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lifeapril - May 2013

Publisher Doug Caldwell

Editor Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell

[email protected]

Photography G. Randall Goss M. Chris Leese

Layout & Design Renée Tanner

advertising: Carol Donohue

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a note from the editor

This issue of HomeLife magazine became an adventure in log home luxury, cottage craftsmanship and a literal taste of the northwoods.

Owners of two distinctly dif-ferent log homes in Northern Michigan opened their beautiful private spaces to the magazine, allowing a glimpse into luxury living the rustic-style lodges aff ord. Both gorgeous log structures came togeth-er with materials from the Town & Coun-try mill in Boyne Falls, one done by builders from Town & Country Cedar Homes and the other by Matthews Construction, of Petoskey.

One sits near the banks of hypnotic Torch Lake, while the other is perched on the edge of the Boyne Valley, with a view of Deer Lake and beyond.

Both the lodge owned by Charlie Turk in Antrim County and the other owned by Joseph and Gina McElgunn at Charlevoix

County’s Boyne Mountain Resort are prime examples of the peak of opulence Northern Michigan log homes can exude. One home was built to replace another lost in a tragic fi re, while the other is the manifestation of a life’s worth of collected memories. Both took my breath away.

But don’t forget the lovely cottage sur-prisingly tucked away inside a condomin-

ium in Emmet County’s Harbor Springs. Th ere’s absolutely no sense of an apartment in this gorgeous space done by Cottage Company Interiors, of Harbor Springs. You almost expect to see a beach just outside the window.

And fi nally, there is the delight that is the Northern Michigan morel.

Last year’s early spring and wacky weath-er patterns annihilated the morel hunting season, so my hope is this year’s late spring and abundant moisture in the accumulated snow pack will translate into a fungal frenzy

— particularly in my secret spot. And thanks to chefs Matt Bugera from Th e New York Restaurant in Harbor Springs and Brett Cu-per at Morel’s Bistro in Boyne City, I have a few ideas on how best to serve them.

Sheri McWhirter-O’DonnellHOMElife Editor

[email protected]

HOMElife 5

8 PERFECT PATIO PICKS

36 EXPERT REAL ESTATE ADVICE

34Morel recipes

27Red threaded

throughout

contents12Lakeside luxury

6 Oh my

GALOSHES!

6Oh my

!

21Cottage-style condo

Morel-Encrusted Walleye


PRODUCT GUIDE

Oh my

Spring’s must-haves for gardening

By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell

Photography by M. Chris Leese

Spring is fi nally sprung, even if it came late this year.

Meyer Ace Hardware in downtown Petoskey carries all that’s needed to get outside

and putter around your thawing lawn, like a proper home gardener. Whether it’s gardening gear or fashions, store manag-er Carole Genson said they can help you fi nd what you need.

Let’s start with fashion.Sloggers Garden Outfi tters is a brand

of adorable outdoor fashions for those not afraid to get dirty. Th e hardware store carries the brand’s boots, shoes, hats and other accessories. A varying range of pat-terns, from paw prints to fl oral designs are made from sturdy materials intended to hold up well and look good.

“You can wear them in the garden, get

PRODUCT GUIDE

Oh myGALOSHES!

HOMElife 7

“You can ... wash them off with the hose and then wear them in town.”Carole Genson, Meyer Ace Hardware

them covered in mud and wash them off with the hose and then wear them in town,” Genson said. “They’re cute and they’re also functional.”

The boots sell for $39.99 at the store. But don’t forget the Sloggers hats are a popular choice, too.

“It keeps the sun off while you’re work-ing outside and they match the Sloggers we sell,” Genson said.

Sloggers hats retail for $29.99 at Meyer Ace Hardware.

And now for gear.Linda Armstrong, a sales associate at

the store, said the first thing home gar-deners should do is prune. And a quality pair of pruning shears is a necessity.

“What’s important is a sturdy handle and sharpness of the blade. If you don’t have a nice, sharp blade is doesn’t cut very well,” she said.

She recommends the Anvil Pruner by Corona Clipper. It sells for $17.49 at the store.

Another useful tool is a garden cart, some of which can be used to carry need-ed items and also double as a stool when the knees require a break. The Lawn Bud-dy planters cart by Ames sells for $39.99 at Meyer Ace Hardware.

“A lot of people like to haul what they need around their yard,” Armstrong said.

The store carries all sorts of gardening equipment to meet spring needs. And the downtown Petoskey store is not the only Meyer Ace Hardware, as additional stores are on the north side of Petoskey, in Harbor Springs and in Gaylord. HL

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HOMElife 9

HOW-TO

Let’s take it outsideHow to choose patio furniture to fit both weather and styleBy Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by M. Chris Leese

Most Northern Michi-gan residents fantasize about lounging on their deck or serving a meal on the patio long before

the snow melts.Now that it’s spring and summer is

on approach, local homeowners will begin to prepare for their outdoor lives that each year stretches from Memo-rial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, and sometimes beyond. Design expert Stacy Stokes, of Boyne Design Group in Petoskey, said there is much to think about before choosing patio furniture. It’s not always just about what you are first drawn to in the store.

“There are many factors to consider when purchasing outdoor furniture. What type of natural elements will the furniture be exposed to? Water, high winds, intense sunlight?” she said.

Outdoor spaces that experience high winds may require a solid product with significant weight to it, Stokes said, sturdy furniture to keep the winds from blowing it across the lawn and damaging either it or the landscaping. Also, if there often is water with chemicals present, such as on pool decks, homeowners should consider aluminum furniture to avoid rust.

Finally, strong sunlight can heat the furniture and may cause burns when sit-ting down. Stokes said a sure way to pre-vent that situation is to avoid dark colors and vinyl straps, or maybe add cushions, as well.

