Thistledowne at Seul Choix

Picture Lake Michigan in your head and mark a spot centered at the top equidistant from Escanaba to the west and the Straits of Mackinaw to the east. You have just located Thistledowne at Seul Choix about 12 miles east of Manistique. On a state map you will see prominent Seul Choix Point and Seul Choix Bay. Pronounce it 'Sis-Shwa'. It means 'only choice.'

Previously a B&B, Arrington's Bed & Breakfast Journal's 2004 Book of Lists reported that inngoers have voted Thistledowne at Seul Choix the 'Seventh Most Elegant Inn in North America.' Thistledowne was as good a B&B as I can imagine, and you may want it all for yourself as a magnificently finished family rental home on a perfect beach with unusual privacy and great access off US2 six miles to the north. This lovely place is within a day’s drive for anyone in the Midwest, which is to say 60% of the U.S. population.

The difference between most homes and this one with 4,000 square feet, 4 1/2 baths, four bedrooms, five fireplaces, all magnificently conceived and elegantly finished, is all in the details:

Location: Behind the beach the pines in front of Thistledowne were retained to keep the structure from dominating the natural setting. This bay is as private a stretch of Lake Michigan beach as you will find. No other structure is visible except the 1895 Lighthouse across Seul Choix Bay, but in fact you do have neighbors here in fine homes. You’d have to be in a boat to see them as all are set back from the forested edge. That’s about as 'developed' as this bay will ever be. Two pairs of bald eagles nest on the property. A black bear once walked across the porch, three moose live here and a mountain lion once roamed the property with pictures on the wall to prove it.

Lake Frontage: 660 feet. Acreage: 32 acres +/-, heavily timbered land that includes some magnificent old growth white pine.

Beach: The beach sand, clean and free from stones both on shore and in the water. 300’ from the shore the water is waist deep. The beach is 60 feet or so wide and the swimming is perfect.

Wetlands: There are wetlands behind the sand dunes, which fill with native blue iris and other wetland plants. There is nothing wrong with wetlands unless you try to build in them. They fill with beautiful plants and attract birds such as the indigo bunting and neo-tropical warblers. By agreement with the Corps of Engineers a deed restriction limits any additional development of the 660 foot shoreline.

Lighthouse: Seul Choix Point Lighthouse, the only other structure visible from the property, is a working lighthouse as well as a park and museum.

Layout: The house can be effectively divided into two parts if the grandkids are restless. The double doors that divide the guest bedrooms from the owner’s side are totally soundproof, and so are all the room entry doors. There are gorgeous views of Seul Choix Bay, the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse and Lake Michigan from every room. A central gallery runs the length of the house and arcs the same way the waves do as they approach the shore. All the windows except the kitchen windows and an upstairs bathroom face south to the lake. The total square footage is about 4,000 square feet, with four bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, 5 gas fireplaces, and a tower room.
Dream kitchen: Brookhaven cherry Shaker style cabinets; chop block center island with hanging pot rack, halogen lighting and a large spice drawer. Commercial 60 inch Viking six burner range with griddle, grill, two convection ovens and an inferred broiler. Viking commercial roof mounted two-fan exhaust system and 60 inch range hood with warming shelves, two heatlamps and florescent lighting. Viking warming drawer with complete set of pans. (The owner says he uses it ever day; it is his favorite kitchen appliance, useful for warming plates, rolls, and keeping foods warm.). Built in stainless Subzero 501 all refrigerator/freezer.

Accommodations: Four master bedroom suites, three with gas fireplaces and one with an attached den. Each insuite bathroom has a glass shower enclosure, heated tile floor, cedar cabinetry, avonite counter tops, imported alabaster sconces, and a whirlpool tub. All bathrooms have Delta brass fixtures. All commodes are serviced by mixed hot/cold water feed so that they do not 'sweat' in humid weather. The Master Bedroom and two guest bedrooms are on the first floor. The third guest bedroom is on the second floor. All have individual, lovely qualities: The upstairs bedroom has a particularly beautiful view of Lake Michigan. When the windows are open you hear the lake. The Blue Room (named for blue accents and a blue bathroom floor) is handicap accessible. The Green Room gets wonderful morning sunshine. Combined Living/Dining Room with gas burning fireplace, clear cedar fireplace wall and a very rare curly cherry fireplace mantel.

The upper bedroom and Tower Room Observatory/Library, reached by a beautiful steel and oak circular stairway especially designed and built in Texas for Thistledowne. The third floor Tower room has a spectacular view of Seul Choix Bay and also serves as a well-stocked library.

Laundry Room: One commercial washer and two commercial dryers. Everything is built in including storage. There is a Sub Zero icemaker (not currently working).

Please note: Thistledowne is currently for sale so it may become necessary to show the property to potential buyers during your visit. We appreciate your consideration of this potential inconvenience. If you have reserved future dates but the property sells before your scheduled visit we will notify you as soon as possible and we will send you a full refund of the amount you have paid.

Keywords: Family Retreat, Lakefront Home