Slopeside Sophistication
Ski-in, ski-out log home is family’s base camp
It’s all downhill from here for the Detmars.
No, really. It is.
The back yard of their full-log home is North Peak Pass ski run at Boyne Highlands, pole-position for the family of five to hit the slopes and return home in an uber-convenient way.
“We really liked this lot because it’s one you can ski in and out of easily,” said Chuck. He and his wife, Susan, are parents of Charlie, 18, and daughters Teri, 15, and Abby, 10, all of whom have grown up skiing.
The whole crew enjoys traveling northward in the winter from their downstate Three Rivers home to take in the amenities of Boyne Highlands and in particular, the network of trails accessed out the door of their huge mud room. The durable stone floor, plentiful countertops and bench in the spacious room allow for lots of boots and ski gear when schussers come through the door ready to warm up.
The Detmar home is a full-log structure constructed by Glennwood Custom Builders in Petoskey. “I had always wanted a log home,” said Chuck, about the materials choice.
Much of the décor was found locally, and other touches like a coat rack made from old skis and a matching chair at the front door give it a lodge-like feel.
Inside, the home opens to a spacious kitchen and dining room space, with a cozy family room offering views of Nub’s Nob in the distance. A noteworthy addition to the comfortable décor is a mammoth cow hide on a wall above the open kitchen area.
Upstairs, a loft is decorated with a lodge feel as well. Two guest rooms for the kids — one with bunk beds — and a large play room give the younger Detmars room to stretch out. There’s also a hot tub on the back porch for après ski leisure.
The family previously owned a condo in the Alpine Village complex just down the road from the newer Andover Club, where the 2,500-square-foot log home was constructed slopeside two years ago. It is one of just a couple homes in the new development so far.
Susan said she preferred to build at Boyne Highlands because of its proximity to both Harbor Springs and Petoskey and the related opportunities for family activities, including boating in the summer. Plus, the Highlands has a pool, golf, croquet, paddle boats and tennis amenities they all enjoy year ’round.
Winter really keeps the family moving. They come North about three weekends each month, and Chuck said he is happy to have a place where the kids want to come with mom and dad — even Charlie, a college student.
“Every time we want to come up here, they’re ready,” Chuck said.
Friends like to join the family in the wintertime, when the cottage gets the most use — especially that back door that opens to the vast Highlands trail network. “If you don’t stop fast enough when you’re coming down the hill,” laughed Chuck, “you’ll come right through our door.” HL