“You may also consider umbrellas to break the intensity of the heat,” she said.

The size of your patio or deck will de-termine how much seating can be pro-vided, as well as how many people live in the home and how much entertaining is done outdoors.

“If possible it is always great to have multi-function in the space — a din-ing table with four chairs or a high top table with bar stools, a couple of chaises or comfortable chairs with ottomans,” Stokes said. “You can always add planters to separate the spaces. It is also nice to add furniture in nice, quiet, shady areas for people to relax and enjoy a beverage or read a magazine.”

Outdoor candles are another great

way to add ambiance and make the space usable even after nightfall, she said.

Now for style.“The style of the furniture should be

a reflection of your personal lifestyle,” Stokes said.

There are some questions homeown-ers should ask themselves. Do you need a dining set for eating and entertaining? Would you like to use the outdoor furni-ture for sunbathing or just to read a book? The function of the pieces will determine the type of needed products, Stokes said.

“Many people prefer the lounge-style furnishings for entertaining and relaxing, adding small accent tables for casual food


and drink service,” she said.Stokes also said interior design may

even be a factor when it comes to exterior style. “Th e design and color palette should fl ow with the feeling of your home,” she said, adding that good examples are rus-tic furniture for log homes or Adirondack chairs for beach cottages.

“Th e summer season is a great time to add impactful colors to your home,” Stokes said.

Stokes said most local furniture com-panies or resale shops carry patio furni-ture during the spring and summer sea-sons. But shoppers shouldn’t plunk down their money at the fi rst striking furniture set they see, or even items that look good online.

“It is always a good idea to take the time to see the products in person, inspect them for quality and comfort before purchasing them,” Stokes said.

Stokes is a designer with Boyne Design Group, an inte-rior design company at 1200 Bay View Road in Petoskey. She can be reached at (231) 439-4950 or [email protected]. HL

PatioContinued from page 9

rior design company at 1200 Bay View Road in Petoskey. She can be reached at (231) 439-4950 or sstokes@boyne.

Rustic styles are popular.

HOMElife 11

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ExTRAORDINARy HOMES

Lakeside LuxuryLog home along Torch Lake a phoenix born from ashesBy Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by G. Randall Goss

General contractor Jim Matthews built a stunning $1.3 mil-lion log home along Torch Lake’s shore-

line for his good friend Charlie Turk — a beautiful phoenix risen from the ashes of another home de-stroyed in a fireplace accident.

But the place itself, along the lake’s eastern shoreline not far from the Clam River, has long been part of Charlie’s family’s Northern Mich-igan retreat history, at least for the last seven decades. Matthews Con-struction, of Petoskey, finished con-struction on the home in 2005 with materials from the Town & Country mill in Boyne Falls.

“I was living in Chicago and build-ing up here,” said Charlie, a urolo-gist and native of the Windy City.

“I’m not a builder, but I knew what I wanted. Trust was important.”

Now he spends more of the year at his lakeside home than in the metropolis along Lake Michigan’s southern shoreline. And this time of year activity around the place tends to pick up, he said.

“From late spring through the summer and into fall it’s all about the

outdoors,” Charlie said. “I really enjoy the gardening, pruning, dead-head-ing the flowers and that kind of stuff.”

There’s no artificial lawn on the property, but instead a far more natural, cedar-filled lakeshore habi-tat along the pristine and turquoise Torch Lake waters. And if not prop-erly outdoors, Charlie likely can be found in his favorite space on the property, the 270-square-foot screened-in porch with its gorgeous, double-sided, natural field stone fireplace. Each stone is a unique, often beautifully colored piece of cobble sourced from a quarry in an Upper Peninsula quarry.

“It’s a great home to entertain in,” Charlie said.

Logs by the numbersThe luxury home is spacious at

nearly 5,000-square-feet of living area with a traditional, rustic motif typical for log construction. Addi-tionally, the home features special American Indian décor and regalia Charlie picked up here and there through the years. There’s even a set of colorful chairs from the es-tate of etiquette guru Emily Post, he said.

HOMElife 13


“It’s a rustic appeal that’s gaining more interest.”Jeff Oldham, Town & Country

HOMElife 15

“The house is actually stick-built,” Mat-thews said. “It has a full-log veneer, which means tree-length logs.”

That construction method allowed for spray foam insulation to increase energy efficiencies, but maintained the aesthetic perfection of matching both sides of each log on both the exterior veneers and inte-rior walls. Charlie said the insulation works wonderfully, holding in the heat in winter and staying cool in summer, while main-taining the up north lodge look he wanted. In fact, his rule for the home’s design was

“no drywall, no paint, no wallpaper any-where in the house,” Charlie said.

It’s a popular style, said Jeff Oldham, de-sign manager for Town & Country.

“It’s a rustic appeal that’s gaining more interest,” he said. “It has the full-log look and half the maintenance.”

The prior house’s foundation footprint largely dictated the new home’s design, Matthews said, though they made some al-terations. It features three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and three half-baths, each uniquely decorated — such as one bath-room with an antique dry sink transformed into a fully functional vanity sink. Interior doors were crafted from alder for the first floor and knotty pine for the second floor. The hickory floor clearly reflects how craftsmen hand scribed each piece. Every surface reflects incredible skill.

“It’s so nice to come in and it’s something about the logs, you just relax. It’s comfort-able here,” Charlie said.

And that’s the idea.

Design choices for relaxationThe place to be at Charlie’s house for ex-

treme relaxation is the master suite, a warm and inviting space with a big, beautiful bed fashioned with South American cow hide, a special commission he requested for his log home.

Even the wool berber carpet is luxuri-ous to walk on, a product from John-Wil-liams Interiors in Chicago. The interior designer for the home is Kathy Emig, the former owner of Cedar Creek Interiors in Harbor Springs, Charlie said.

