An Innkeepers Dream….

 

View from Birch Lodge Porch

Historic Birch Lodge is for sale.   We are open for business as usual, but would like to find the next owners who can take it to its FULL potential.

Ideally, we feel the lodge needs serious innkeepers and an excellent chef to give it wings.   Michigan Bed and Breakfast law now states that owners may provide “meals” at no additional charge to their guests.   This is exactly what I feel would work so well at Birch Lodge.   Offer three excellent meals for the guests staying at the lodge.    Excellent food is, frankly, something that is rare in the Upper Peninsula, and we have a great location for it.  Half an hour above the bridge, the property is set nicely back from the road, and has a fantastic waterfront placement, and historic appeal. 

  The lodge is full of “commons” space, the old Birch Bar, the front lobby, the upstairs lobby and deck as well as the 100’ front porch.  The rooms are spacious as well.  It is truly a unique property…there is no other like it.

Birch Lodge Lobby

Up until the early 1980’s the kitchen did turn out meals for the guests.   The kitchen is large, with plenty of prep space, and does have triple sinks, newer refrigerator and gas stove, and a great old commercial Garland gas stove, (it no longer meets commercial code, but this is not required for a Bed and Breakfast… which falls under residential code).  

  

  The dining room is large and full of light with lovely antique tables, and china. 

  Many people would like to see the old Birch Bar open again, but I feel this would be a mistake.  It would require extensive commercial code modifications, and I feel would negatively impact the quiet peaceful atmosphere which is a large part of the charm here.   I do, however, think it may be possible to get a license to serve fine wine and beers to guests staying at the lodge to accompany their dinner and still stay within the Bed and Breakfast code requirements.   

Right now the lodge has five rentable rooms with baths, and three more rentable rooms are ready and waiting for baths to be added (the future baths have been begun).   We have also created an owner’s suite with bath upstairs over the kitchen.    The motel is fully renting with eight lake front units, and there is an old log cabin, which with updating could be used as a rental as well. 

 We have worked hard and poured ourselves into getting this old gal back on her feet.  There is a great deal of interest in lodge stays, but we simply can’t do it all.   We need someone who can now make her run.     It would be a great place for a couple with adult children, or possibly an extended family business.   Are you that chef?   Is this your dream too?   If so, let us know...serious inquiries welcome...the property is listed with Mackinac Properties.