Text: R.J. Weick
To the perceptive eye, the nuances in a sense of place can be found in the architectural detailing in a neighborhood, the natural environment, or in the musical and lighting ambiance created in a small corner café. From the sweeping fairways of a golf course molded and formed harmoniously into the land, and the lolling sand dunes blanketing the western shore of the state of Michigan, to the grandeur etched into estate columns, the response each setting evokes in the onlooker—while it can vary from person-to-person—can create an emotional connection.
In the southwestern corner of Michigan, one neighborhood has sought to define itself as a premier residential community surrounded by the natural wilderness and ever-changing sand dunes, an 18-hole championship golf course, and close proximity to the downtown core of Saugatuck. The community, located at the Ravines Golf Club, is built along the nearly 7,100-yard course designed by Arnold Palmer Design Company. A representation of strategic and sustainable design, the Ravines Golf Course was created to be beautiful, fun, and inspiring through the company’s signature hands-on approach and philosophy.
Among the mature trees, wetlands, and bunkers inherent to the back nine, a stately residence comes into view nestled along the approximately 409-yard, par-4 fairway at the 11th hole. Designed and built by John Sexton, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home is a picture of refined grandeur; front columns reminiscent of neoclassicism complemented by an exterior façade bringing to mind European chateaus and villas. Despite its 14-foot ceilings, the first floor is inviting with its mixture of woods, creamy hues, and vibrant red and gold accents found in the kitchen backsplash, area rugs, walls, and furnishings. Ornate detailing can be seen on the wood furnishings and unexpected elements such as pineapples adorning chandeliers delight the eye.
The residence, along with the nearby 1.34-acre vacant lot on the 11th fairway, is among the two listed properties within the Ravines’ exclusive sponsor: Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty.
“The community is really unique for both properties, because the Ravines community, you are surrounded by the golf course,” said Kelsey Vredeveld, marketing director for Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty. “It is really private and kept really natural in the back. There are a lot of trees and it is exclusive and quiet.”
Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty is a Holland-based boutique firm specializing in luxury real estate services and focused on a relationship-based approach to brokerage. The firm represents luxury homes, vacation homes, waterfront properties, and investment opportunities throughout the West Michigan region from the state border through Grand Haven. Vredeveld noted the team has a great partnership with the neighboring city’s golf club and values the opportunity to represent a home and land with its location.
“You really can’t understand how magnificent this home is—and especially this property with the views of the land—until you are physically there in person,” Vredeveld said. “You can have a true understanding of how remarkable and incredible these homes are, and that is how you are going to see the features and be able to picture yourself in it.”
The grand estate at 3468 Palmer Drive and the property at 6122 Masters Lane are considered within the Ravines community and are also less than five miles from the dining, arts, and shopping scene in downtown Saugatuck. The vintage, small-town atmosphere of Saugatuck and Douglas meets freshwater coastline and a vibrant artisanal community along the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan.
“Not many recognize how amazing Saugatuck really is,” Vredeveld said. “[They can] experience that quality of life Saugatuck is known for and with both of these properties, it is location, location, location.”
To learn more about Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty and its property listings, click here.
To learn more about the Ravines Golf Club, click here.