Lakeside luxuryContinued from page 12


“It has a full-log veneer, which means tree-length logs.”Jim Matthews, builder

HOMElife 17

His master suite bathroom floor is heated and made with African slate, which also surrounds the lovely bathtub. There’s a walk-in shower and even a walk-in closet accessible from within the bathroom.

The main living room is anchored by a large, cobblestone fireplace that matches the one in the screened-in porch. It stretches to the peak of the two-story ceiling and is adorned with a mounted moose head, a piece Charlie laughs about pick-ing up in a Northern Indiana bar when he saw a “for sale” sign on it.

The beautiful, open-rise, half-log, white cedar staircase took two craftsmen two weeks to complete, Matthews said. Also, it runs up the back side of the stun-ning fireplace left exposed so every lovely field stone can be inspected up close.

An upstairs guest room is designed with a birch bark theme, complete with a day bed by a window and a wooden ward-robe rescued from the rubble of the fire that destroyed the home that previously stood there. Charlie said they scrubbed off the blackened soot and transformed the piece of furniture into a bedroom en-tertainment center and linen hutch that can be closed up to hide away the televi-sion. He said the metal evergreen tree and elk adornments on the queen-sized bed also came out of the ashes to be used again.

And at the other end of the upstairs walkway, past a polished antique trunk picked up at an antique show in Petoskey,


“It’s so nice to come in and it’s something about the logs. you just relax. It’s comfortable here.”Charlie Turk, homeowner


Torch

HOMElife 19

there’s also a bunk room filled with rustic, cedar bunk beds for at least a half-dozen.

Downstairs, the gourmet kitchen is covered in black galaxy granite coun-tertops that extend behind the Viking cooktop to create an enchanting and easy-to-clean backsplash. What’s re-ally unique, though, is the edging done in what Matthews called rock-face style, both texturally rough and visually luring. A hand-crafted canoe made by a Grayling woodworker hangs above the bar area, a polished touch that helps set the up north tone for the whole property.

There’s even a 936-square-foot “bonus room” above the garage set up with beds, furniture and loads of children’s toys — evidence the luxury lodge isn’t just for adults. Oh, and don’t forget the two-story treehouse with a zip line out back. HL

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HOMElife 21

fEATURE

Harbor Springs design company overhauls condo around field stone fireplaceBy Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by G. Randall Goss

Cottage-style condo

There is a well-apportioned condo-minium not far from Lake Michi-gan’s Little Traverse Bay shoreline in Harbor Springs, within which can be found room after room that beauti-

fully blends classic styles and modern tastes.It’s an up north cottage inside a condo.

And it’s perfect.The residence is a 2011 project by Cot-

tage Company Interiors, a two-bedroom, one-level condo with two full bathrooms, a

formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, sitting room and keeping room by the natural field stone fireplace. The colors are soft, stylishly muted and painted across the walls, stitched into the furniture and even reflected in the throw blankets.

“They wanted cottage, but something edgy,” said Jill Nuding, project manager for the design company that virtually overhauled the entire condo in one win-ter’s time.

In fact, the only original feature is the hearth itself, a classic Northern Michigan structure connected in load-bearing fash-ion to identical fireplaces in upstairs and downstairs condos.

“Our construction team did a complete demo of the interior and started from scratch, except for the beautiful fireplace that needed to remain. But it was fabulous the way it was,” Nuding said. “Otherwise, we pretty much touched every surface.”

HOMElife 23

All but the second bedroom and mas-ter bathroom are floored with engineered, tongue-and-groove, dark walnut. And above, the ceilings are beadboard painted white in comfortable, cottage style.

“We tend to think ceilings are over-looked,” Nuding said. “And in a condo where the ceilings are very low, it’s really part of the space.”

Throughout the condo are shades of green, pink and the most alluring grayish-purple wall paint, described as Bauhaus Buff by designers. Then there are flashes of stronger lavenders, such as the inviting throw blanket kept slung across the corner of the “what recliner” chair — a made-to-order and made-to-size reclining chair that doesn’t even look like a reclining chair. Designers actually measured the property owner himself and made the chair both to fit him and to match the colorful, cottage design, Nud-ing said.

Those soft, spring colors offer a sooth-ing contrast to the stark white and eye-catching entertainment center, a custom-

made, wooden piece of furniture that anchors the naturally lighted sitting room.

Flecks of pink and green are found in the hand-blown and custom-made glass fixtures from Boyer Glassworks Studio in Harbor Springs, Nuding said. It’s the kind of small detail that makes a big impres-sion in the open-style kitchen with its clean lines and white cupboards. Even the refrigerator is hidden within the tidy wall of cupboards.

But the big show in the kitchen is the countertop.

Condo owners Don and Mary Kosch specifically chose the slabs of Vintage granite the construction team placed as both the wall-hugging countertops and the top of the island, with its deep, porcelain sink. The material hypnotiz-es with its dark granite spots accented by random and natural clear quartz, the type to allow a peek inside the lux-urious surface.

And the master suite also is fresh and bright, with plenty of natural light and soft tones. A designer-chosen an-tique queen bed frame charms from behind big, fluffy pillows. The frame even has hand-painted flowers and the

room is detailed with antique pieces and family photographs. It’s a com-fortable place, indeed.

The master bathroom is a stun-ning display of tile work done by the construction team with products from Emmet Brick & Block, of Harbor Springs.

The 18-inch tiles of exceptionally unique fossilized material are placed around glittering smaller pieces to create an artistic display inside the rainfall-style shower. The tile material looks wildly organic.

