The real estate market hit the mainstream with the announcement in 2015 that the most expensive house in Michigan was going up for sale for $40 million. The so called “largest log cabin in the world,” Granot Loma, is really more of an enclave or a resort than a log cabin. Here are just a few of the reasons that $40 million might actually be a lowball listing for this incredible property in the Wolverine State.
Where is the largest log cabin in the world?
The Granot Loma property is located on 36,000 sprawling square feet on the banks of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of the state. It has its own shoreline and private beach on the lakefront, and the bluffs give you the best views in Michigan. There is, of course, plenty of room to do things inside if you do not feel like being on the lake.
The main house is constructed of stone, cement, and Oregon pine, with a 23 bedroom, 13 bathroom count.
What is the story behind the property?
Granot Loma is said to have been built completely out of spite by the legendary architect and designer Louis G. Kaufman. Kaufman was supposedly discriminated against at the most exclusive social club of his time, the Huron Mountain Club, because of his Native American and Jewish heritage. Instead of complaining, Kaufman’s response was to put up $5 million to build Granot Loma as the largest log cabin in the world and start his own social club.
Is there a history behind the Granot Loma piano?
During these social events, famed composer George Gershwin was said to play the piano that still resides in the halls of the residence today.
How is the view from inside the lodge?
Every window in the main room is engineered to give a completely unfettered and holistic view of the magnificent Lake Superior. The windows in the main lodge are floor to ceiling to bring in the most light and create the greatest ambiance.
Did you say this house has 26 fireplaces?
That’s right; Granot Loma has 26 fireplaces. The biggest one is an 18 foot monster made of stone placed in the great room, and this fireplace also has a reading nook that is made especially for quiet reading. However, you do not even have to use the fireplaces if you do not want to: The home also has a propane gas central heating system.
What are the other major features on the house?
The house is completely hand carved; there is no such thing as a generic furnishing at Granot Loma. The centerpiece is the 24 foot high chandelier in the great room with 80 hard carved figures within that single structure. Each of the 23 bedroom doors all have wooden latches that are hand carved as well.
If you ever get dirty, you have a 3000 gallon outdoor hot tub that overlooks the private harbor as well as the lake. You get your own boat house and marina right by this hot tub, so you can take the motorboat out for a spin right after your bath. You also get an incredible stone bath inside complete with a painting of a Native American warrior. There might be some truth to the Kaufman story after all.
What about if I want something to eat?
The kitchen in the home is not just a kitchen; it is a full chef’s kitchen that would do any world class chef justice. It is 600 square feet and modeled after no less than the White House kitchen, with every appliance available for cooking that you can think of. You have walk in grills, rotisseries, and coolers. You can take your recipe ingredients straight from the farm on the land. Although it is not currently being used, it is ready for use and can completely sustain an owner with food grown only on the property. You also have two orchards already on the property, one pear and one apple.
How do I get power?
The property is also completely capable of generating its own power with a private wind turbine that creates the majority of the electricity that the property uses.
What are the other structures on the property?
The 26,000 main house is flanked by a private island as well as an unattached boat house. There are 5000 acres between the main property and the private island, so even if you have a guest in the home, you can have seclusion whenever you want it.
The rest of the acreage has nearly two dozen other buildings on the property, some turnkey, some in need of a bit of renovation. However, they are all livable, each with its own style.
Can I go fishing on the property?
In case fishing on Lake Superior is not enough for you, you still have your own private trout streams on the property.
2 Point Highlight
However, you do not even have to use the fireplaces if you do not want to: The home also has a propane gas central heating system.
If you ever get dirty, you have a 3000 gallon outdoor hot tub that overlooks the private harbor as well as the lake.
