In the 1950s, an industrialist from Grand Rapids used

the Sawyer Road property as a hunting camp and home for his cattle. He had full-time year-round caretakers to care for the animals and to help with his 2-week hunting camps in the Fall.

In 1969, the property was purchased by a conservationist who had the goal of resurrecting the blighted American Chestnut Tree he remembered from his youth. Getting one cutting from one live remaining Chestnut tree in the United States, he went on to nurture to maturity at least 80 of them. The American Chestnut yields the most brilliant yellow leaves in the fall as the leaves change their color.

He planted over 200,000 trees in an already-thick forest – Maple, Blue Spruce, Pine, Pin Oak, and a wide variety of apples and berries for the many animals who live here.

The forest he created was thick and magical. In addition, he instituted a Forest Management Plan and arranged systematic hardwood cuts to maintain the health of the forest. He loved the land and kept it pristine and organic, a human testament to man’s dedication to the environment an its stewardship

The main residence was built in the early 1970s. The Austrian builder designed a place he remembered from his childhood in Europe: a large lodge with dark detailed woodwork, beams, white stucco, two stories, a balcony and a floor plan designed for socializing. An open first floor provides the space for large families and gatherings. There are 6-7 bedrooms depending on usage, three full baths and laundry.

Chalet Village Property Management