- 4 beds
- 2 baths
- 1,638 sqft
- ~1/2 acre lot
- $1,037 per sqft
- 1919 build
- – on site
The Fern Hill Cottage, a historic Lake Michigan shoreline retreat built in 1919 by a Chicago inventor, offers a rare opportunity to own a well-preserved, relaxing lakefront property on Big Platte Lake, renowned for its pristine water, fishing, and river access to Lake Michigan. The current owners have maintained its vintage charm with cedar siding throughout, panoramic windows, and outdoor spaces, while updating key areas like the kitchen, baths, and mechanical systems. Additions to the cottage expanded the living space and have turned this quaint cottage into a sprawling rambler home usable year-round. Located near Sleepy Bear Dunes, Frankfort, and Point Betsie Lighthouse, the cottage provides convenient access to the region's wineries, charming towns, and outdoor attractions, making it an ideal blend of historic charm and modern comfort in Northwest Michigan. This unique investment will bring years of enjoyment and a lifetime of Northern Michigan memories.
Last checked:
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Last updated Jun 15, 2025
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MLS# 25025896 —
This home is listed in more than one place. See it here.
The Building
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Year Built:1919
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New Construction:false
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Construction Materials:Wood Siding
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Building Features:None
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Building Area Total:1638.0
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Architectural Style:Ranch
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Roof:Asphalt
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Foundation Details:None
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Stories:1
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Basement:No
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Basement:Crawl Space
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Basement:No
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Common Walls:None
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Window Features:Insulated Windows
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Patio And Porch Features:Covered, Deck, Enclosed, Patio, Porch(es), Screened, Terrace
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Accessibility Features:No
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Direction Faces:None
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Exterior Material -Wood Siding:true
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Roofing -Asphalt:true
Interior
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Flooring:Wood
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Rooms Total:8
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Total Fireplaces:1.0
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Fireplaces Total:1
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Fireplace:true
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Fireplace Features:Living Room, Wood Burning
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Fireplace -Wood Burning:true
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Furnished:None
Room Dimensions
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Living Area:1638.0
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Main Level SqFt:1638.0
Financial & Terms
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Ownership:Private Owned
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Listing Terms:Cash, Conventional
Location
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Directions:Platte Rd to Birch Pt. Birch Pt. to Birch Drive
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Cross Street:Birch Pt / Birch Dr.
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Latitude:44.691483
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Longitude:-86.111014
The Property
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Property Type:Residential
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Property Subtype:Single Family Residence
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Property Attached:No
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Current Use:None
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Parcel Number:10-025-007-00
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Zoning:None
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Zoning Description:RES
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Lot Features:Level, Rolling Hills
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Lot Size SqFt:20038.0
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Lot Size Acres:0.46
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Lot Size Area:0.46
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Lot Size Units:Acres
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Topography:None
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Waterfront:true
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View:None
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View:No
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Inclusions:None
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Possible Use:None
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Frontage Type:None
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Water Access:Yes
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Water Body Name:Big Platte Lake
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Waterfront:Yes
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Waterfront Features:Lake
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Road Surface Type:Paved
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Road Frontage:100.0
Listing Agent
- Contact info:
- Agent phone:
- (616) 250-6751
- Office phone:
- (269) 600-4397
Taxes
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Tax Year:2024
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Tax Year:2024.0
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Tax Legal Description:PAR OF LAND IN GOVT LOT 2 BET LOT 25 & LOT 27 PLAT OF BIRCH POINT SHORES ALSO DESC AS COMM AT MEA POST SE COR GL LOT 2 TH N 9 DEG 45' E 161.2 FT TH N 20 DEG W 100 FT TO POB TH N 33 DEG 45' W 25FT TH S 56 DEG 15' W 202 FT TH S 33 DEG 45' E 100 FT TN N 56 DE 15' E 185 FT TH N 20 DEG W TO POB SEC 34 T27N R15W .50 A M/L P.A.
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Tax Annual Amount:999.0
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Annual Property Taxes:999.0
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Tax Assessed Value:213133
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Taxable Value:213133.0
Beds
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Bedrooms Total:4
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Main Bedrooms:4
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Main Level Bedrooms:4
Baths
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Total Baths:2
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Total Baths:2.0
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Partial Baths:None
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Full Baths:2
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Full Baths:2
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Three Quarter Baths:None
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Quarter Baths:None
The Listing
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Virtual Tour URL Branded:None
Heating & Cooling
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Cooling:Central Air
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Cooling:true
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Heating:true
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Heating:Forced Air
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Heat Type -Forced Air:true
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Heat Source -Natural Gas:true
Utilities
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Utilities:High-Speed Internet
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Dishwasher:true
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Central Air:true
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Sewer:Septic Tank
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Sewer/Septic System:true
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Water Source:Well
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Well:true
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Water Heater -Natural Gas:true
Appliances
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Appliances:Dishwasher, Microwave
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Microwave:true
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Laundry Features:Laundry Closet
Schools
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Elementary School District:None
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Middle Or Junior School District:None
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High School District:Benzie
The Community
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Association:No
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Pool Private:No
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Senior Community:No
Parking
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Parking Total:None
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Parking Features:Attached
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Garage:true
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Garage Spaces:2.0
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Attached Garage:true
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Carport Spaces:None
Monthly cost estimate

Asking price
$1,699,900
Expense | Monthly cost |
---|---|
Mortgage
This calculator is intended for planning and education purposes only. It relies on assumptions and information provided by you regarding your goals, expectations and financial situation, and should not be used as your sole source of information. The output of the tool is not a loan offer or solicitation, nor is it financial or legal advice. |
$9,102
|
Taxes | $83 |
Insurance | $467 |
Utilities | $213 See report |
Total | $9,865/mo.* |
*This is an estimate |
Walk Score®
Provided by WalkScore® Inc.
Walk Score is the most well-known measure of walkability for any address. It is based on the distance to a variety of nearby services and pedestrian friendliness. Walk Scores range from 0 (Car-Dependent) to 100 (Walker’s Paradise).
Bike Score®
Provided by WalkScore® Inc.
Bike Score evaluates a location's bikeability. It is calculated by measuring bike infrastructure, hills, destinations and road connectivity, and the number of bike commuters. Bike Scores range from 0 (Somewhat Bikeable) to 100 (Biker’s Paradise).
Air Pollution Index
Provided by ClearlyEnergy
The air pollution index is calculated by county or urban area using the past three years data. The index ranks the county or urban area on a scale of 0 (best) - 100 (worst) across the United Sates.