“It used to be called fossilia. It used to be an ocean floor millions of years ago. They call it sea grass,” said tile specialist Keith Campbell, of Emmet Brick & Block. “It’s a honed lime-stone. It’s beautiful and each piece is so unique because it has shells and little microorganisms in that product. It’s beautiful stuff.”

Also, small stones were placed across the shower floor, with three rather spe-cial stones included. The owner once handed the stones to Nuding in the ex-act way he wanted them placed within the shower floor.

CottageContinued from page 21


“He handed them to me, in the pattern he wanted.”Jill Nuding, Cottage Company Interiors

HOMElife 25

“He handed them to me, in the pattern he wanted,” Nuding said, smiling. “No ex-planation why.”

So that’s what workers did — a request-ed personal touch meaningful only to the owners. Part of what makes the place a home.

Designers also worked with the couple’s daughter, Abigail, to plan her own bed-room and bathroom. Soft greens and blues accent the light-colored room and its full-sized bed and hide-a-bed love seat. Also, a wall of white cupboards and desk space an-chor the room, a space adorned with a full-length, free-standing mirror and soft, col-orful fabrics. Even the porcelain cupboard knobs were hand-painted with lovely flow-ers, another endearing touch. It may be the most inviting room in the condo.

“They always say she ends up with the best spaces,” Nuding said, laughing.

The teenager even chose the paintings on the wall, two brilliant oil paintings by lo-cal artist Mary Hramiec Hoffman, with her fine art gallery in Harbor Springs.

The last room in the condo is the formal dining room, the space found immediately inside the door. It’s a warm, inviting room with yellow hues reflected in the artwork on the walls, the candles in the candela-bras and the furniture itself. The design company’s carpenter hand-hewed several cedar beams installed in the dining room ceiling, which add nice lines and a visual flow into the condo’s main living spaces. There’s even an oil painting of sunflowers on the wall by award-winning local artist Kevin Barton.

Nuding said Cottage Company In-teriors influenced nearly all decisions made in the project — all furniture, fab-rics and layout — save for the artwork. The family made nearly every choice when it came to the paintings on the walls, she said.

“I think it’s very representative of what we do. We love to take the existing bones of a place and make it more mod-ern with exquisite finishes,” Nuding said.

Exquisite, indeed. HL

Cottage Company Interiors131 E. Bay St., Harbor Springs(231) 526-2537www.cottage-company.com

CottageContinued from page 23

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HOMElife 27

ExTRAORDINARy HOMES

red runs through itLog home inspired by family, world travels

By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by G. Randall Goss

Gina and Joseph McElgunn built their private Northern Michi-gan home with a multitude of personal touches, so every turn dis-

plays a reflection of their memory-laden and continent-hopping lives together.

Town & Country Cedar Homes built their spectacular log home between 2005-2006 on the backside of Boyne Mountain, a hop away from the chair lift, within sight of the golf course and with a breathtaking view of the Boyne Valley. And it’s not just a beautiful, honey-colored log home on the

hillside, because the inside of this made-to-order lodge stops you in your tracks. You see red — loads and loads of red.

“I’m a big, red person,” Gina said with a broad smile.

The couple moved to their Boyne home year-round just last year after she retired as vice-president of quality for Pepsi Co., the last step of her career as a chemical en-gineer. In fact, a trip on a prior rung along Gina’s professional ladder influenced the stunning McElgunn home at a premiere local ski and golf resort. Joseph and Gina visited a $10 million lodge in Utah owned by her boss and altogether fell in love with the whole log look.

“I found inspiration and we came back

and built our cabin,” Gina said.Though calling it a cabin isn’t really a

fair description. The McElgunns built their very own lodge, a home for themselves in retirement and a designated play place for themselves and family.

family reflectionsInside the McElgunns’ impressive, cus-

tom-made front door, aside from a wel-coming whippet named Felix, is a great room that’s truly great. Two-story ceil-ings with an open-faced, cedar staircase adorned with metal balusters round out a room filled with triangular peaks and a lovely, custom-made fireplace by Emmet Brick & Block, of Harbor Springs.

“I found inspiration and we came back

and built our cabin.”Gina McElgunn

HOMElife 29


The hearth works both as a gas fireplace with a birch log fixture, or as a regular, wood-burner — another McElgunn special request.

“All these timbers here are actually hold-ing the roof up,” said Rocky Ackerman, sales representative for Town & Country. “And we’re not just home builders. We’re also a mill. All these things that jump out at you

— the stairs, the beams, the doors — all of it is made by local craftsmen in our mill in Boyne Falls.”

Just off the main living area is the real show-stopper. It’s a bright, red, gourmet kitchen with all the frills. It’s personal touch after personal touch. A red, ceiling-hung pot rack. Deep, porcelain, double-sided sink. Chalkboard front on the pantry door. Din-ing table made in England from reclaimed

barn wood flooring. And enchanting, honed black granite countertops with hues of what other color, but red.

“I wanted a red kitchen,” Gina said.She said she received help from design-

er Jill Keene, during her time with Preston Feather Building Centers. But just off the kitchen is the mud room, entirely of Gina’s design.

The dark, slate tile from the kitchen ex-tends into the mudroom, and Gina built the gorgeous bench herself — admitting she

loves to use her favored, basement-stored table saw for various projects, including future plans to build bird houses. She even hand-painted the beadboard walls a brilliant red with delicate, black trimming. It comes naturally as she hails from a handy family, Gina said, with an electrician father and a highly skilled cabinetmaker for a brother.

