On A Roll: Momentum Builds
Craig and Kirk Rose have a formula that resonates with the luxury motorcoach set: Create a high-end resort community filled with lavish touches in an elegant atmosphere, but keep Midwestern hospitality at the core of operations.
Their approach reflects the preferred lifestyle of these travelers in general, those who journey in comfort inside decadent rides but who still want the feel of camping, enjoyment of the great outdoors and the excitement of exploring new places.
At Hearthside Grove, those expectations are met with panache. In two short years, while other segments of the economy and real estate continue to struggle, the concept of a full-service Class A motorcoach resort has hit the mark in Petoskey.
Hearthside Grove has put Northern Michigan on the national motorcoach-living map. Lots here are selling at a quick clip, and the Roses are continuing to break ground on new phases of the development that will eventually bring total parcels to over 300. A second, more expansive, country-club caliber clubhouse and pool are in the works, along with more manicured lots and charming cozy bungalows that give travelers an extra 200 square feet of living space when they’re parked Up North.
“We have developed an atmosphere of community, and people can feel that,” said proprietor Craig Rose. “It’s much more personal here now. Owners are starting to plan activities and all kinds of fun events, and our personality is emerging.
“What sets us apart is that we’re very high-end, but very approachable. We make people feel at home with our Midwest hospitality, coupled with the sophistication of an exclusive resort.”
Building on elegance: Watch how we’re growing
Work began to carve Hearthside Grove from 140 wooded, scenic acres in 2007, with the first owners welcomed in 2008. Over the past season, some noticeable changes have continued to shape the face of Hearthside. Visitors will notice the 18-foot welcome canopy that ushers travelers off of U.S. 31 and into the graceful grounds. Lush landscaping has been added to the entryway as well.
“It sets the tone for the wonderful real estate you’re going to find inside,” said Kirk Rose.
An expansive pool area with brick pavers and pergola have been well-received amenities with plentiful use. Themed parties such as a luau and an homage to Jimmy Buffet, live entertainment and lively evening soirees kept the pool area hopping in 2009, and breakfast buffets served poolside were most appreciated by guests on glorious summer mornings. The heated pool and spa set the perfect stage for vacationers to relax and get to know each other, too.
“Along with the clubhouse, it was the center of all the activity,” said Craig.
Inside the clubhouse, guests can often be found playing cards, doing crafts, watching movies on the big screen and working out on the fitness equipment. “This past season was more about the physical amenities coming to life,” Craig added.
And there are plenty more to come.
Phase III (of six) brings 43 additional parcels into the mix, each varied in style and size to complement existing properties. The approach is intentional, allowing irregular lots (ranging from about 60 foot wide to 110 feet deep up to 17,000 square feet) to flow with the natural variations in terrain. Once built out, Hearthside will encompass 300+ lots, clubhouses, pools, and tennis facilities. Further, 36 acres have been permanently set aside as preserve land, with nature trails criss-crossing the community.
“We’re surrounded by nature and one of our main missions is to protect that as we move forward with the phases of development,” said Kirk.
Throughout the community, lot owners, too, have taken considerable pride in keeping that natural look and feel. It’s reflected in landscape additions such as flowers, trees, bushes and sod, firepits, outdoor kitchens, hot tubs and patios that blend with the lay of the land.
Bungalows add living space
The bungalow styles themselves have also reflected the taste and quality of the development and its owners. All standard size at 12-by-16, owners design the bungalows to fit additional lifestyle features they prefer on the road — office space, full baths, extra kitchen space, TV/rec rooms for the kids or more beds and sleeping options.
“Hearthside Grove is the best RV park I’ve ever been in,” said Les Konikowski, a Texan who owns a lot with his wife, Lynn. “The bungalow answered the bulk of my ‘wish list,’ providing me with additional storage space, living space and entertaining. I love the amenities it offers.”
Konikowski said their bungalow affords him space to work on the road as well. “I own my own business and I conduct my business from my RV, which can be restrictive. But with the bungalow and my fax, I am able to do more. We also use it for inviting the kids and friends to visit with no extra cost ... I’m enamored with the whole thing.”
But on warm summer evenings and crisp fall weekends, most travelers aren’t found in their bungalows or inside their coaches. They’re mingling lot-to-lot with other owners and visitors, sharing laughs, sipping wine around fires and living the camping lifestyle — emphasis on the style.
“It’s still all about outdoor living and entertaining,” said Craig. “We’ve created a community where all the pieces come together to perfectly fit their expectations.”
Motorcoach Living » On A Roll
