Much of the surrounding land is now protected, meaning it is protected from future development. Wildlife is abundant, with deer, eagles, heron, and more making regular appearances. Visitors arrive under the carport that joins this stunning sand castle to the west with the beautifully appointed guest house to the east. Below, a tunnel connects the two and provides access to the underground parking garage which keep cars from spoiling the spectacular view. Inside, there isn't a bad seat in the house. Directly ahead, the livingroom's two-story high ceilings provide abundant breathing room, while the rounded front of the home features a two-story bank of windows - complete with a second story seating area and a 180-degree view of Lake Michigan. In nearly every direction, windows provide a stunning view of the lake or the surrounding dunes. The home sits on 7.31 acres, seemingly steps from the water's edge. Construction was completed before the state passed the Michigan Dunes Protection Act, allowing it to sit much closer to the shoreline than would be possible now.Inside, the yacht-like feel to the home continues. Smaller windows resemble portholes, while the main floor master suite, surrounded by even more windows, resembles the fantail of a classic cruiser. Just inside the two-story bank of windows, upper and lower seating areas provide passengers and crew with a commanding view of passing boat traffic, incredible West Michigan sunsets, and miles of beach to the north and south. Nearly 4000 square feet of outdoor porch provide the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful summer day, while the home's huge private beach gives residents and guests plenty of space to walk the beach in search of sea glass, play in the sand, or park a beach chair and enjoy the view.