On the other end of the main level is the master suite, a space that begins with double French doors that open to a table from The Quiet Moose Furniture Store in Petoskey. Above it hangs a commissioned coat of arms woven from wool by local weavers dur-ing the time the McElgunns lived in Africa, when Gina worked several years for Coca-Cola Co. Joseph is a McElgunn, of course, and Gina is a third-generation Gillie, a fam-ily that belongs to the Scottish MacPherson clan, she said. Additionally, part of Gina’s ex-tensive collection of teddy bears — or bears, in general — is displayed just inside those

“I’m a big, red person.”Gina McElgunn

Seeing redContinued from page 27

HOMElife 31

wooden French doors, a beloved and atypi-cal design choice for a log home, she said.

The master bedroom is stylishly filled with red and white furniture, with an open entry to a bright, natural light-filled bath-room designed with high peaks and indi-vidually selected fixtures.

“All the fixtures I bought and had shipped here,” Gina said.

A water closet is hidden behind a glass door that’s adjacent to a luxury bathtub ringed with smooth, carved stones imbed-ded in the tile work. The sink is unique, as well. It’s a large, square, designer sink that despite builders’ worries about inevitable drainage problems, has never run over, Gina said.

And it’s not the only unique sink on the main level. A half-bath features a hand-se-lected chunk of black granite with a perfect-ly smooth bowl carved out to create a sink that sits atop a mariachi granite countertop. Then the lovely sink fixtures come directly out of the wall, a charming choice that re-peats itself throughout the home.

DeDicateD spaces, memories of aDventures

At the base of the staircase into the base-ment a big, beautiful bar is well-lighted and well-stocked. It’s a stunning example of an entertaining centerpiece, a place to relax in fashion with a cocktail amid a rustic mo-tif and Rocky Mountain sink and fixtures, again the kind that juts right out of the wall. The space is dubbed the Sleepy Bear Pub, taking its name from the name the McEl-gunns gave their home, the Sleepy Bear Lodge. Gina said her nephew, stone mason Scot Gillie of Traverse City, did the sharp-looking stonework on the bar and her cabi-netmaker brother, William Gillie of Scotco Woodworking in Detroit, made the lovely bar top from a 70-year-old tree.

The adjacent family room is filled with meaningful treasures, such as a painting picked up in Russia, wooden giraffe stat-ues collected in Africa, an ink painting on a palm leaf purchased while on a trip to see the pyramids in Egypt and Gina’s grand-mother’s antique sewing machine. There’s even a painting by local artist Jerry Douglas, with his Bay Harbor studio.

The nearby library is filled with both books and memories. There are detailed model boats made by Gina’s mother dis-

played on the custom shelving, a painting on the wall of her grandfather’s Rhode Is-land marina and another of a golf course in Swaziland, Africa, where Joseph worked when that’s where they lived. There’s also a framed photograph of Gina rock climbing in the Upper Peninsula — more proof of an adventurous life.

Also in the basement is a bedroom in-spired by Furskin Bears, meant as a desig-nated space for Joseph and Gina’s grandson. It comes complete with bunk beds from

“She’s been building this house for 10 years.”Joseph McElgunn


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Ballard’s has been recognized by our customers as “Best inthe Northwest” as we enter our sixty first year in business.From our first location on Emmet St. to our current locationon East Mitchell we have been serving Northern Michiganwith quality plumbing, heating and cooling. Since 1952,friends have been recommending Ballard’s to friendsbecause we offer quality goods and services delivered in aprofessional, timely and cost effective manner. The key hasbeen fair pricing and our certified, licensed and dedicatedemployees who care about their customers.

2111 E. Mitchell Road, Petoskey, MI 49770231-753-2110

www.ballards-ph.com

Most trusted name inNorthern Michigan since 1952

Heating, Plumbing,Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

HOMElife 33

The Quiet Moose and across the hall is a room for his parents, too, with a sleigh-style bed and a red, white and blue motif. There’s also a picture window facing the Boyne Valley view and even tiny bear paw prints etched into the metal closet door knobs — every detail an intended choice.

“I didn’t want the feel of a basement,” Gina said while she peered outside.

And she got what she wanted, as natu-ral light floods into all westward-facing rooms, quite unlike most basements around.

Another family suite is found on the second story, the bright spot being the granddaughter’s room with its soft, orange carpet contrasted against the custom-made wall of cupboards and shelves de-signed in opposite colors light green and hot pink. It’s a little girl’s delight, adorned with teddy bears, a colorful daybed and a toy chest from Gina’s own childhood, the kind that still bears a scorched spot from when once left too near a wood-burning cast iron stove. Across the hall is grand-daughter’s parents’ bedroom, with its eye-catching, barrel vaulted ceiling made with white cedar beadboard.

But the literal pinnacle of the home is found in Gina’s upstairs office, where the open loft style design allows her to work on projects or dig through her extensive Christ-mas closet without feeling disconnected from Joseph’s main floor perch, she said.

The McElgunns often host family at their custom home at Boyne Mountain Resort. It’s a continuation of long-running family traditions and Gina said she loves to host them at the home she loves so much.

“I used to come up here skiing as a kid,” Gina said. “We love to golf and we love winter sports.”

Joseph said he, too, is thrilled with how the home turned out and is happy his wife has her Northern Michigan dream home.

“She’s been building this house for 10 years,” he said, laughing. HL

Town & Country Cedar HomesBoyne Fallswww.cedarhomes.com

Seeing redContinued from page 31


reciPe

MOrELS By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by M. Chris Leese

The New York Restaurant — Matt Bugera, chef

— Bugera said this is a seasonal ap-petizer served at The New York Restau-rant for the last 15 years which lures returning customers again and again.

“The fresh asparagus is coming up and the nutty flavor of the morels go together so well with it, along with the crispy top and the richness of the cream, all makes it delicious,” he said.The lovely cream does go very well with the mushrooms and the garnish topping adds the perfect texture to contrast the asparagus and morels.

