After decades of change left a cherished turn-of-the-century summer house on Lake Michigan structurally unsound, designer Tom Stringer embraced a new beginning. His thoughtful rebuild honors the home’s historic charm while creating a welcoming setting for the family’s fifth generation of summers.
- Original structure was unsalvageable after decades of alterations
- Rebuild includes a wraparound porch and modernized layout
- Interiors feature layered antiques with cheerful blue, green, and white hues
What happened
The beloved summer house originally built at the turn of the 20th century on Lake Michigan’s shore faced a tough reality when structural inspections revealed it was beyond saving. Decades of previous renovations had weakened the home’s frame, making preservation impossible despite hopes to restore it.
Designer Tom Stringer and the family chose to honor the house’s legacy by creating a highly faithful replica rather than attempting risky repairs. The redesigned home maintains the historic scale and character but thoughtfully adjusts features like adding a generous wraparound porch tailored to modern family gatherings.
Why it feels good
This fresh start is not just about architecture, but about preserving the feeling of treasured summers past. Stringer carefully curated interiors layered with antiques and heirlooms, paired with a palette of soft blues, greens, and whites to evoke a sense of nostalgia and timeless comfort.
The home was rebuilt to serve the needs of a young family spanning five generations, providing flexible spaces for lively gatherings, casual meals, and quiet lake views. Thoughtful design decisions, like relocating the kitchen to the center and repositioning the staircase, create a home that feels both rooted in history and lovingly tailored for today’s lifestyle.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors to Harbor Springs will appreciate how this rebuilt summer home blends harmoniously with the neighborhood’s cluster of Victorian residences, reinforcing the area’s historic streetscape while welcoming a new era of family memories.
Those inspired by this story of renewal can explore other architectural projects that balance preservation with modern comfort, as well as ways to infuse their homes with meaningful color palettes and family heirlooms that celebrate personal history.