When we think of well-known people like Roger Ebert, we expect them to live in magnificent mansions. We expect to see woods surrounding the house with a path to the water. Lots of people would call 5,440 square feet on one point one nine acres of a wooded lot in 13274 Ravine Road in Harbert, Michigan a mansion. Ebert’s widow, Chaz, is selling the house for four million.
All photos are used with permission from TopTenRealEstateDeals.com
A Little Background
The late Roger Ebert was a renowned film critic and historian, as well as a writer. Ebert has the distinction of being the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize for his film criticism. He is survived by his wife, stepchildren, and four grandchildren. The two bought this Harbert Country 1930s Tudor style house in the 1980s.
The Lot
The first thing you’ll notice is a long winding drive through stunning mature trees. Stone pathways lead around the house and form the outside living area at the back of the house. Chairs and benches are grouped invitingly on these pathways. Flowers and greenery surround the house and property.
The House
The house was built using original fieldstone brought to the site by horses pulling the stones over the dunes. The same fieldstone comprises all four fireplaces inside the house. Tile and hardwood floors lead you through the rooms.
The window frames are hardwood. Some have transoms while others are framed in wood. The cathedral ceilings are beamed in beautiful wood. The den is shiplap with beamed ceilings above hardwood floors. Every window in every room looks out onto a lake view. You’ll find few if any curtains here which speak volumes about your privacy.
The kitchen is enormous with what looks like miles of counter space and an island. No need to worry about cabinet space, because there are multiple cabinets done in lovely hardwood with glass doors. Banks of windows in the dining area just off the kitchen as well as in the kitchen itself will give you tons of natural light with which to create your culinary delights. The white natural stone counters are a stunning contrast to the wood.
In addition to the living and dining rooms and den with built-ins, there is a game room. Also done in beautiful hardwoods, it contains a card table, darts board, and an old-fashioned cash register atop the built-in bar.
The four bedrooms upstairs are spacious and elegant. With no curtains to block your view of the lake, you’ll have plenty of natural light. The en suite bathrooms are done in richly colored tiles in earth tones. Some have garden tubs and glass showers.
Why This House Is Special
Some people prefer trees surrounding their homes. Some prefer living on the water. Both contribute to the health of the body, mind, and spirit. Lucky are those who have both. The Eberts enjoyed both for 25 years.
The house was constructed of local materials. Hardwood floors, ceiling, and window accents add to the beauty of the house. Four thousand square feet is spacious enough to move around without bumping elbows but still small enough to qualify as a house and not a mansion which seems manageable to most people. What I love about the house are all the windows. I’m a tree person myself although born a water sign. All these add up to a very special house.
Source: www.gaillowrie.com