Morel and Asparagus Gratin1 teaspoon butter1 tablespoon minced shallots2 tablespoons creamWhite wine (splash)MorelsSliced shallotsCooked asparagusBread crumbs (garnish)Parmesan cheese (garnish)

Blend together over low heat the butter, cream, white wine and minced shallots and spoon into a small dish, then place cooked aspara-gus, sliced shallots and morels on top. Finally, garnish with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Broil until browned and serve as an appetizer.

THE TASTE OF SPrING

The popular consensus is Northern Michigan’s late spring will trans-late into a quality morel season, but it’s an opinion spoken only in whispers to avoid a fungal jinx.

Last year’s early spring and unnaturally warm temperatures ruined the morel sea-son and local mushroom hunters remain eager for at least a normal season this time.

Should the moisture levels be right and the temperatures just so, per-haps your secret morel spot will provide the bounty you seek.

Should that happen, local chefs Matt Bugera, of The New York Restaurant in Harbor Springs, and Brett Cuper, of Morel’s Bistro in Boyne City, shared some recipes for delicious ways to prepare them.

Medallions of Beef with Morels

HOMElife 35

— Bugera said this dish also is a seasonal entree at The New York Restau-rant. The rich flavors of the morels and beef in the demi-glaze is a taste explosion.

“It’s just a good com-bo of the meat and the mushrooms,” he said.

The plate makes a hearty, el-egant and perfect seasonal meal for mushroom and red meat lovers in Northern Michigan.

Medallions of Beef with Morels2 4-ounce beef tender-

loin medallionsClarified butterSalt and pepperShallotsMorelsWhite wineDemi-glaze

Season the beef with salt and pepper and sauté in but-ter. Add shallots and mush-rooms and then de-glaze with a splash of white wine. Add the demi-glaze and reduce to desired thickness. Serve with fresh vegetables and a starch.

Morel’s Bistro — Brett Cuper, chef

— Cuper said he created this dish with grain-fed beef tenderloins and enjoys the cream sauce so much he may add the plate this year as a seasonal entree at his restaurant, Morel’s Bistro.

“I do like it so much,” he said.And he’s not wrong. The

cream sauce is delicious and rich and is a lovely com-bination with the tender beef and morel garnish.

Veal Tenderloin and Morel Cream Sauce with Fried CucumbersMorel Cream Sauce:1 pound fresh or 3 ounces

re-hydrated dried morels2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon shallots2 cloves garlic chopped finePinch fresh thyme2 tablespoons butterKosher salt to taste

Heat oil in a medium-sized sauté pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, shallots and pinch of kosher salt. Cook until mushrooms begin to brown. Add garlic, thyme and pinch of salt. Add butter and continue cooking until mushrooms are brown and crisp. Reserve enough uniform pieces for gar-nish (1 mushroom per serving).

For Sauce:2 1/4 cups white wine1 1/2 cups chicken stock3/4 cup chopped morels6 medium shallots1/4 cup plus 2 table-

spoons Marsala 1 teaspoon fresh thyme4 1/2 cups whipping cream

Combine wine, chicken stock, mushrooms, shallots, Marsala and thyme in large saucepan. Cook over me-dium heat until reduced to 3 tablespoons. Add cream and cook until thickened, stir-ring occasionally. Strain sauce through fine sieve. Return sauce to pan, add remaining morels and place over medium heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes until sauce thickens (can be made a day ahead).

Cucumbers:1 English cucumber peeled2 tablespoons butter1 1/2 cups chicken stock

or white wineCut cucumber in half and

remove seeds. Cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces. Cut each piece lengthwise into four slices. Melt butter in large sauté pan over medium-high

heat. Add cucumber and sauté until just turning brown, about 4 minutes. Season with salt. Add stock or wine, reduce heat and poach gently until cucumber is glazed, about 6 minutes.

Season medallions with kosher salt on both sides. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Heat 3 tablespoons canola oil over medium-high heat. Add veal and cook as desired, about 90 seconds per side for medium-rare.

— The following walleye en-tree is a regular, year-round menu item at Morel’s Bistro, and there’s good reason why.

“Our fish is always from Lake Superior or Northern Lake Hu-ron. I like its taste best,” Cuper said.

Each bite of this fish is a fla-vorful, mushroom-laden delight with a crispy panko topping. Cu-per served the dish with a lemon risotto panko ball that leaves you wanting more. The citrus-induced starch goes so incredibly well with the walleye.

“The staff here loves that lemon risotto,” Cuper said with a wide smile.

Morel-Encrusted Walleye with Duxelle SauceDuxelle:1/2 cup olive oil1 1/2 pounds fresh

chopped morels 1 ounce dried morels re-

hydrated and chopped1/4 cup shallots1 tablespoon gar-

lic chopped fine1 tablespoon kosher salt2 teaspoons course

ground black pepper1 1/2 cups white wine

Heat oil in large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, aromatics, salt and pepper and sauté until mushrooms release their liquid. Add wine and reduce.

Morel and Asparagus Gratin


Pat O’BrienBROKER/OWNER

SEGMENTS of the real estate market

Pat O’Brien is a longtime Boyne City resident where for the last 23 years he has worked in real estate, and now is the broker and owner of Pat O’Brien & Associates on Water Street. His focus is on what clients want and need, whether it be an in-town home, lakeside vacation property or vacant land. O’Brien also is highly involved in numerous organizations, including nonprofi ts, school groups and community enhancement programs. He can be reached at (231) 582-1700 or online at www.patobrien.com.

EXPERT ADVICE

If you were to listen to the media — television, radio or newspaper — you would think our market was back at normal levels. But when talking about the housing

market values being up 14 percent, you must keep in mind some of these areas had lost 40-45 percent of their values, so now they are just 30 percent behind. My concern is that national statistics may keep buy-ers and sellers from making deals.

