There are homes—and then there are self-sustaining compounds constructed so that an owner never has to leave.
That is an apt way to describe this 323-acre spread with multiple homes in Battle Creek, MI—midway between Chicago and Detroit.
The property is on the market for $6.5 million, with a five-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom main house and an abundance of open space.
“There are four lakes around the property that you have access to, along with your own 9-acre, private lake,” says the listing broker, Ryan Johnson with Michigan Lifestyle Properties/Gull Lake Realty. “There’s a lot of property upkeep to own this home, but you could live on property and never have to leave. It’s a massive compound that is ideal for hunting, fishing, or riding your ATVs.”
There is also a state-of-the-art greenhouse that was built for self-sustainability, along with three additional homes on the property.
Exterior front of main home in Battle Creek, MI(Realtor.com)
Back of property(Realtor.com)
A potential buyer could truly get lost exploring the nearly 14,000 square feet of interior space in the multilevel main house. For additional security, the home also features a 5,000-square-foot underground bunker. Construction was a half-decade process that began in 2013 and finished in 2018.
Johnson adds that the possibilities for the property are wide open.
“It’s a complete recreational wonderland,” he says, noting that it could be used as a corporate or as a private residential compound. “Half of the acreage is with the main home, and the other half is with the three houses.”
In the main home, the kitchen is a treat. You’ll find high-end appliances, including a six-burner Thermador range, a Wolf hood fan, a Sub-Zero fridge, a Miele built-in coffee system, custom cabinetry, and quartz countertops.
Laundry was also well thought-through, with a washer and dryer on every level.
Veranda(Realtor.com)
Bunker(Realtor.com)
Kitchen(Realtor.com)
Sauna(Realtor.com)
Spa(Realtor.com)
Other luxe highlights include walnut, marble, and tile flooring throughout. There are also three fireplaces, a mirrored workout room, a yoga room, and a swim spa with a hot tub. An en suite primary bedroom features enormous walk-in closets with built-in cabinets, a jetted soaking tub, dual bathrooms, dual showers, and a laundry room.
Outside, there’s a professionally landscaped yard, complete with a flower garden and fountain. It leads to a dock on the private lake, which is stocked with perch, bass, bluegill, and baitfish.
Bedroom(Realtor.com)
Bathroom(Realtor.com)
Closet(Realtor.com)
Private lake(Realtor.com)
Greenhouse(Realtor.com)
Outbuilding(Realtor.com)
Stone house(Realtor.com)
For storage and other uses, a huge 7,200-square-foot outbuilding is available, and a video surveillance security system covers the whole property.
If the main house is full, guests can stay in any of the three additional homes located on the periphery of the property—known as the Guest House, Lake Cottage, and Stone House.
While Western Michigan isn’t known as a tourist hotbed, the central location could appeal to a Midwestern buyer with a need for extreme privacy and security.
“We have had a lot of showings on the property, mostly with interest as a secondary residence,” Johnson tells us, adding, “I think the next owner will be someone between here and Detroit or Chicago who will use it as a secondary home.”
