IONIA COUNTY, MI — A one-of-a-kind “barndominium” in Michigan makes a lasting impression.
Listed at $3.3 million by Hunter Platte of Keller Williams Rivertown Hoppough, the expansive property at 781 Hopkins Rd. in Lyons is MLive’s House of the Week. The series showcases distinctive homes from across Michigan every Wednesday.
The three-bedroom, four bath (two full), multi-level “Garage Mahal” sits on 77.5 acres, with the owner open to land splits. The Ionia County estate includes approximately a quarter mile of Grand River frontage, scenic trails, and farmable fields.
A mile-long paved road leads to a quiet driveway where rustic craftsmanship rises amongst nature.
Beyond the larger of two spacious garages is the property’s social hub. The area has a distinctive bar and kitchen wallpapered with metallic beverage signs. Blended wood finishes warm the space.
Owner Scott McElmurry signals his presence to neighbors with an “open” sign outside, inviting them to stop by for a beer if he’s home.
“When I first walked in, I thought, ‘This belongs on MTV Cribs,’” Platte said of her first impression.
McElmurry used the eccentric lower level as his main living for nearly a decade before expanding the home. It’s also played host to bachelor parties and other large gatherings.
A recreation space, which is viewable from the bar, is used currently for a pool table. The lower level also includes a bathroom, mud room, and two separate living spaces.
One visitor compared the home favorably to Detroit-born guitarist Ted Nugent’s property.
“I don’t know Ted Nugent, but I’ve heard of him, so that’s pretty good then,” McElmurry said.
Throughout the home, picturesque views attempt to steal the show. In one of the two living spaces on the lower level, McElmurry and a friend built a platform from scraps, putting someone at eye-level with windows for outdoor viewing.
The property was built in phases over 17 to 18 years, starting with the lower level and workshop. McElmurry then added additional lodge-style living quarters to the property.
“I wasn’t in a hurry,” the owner said. “I’d sit here and look around and then think about what I wanted to see.”
McElmurry said giving tours, seeing guest reactions, and noticing how people interacted in the space prompted ideas of how to proceed. This methodical approach benefited the design process.
The home features custom engineering solutions to maximize efficiency and comfort, like four separate geothermal heating zones and recirculating hot water. The building and windows are positioned to maximize winter sun exposure while avoiding summer heat.
The centralized geothermal heating is backed up by two forced air furnaces with central air.
Perhaps the most striking feature is the tower that crowns the structure. While visually impressive, it also functions as an integral part of the home’s natural ventilation system.
The tower creates airflow that prevents heat from moving sideways, instead drawing it upward through the rooms.
The structure doubles as a lookout where McElmurry’s wife enjoys watching storms roll through. A room below the lookout serves as an office and more views out slanted windows that offer protection from the sun.
“It’s almost like a big vent that you can sit in,” he said.
Other features include hot water recycling for instant access, similar to commercial hotel systems, and a residential elevator. McElmurry added railings on both sides of all stairways after watching elderly family members navigate the home.
The insulation and systems weathered a test when McElmurry arrived home during winter to find the power had been out for a week. The temperature inside had only dropped to 50 degrees despite 20-below-zero weather outside. He subsequently installed a Kohler backup generator.
The home blends form and function. For example, Cedar-lined bathrooms serve the practical purpose of being mold-resistant.
The spacious upper living area features vaulted ceilings, custom light fixtures, and a screened in porch. A stone chimney climbs to the peak of the living room where a wall of long windows breathes in natural light.
The primary bedroom is its own oasis with a large closet and ensuite bathroom. A down-home kitchen and two dining spaces round out the upper floor.
“Even before doing real estate and not even in my real estate career have, I seen a place like that,” Platte said.
The land has been in McElmurry’s family for generations. His grandparents lived in a farmhouse on the property. McElmurry eventually built the current structure surrounded by woods for privacy. McElmurry compared the property to being in Wyoming.
“No lights. No nothing,” he said. “Very secluded.”
The property sits 30 miles from both Grand Rapids and Lansing. The listing notes the property could accommodate a business operation and includes external 50-amp service for campers.
See 78 images provided by Emalie Hiler of PhotoReal by clicking into the gallery above or click here. View the listing of the home here.
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