Sellers are being led to believe that we’re back to normal, with normal being where we were fi ve or six years ago. Not only is that not accurate, we are fi nding real estate hurdles that didn’t exist in the old normal. Appraisals. Short sales that negatively refl ect on the local mar-ket. Highly motivated sellers who just dump their properties (there aren’t too many of these, however, some people frankly just need to sell).

As most people know, there are many segments to the real estate market. Residential homes, waterfront homes and condominiums, commer-cial/industrial, acreage and vacant land. Probably vacant acreage has taken the hardest hit. Properties that sold for $4,000-5,000 an acre are now selling for $2,000-2,500 an acre. Waterfront condos lost up to 40 percent of their values. Waterfront residences, depend-ing on their locations, lost as much as 30 percent and residential homes in

the local market lost between 25–30 percent. I am reluctant to use these statistics, and some may disagree with them. But I am speaking from my own experience in our local market.

� e good news is for the last three or four months we watched a huge stabilization in the market with greatly increased activity and inquiries. Based on our fi gures to date, by the end of May we will be 50 percent ahead of where we were a year ago. � e market is good. But our pending sales, while signifi cantly increased in number over last year at this time, don’t show a huge increase in values. � is potential-ly will change as inventory decreases.

So now let’s delve into the second home market. When we talk about second homes, for most buyers, we are talking about discretion-ary spending. What that means is these buyers do not have to make a purchase right now, and if they are going to, it will have to be the right deal at the right price. What that means to the seller is, if you have a second home to sell, straining the upper limits of the list price will not work and could backfi re, as the property languishes too long on the market. With so much information readily available, rarely will you fi nd a buyer who is going to overpay for a property. Most of today’s buyers start looking for a second home already knowing what the values are.

Fifteen years ago, if a person looked for a cottage or second home and they found something they re-ally liked, the decision to purchase often was made on emotion and not actual value. It was nothing to have two or three off ers come in on the same property, which subsequently would sell for more than the ask-ing price. I’m not sure we’ll get back to that anytime soon. With buyers and sellers both paying close atten-tion to real estate sales, I feel the end result will be a better balance in the housing market overall.

HOMElife 37

Breading:3 medium leeks quartered

and sautéed in olive oil2 cups duxelle (warm with leeks)8 cups Panko

Combine in bowl and mix un-til it forms a moist breading.

Walleye:Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Rinse

walleye filet and pat dry. Split filet half way and coat with panko crumbs. Stuff filet with duxelle breading and place on baking sheet. Bake in oven for 11 minutes. Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons duxelle in small sauce pan. Add 1/3 cup heavy cream and reduce until sauce thickens slightly. Spoon over walleye and serve.

— This dish carries a strong balsamic flavor sure to delight the balsamic fan. It’s a unique taste with the morels, creating an enticing combination with the tender red meat.

Cuper said this is a new creation he’s been testing out. It is a strong entree with both powerful balsamic and subtle mush-room flavors.

Beef Medallions with Sautéed Morels in Balsamic SauceMorel Balsamic Sauce:3 tablespoons olive oilMorels1 shallot2 cloves garlic chopped fine1/3 cup balsamic vinegar3/4 cup chicken stock2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme2 teaspoons cilantro

Heat oil in medium sauce pan over medium-high heat. Add morels, shallots and garlic. Cook until mushrooms be-gin to brown. De-glaze pan with vinegar. Cook until vinegar is almost syrup, then add chicken stock. Reduce until thickened, and add thyme and cilantro. Spoon sauce over steak and garnish with cilantro.

Season medallions with kosher salt on both sides. Lightly dredge in flour, shak-ing off excess. Heat 3 tablespoons canola oil over medium-high heat. Add veal and cook as desired, 90 seconds per side for medium-rare.

HL

692 E. Lake Street •HARBOR SPRINGS231-526-2851 Family Owned Since 1971

Northern Michigan’s Hidden Treasure

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• Premium quality annual flats & perennials• Custom planting & maintenance• Full service florist• Unique garden art• Huge variety of pottery• Gifts for the home

Taste of springContinued from page 35


RESOURCES fOR yOUR HOMELIfE

We believe our customers are entitled to the highest quality and worksmanship that we can provide. We strive to apply the knowledge we have accumulated through years of experience coupled with ongoing training to provide our

customers with the highest quality available. Our time-honored traditions and reputation for getting the job done correctly and on time create an efficient workflow for all other trades that may follow. Specializing in foundations, flatwork, retaining walls, decorative concrete and landscape applications.Contact us at (231) 582-6114 or [email protected]. Visit our website, baykoconcrete.com, to learn more about us.

Since 1976, Widing Custom Homes has maintained a reputation for unparalleled excellence. At Widing Custom Homes, we build each home as if it were our own. Whether a quaint cottage or luxury estate,

we create homes where families can grow and memories will be made. We build each home with total commitment to customer satisfaction through high standards, superior craftsmanship, hard work,reliability, and the integrity to do the right thing. And we stand behind each home with our 10 year home warranty. Not with a signature...but a handshake, we pledge to do whatever it takes to build your dream home. Widing Custom Homes (231)933-6680 www.WidingCustomHomes.com www.facebook.com/widingcustomhomes

Wager Builders Inc., have been making houses GREEN for more than 20 years with the use of insulation and infrared scans. The right insulation will save money

by keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing yearly energy costs. It can also reduce damage caused by extreme weather conditions. It can reduce noise pollution and dust, making your home a quiet and clean place to relax. Wager Builders Inc. features two eco-friendly types of insulation: Nu-Wool Premium Cellulose Insulation and Demilec Spray foam Insulation. A proud member of the Little Traverse Association of Home Builders.Carl D. Wager, 341 Alcan Drive, Petoskey. (231) 838-0220

JPR Builders is a leading contractor in Northern Michigan, constantly striving to bring effective and efficient building practices to your project. We provide unsurpassed attention-to-detail, creative

problem solving and workable solutions to all your building needs. We work closely with area designers and architects to maintain the highest standard in designs and function. Jim Russell brings with him 22 years of industry experience, building and remodeling homes in Northern Michigan, Park City, Utah, and Livingston, Mont., since 1989. Our motto is “envision, create, enjoy.” Visit our website, www.jprbuilders.com, to learn more about us. (231) 838-0494.

