Masterpiece on Lake Michigan Hits the Market for $1.2 Million: ‘This House Is Like Living Inside an Art Sculpture’

High above the cherry orchards on a hillside with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and its prominent islands sits a gleaming steel and glass home.

The local landmark, dubbed the “Chameleon House” because its mirror siding reflects the natural progression of lighting by day, has hit the market in scenic Leelanau County for $1.15 million.

Set across multiple levels, the 1,650-square-foot home is described in the listing as “imagination come to life.” It was designed by San Francisco award-winning firm Anderson Anderson Architecture, known for focusing on “new sustainable construction technology adapted for unique sites and cultural conditions,” according to its website.

“This house is more like living inside an art sculpture, only with really comfortable spaces and incredible views of Lake Michigan, which are like an ever-changing Andrew Wyeth painting,” says Jack Lane of the Jack Lane Team.

Lane wittily emphases the views from the three-bedroom, 3.5 bath in his listing description.

“First floor, nice views of Lake Michigan; second floor, oh look—you can see The Lake all the way to the Whaleback; third floor—OMG you can see The Lake all the way to Pyramid Point!; fourth floor—I friggin’ think that’s Wisconsin!!”

He gave an explanation of the views for those not familiar with those reference points. The home is located in Leelanau County, a few miles from Newport, MI, at the top of the pinkie finger on Michigan’s famous mitten-shaped outline. It’s a sort of peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan on three sides.

“Offshore is a chain of five islands, South Manitou, North Manitou, South Fox, North Fox, Beaver Island. On a clear day you can see them all,” says Lane. “From the fourth floor, it feels like you can see Wisconsin,” he jokes. The Wisconsin shore is actually over 70 miles away. “But the views are off the charts.”

The exterior is built of galvanized sheet metal and it’s insulated by unique premade structural wood insulated panels that sandwich insulation and give the house its shape while also regulating the temperature.

The home is built into and on top of the natural slope hillside, which explains the dramatic views. Vertical by design, it’s four stories high, and there are two levels on each story, so that adds up to eight levels total.

The front door opens to the third level. The kitchen, living room, and other public spaces are located on the third and fourth levels, while the bedrooms, which also feature views in addition to built-in shelving and cabinets, are below.

Needless to say, residents must love stairs. The staircase that runs up through the middle of the house is part of the interior’s unique aesthetic. With that type of incline, who needs a workout room? “It’s like having your own gymnasium,” Lane says with a laugh.

The home was built in 2004, and the interior has an enduring modern aesthetic. The steel and glass surfaces are warmed up by liberal amounts of maple, and pine floors.

The modern kitchen has industrial chic stainless steel appliances and sink, and blond wood paneling and cabinetry.

The two-story living room may have the best views of all, but what you can see from the various landings is also spectacular. Bedrooms also have views, as well as built-in shelves and cabinetry.

Outdoors there’s a large cement patio with a hot tub and a barbecue, designed for “all the things one does in Northern Michigan,” says Lane. It’s built over a two-car garage with heated floors.

This home is separated from Lake Michigan only by a massive cherry orchard, which is another scenic surprise, especially in the spring and fall. In fact, nearby Traverse City is known as the Cherry Capital of the World.

But the land is known for more than just cherries. In fact, Leelanau County has been voted one of the most scenic places in America, and is a popular tourist destination. Lane reports estimates that as many as 26% of the homes in the area are second homes.

That’s how the current owner, a chef who has a prominent restaurant about 200 miles away, uses it—as a peaceful, scenic getaway. He purchased the arresting aerie in June 2023 for $1.2 million and is now selling his restaurant, and reorganizing his life for retirement.

Lane says the home is ideal for full-time residents, or those who want a multi-season retreat.

“There’s a beach half a mile from this house, a wonderful country tavern a mile down the road, and a number of other fine restaurants in Leland and Northport,” he says.

“Imagine living in a house that amazes you every day. It’s a place that activates your dream mechanism.”