Want A Mansion? Here’s A Whole Village Of Them

At the turn of the 20^th century, the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula became a boomtown as it developed into the first major copper mining region in the United States. Fortunes were literally made overnight. Wealth was largely concentrated in the town of Laurium, where mine owners and sea captains built their large houses and mansions. Constructed between 1880 and 1915, they feature grand period elements and the solid construction that was common in the United States 100 years ago.

Probably the grandest of these is the Thomas H. Hoatson House, a two-and one-half story Classical Revival house with 45 rooms covering 13,000 square feet. Other houses in the neighborhood are only slightly more modest.

Now a collection of eight historic mansions in Laurium, including the Thomas H. Hoatson House, are for sale at a price that would not be possible in most other parts of this country. For three and one-half million dollars, a fortunate buyer can own stunning architectural examples of late Victorian high style. Operated as a bed and breakfast vacation retreat, these properties are offered furnished; many are outfitted with historic features like custom stained glass, moldings, original light fixtures and paintings.

With over 40 bedrooms, 26 full and seven partial bathrooms and just over 35,000 square feet of living space, the properties can provide new owners with income, as tourism in the area is growing. It is also useful to note that Laurium is just twelve miles from Michigan Tech University.

Listed with Mike Kuligowski and Nick Asplund of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, this property is unique in the world of real estate. The cluster of houses is a turnkey income producer, a physical piece of important area history and a pretty village of handsome houses. All manner of desirable elements abound, including balconies, a barn, decks, a spa/hot tub, hardwood flooring and a number of fireplaces. 

In fact, when you have eight historic houses with deep histories, there is a good chance that hidden treasures await discovery. Who knows what the houses of Laurium Village are sheltering in their nooks and crannies?

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.