Wager Builders Inc.

Reid furniture Co. has been serving the Northern Michigan region since 1927. As we begin our fourth generation as a

family-owned business, we understand the importance of dependable furnishings at reasonable prices. We offer products like flexsteel, Coastal Living, Lloyd/flanders, All Weather Wicker, Sealy and Stearns & foster mattresses, and are confident they have the look and feel you want. One of our non-commissioned sales associates will be happy to provide a free, in-home design service. We want your experience with Reid furniture to be easy and fun! Stop in to browse our different vignettes and we can help you create a new look for your home, cabin or condo. (231) 347-2942. 307 E. Mitchell St., Petoskey. www.ReidIndeed.com

Reid Furniture Co. has been serving the entire Northern Michigan region since 1927. As we begin our fourth generation of

a family owned business we understand better than anyone, how important dependable furnishings at reasonable prices are

to our customers. The service that our well trained associates provide is yet another reason why we are the area’s largest, most

dependable and most experienced home furnishings provider. With names like Flexsteel, Coastal Living, Lloyd/Flanders, All

Weather Wicker, Sealy and Stearns & Foster Mattresses just to name a few. We are confident our products have the look and feel of

what you would want your home furnishings to be.

At Reid Furniture you will get the help you need with our free, in-home design service. There is no cost or obligation. One of our

non-commissioned sales associates will be happy to assist you, in your home, to determine what works and what doesn’t. We want

your experience with Reid Furniture to be easy and fun!

Stop in and browse our different vignettes and speak with one of our associates to create a new look for your home, cabin or condo.

free in-home design | free regional delivery | special ordering

Reid Furniture Co.Dependable Merchandise and Distinguished Service | Celebrating 84 Years of Quality

www.ReidIndeed.com | 347-2942 | 307 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey

Buy mill direct cedar and pine building products. Town & Country specializes in kiln-dried, northern white cedar and pine building

products. They meet your production needs from their Boyne falls, Mich. sawmill. • End Match Tongue & Groove Paneling • Interior and Exterior Trim• Half-Log Siding • Railing Packages • Custom Log Mill Work • Cedar Shake Shingles • Cedar DoorsLet one of their professionals estimate your project and experience their drive toward 100% customer satisfaction. No job is too big or too small. Town & Country has been providing quality products nationwide since 1947. Toll free (888) 829-5909. (231) 348-5605 www.michigancedarproducts.com

Kiss Carpet Design Center opened in March of 1986. Ken Roberts never forgot the words of motivational speaker Earl

Nightingale: “Keep It Simple Salesmen.” In fact, the advice made such an impression on Ken that he and wife Kathy decided to use it when they named their business. At all Kiss Carpet Design Center locations customers can view a large selection of colors, products, and the latest fashion statements in the flooring industry. “We continually stay focused on our service department, working on providing the best service to our customers, the type of service they cannot get anywhere else,” Ken says. Showroom locations: Harbor Springs, Traverse City and Mancelona. Like us on facebook. 1-800-352-5936 www.KissCarpet.com

Our store is a pleasant place of discovery. fun, bright home accessories and gifts adorn the shelves — exquisite, fragrant

candles; kitchen gadgets; towels and linens for the cottage; puzzles and more! Every time you visit you will experience a new store! Interior design that makes yOUR dreams and visions come true. BuildLegacy for your construction needs. fabrics from Robert Allen, Duralee, Avant Garde, Pindler & Pindler, Greenhouse. Wallcoverings from Printer’s Guild, Ashford House, Ronald Redding, york and more. Hunter Douglas Window fashions, custom workrooms, bedding, drapery, professional installations. People’s choice for funkiest Gift Store in Northern Michigan. find us on facebook. (231) 582-0526. 309 S. Lake St., Boyne City.

CindiFranco’scool stuff

HOMElife 39

1861 US 31 N. Petoskey • 231-347-2585www.DaveKring.com

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940 Wahbee Avenue, Indian RiverExcellent location on the shore of Burt Lake with 120' of prime waterfrontwith 2972 sq. ft. home. This open floor plan offers plenty of room forfamily & friends. Features include tile floors, fireplace, large lakeside deck,detached 2 car garage, & beautiful landscaping are just a few of theamenities this home offers. Sunsets are unsurpassed and the gentle slopeto the lake lend to beautiful lake views. $649,000

03184 Springwater beach, Boyne CityEnjoy 250' of exceptional frontage on Lake Charlevoix from this classiccozy cottage perfectly located only minutes from Boyne City and featuresthree bedrooms, three full baths, one-half bath, two fireplaces, largeporch overlooking the lake, and a dock with shore station. $799,000

5186 Jones Landing, PetoskeyCharming cottage on Walloon Lake located on the North Arm justminutes from Petoskey and Boyne City. Features include two bedrooms +a loft for additional guests, two full baths, a loft that is great for kids, gasfireplace, beautiful kitchen with granite countertops. Enjoy beautifulwater views from your large patio overlooking the lake and leads to yourprivate dock and 50’ of waterfront. This is a great buy! $699,000

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homelife april-may 2013

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