Charlevoix and Bay Harbor

Today was one of our days off, we decided to do some more exploring of the area and hear toward Bay Harbor and Charlevoix. Both towns are very affluent and very scenic. We stopped at Big Rock Point first.


Roger at Big Rock Point

After we left Big Rock Point, we headed to Charlevoix and came upon this beautiful castle. Self guided tours were available and we decided to go for it. The castle, we discovered, was originally built in 1918 by Albert Loeb to operate as a model farm. Mr. Loeb was, at that time, the CEO of Sears Robuck. For many years after Mr. Loeb died, the farm was left to decay. Then John VanHaver purchased the farm in the 1960's and used it for his metal casting gallery. He also hosted concerts that drew fans of acts such as: John Denver, Def Leppard, Chicago, Doobie Brothers etc. The farm was abandoned and went into further decay until Linda Mueller purchased the farm in 2002 and completely restored it to it's original grandeur. All restoration was done using original wood, windows etc. whenever possible.


Castle Farms Queen's Castle


Castle Farms Rose Garden


Sid the Sea Monster at the Reflection Pond


Children's Alphabet Garden


Roger in the Kings Chair


Sue in the Queen's Chair


Castle Farms

The castle is enormous! I couldn't possibly put all of the photo's I took on the blog. I suggest that if you want to see more pictures, that you check out castlefarms.com.

On our way back from Charlevoix we went a different route and rode the Ironton ferry across Charlevoix Lake.