Properties That Pop: Our annual look at 'cool' properties around the region
May 2026
Northwest Michigan’s diverse landscapes and communities offer up a wide variety of available properties every year. Here’s a look at some fun listings from the area as of the time this story was written. We can’t guarantee they weren’t snapped up by the time this issue went to press!
Equestrian Estate
6625 Grand Prix Dr., Williamsburg
$9.95 million
MLS#: 1942258
What would the regional market be without a fully loaded equestrian estate? Located adjacent to the bustling Flintfields Horse Park (home of immensely popular Traverse City Horse Shows), this listing features an 11,000 square-foot, 22-stall custom barn and a separate three-car garage with a well-appointed four-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment above. The centerpiece of the grounds is a large riding arena and four fenced paddocks. All of this is within a gated setting and connected to the horse park via a private bridle path.
Slice of Paradise
7608 Peninsula Dr., Traverse City
$1 million
MLS#: 1943253
Just how hot is that waterfront market, you ask? Have a look at this listing, which offers three quarters of an acre for a cool million – and that’s just for the land. As one of the last remaining undeveloped parcels on Peninsula Drive so close to town, this property is touted as the perfect place to build your dream home on a sloping, wooded lot with 100 feet of private beachfront on West Grand Traverse Bay.
Peninsula Stunner
2721 Nelson Rd., Traverse City
$4.2 million
MLS#: 1934261
Described in the listing as Old Mission Peninsula’s most photographed home, this is a “one-of-a-kind sustainable estate with 360-degree development-protected views of Grand Traverse Bay, vineyards and orchards.” The 7,000 square-foot, five-bed, six-bath home sits on more than eight acres not far from the Center Road scenic overlook just south of Chateau Grand Traverse. Designed by world-renowned green architect William McDonough, the home’s many features include an indoor lap pool with panoramic windows, underground wine cellar and radiant floor heating.
Frankfort Victorian (Sort Of)
2370 Lake Rd., Frankfort
$1.9 million
MLS#: 1937459
Want the historic charm without the headaches of a building that’s more than a century old? Look no further than this 5,000 square-foot Victorian-style home built in 2004. No expense was spared crafting the interiors of the home, according to the listing. It sits in a wooded setting on a bluff about two miles north of Frankfort in close proximity to Crystal Downs Country Club and the Crystal Lake Yacht Club.
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Full Page Spread
116 W. Front St., Traverse City
$5.5 million
MLS#: 1942138
The longtime home of The Record-Eagle is one of the most prominent current listings in downtown Traverse City, offering almost 15,000 square feet across two floors sandwiched between Front Street and the Boardman River. While the building itself could be used for a variety of purposes, perhaps the icing on the cake is a large, dedicated parking lot directly across the street and additional parking along the river.
Elk Lake Charm
12908 Fairlane Drive, Rapid City
$2.8 million
MLS#: 1938747
A cozy, stone fireplace, covered sunroom, rich wood floors, main-floor primary suite and many rooms with expansive views of Elk Lake are among the features touted in this listing. The 3,300 square-foot home has five beds and five baths and sits on more than five acres along the lake. It has about 100 feet of private frontage on the lake with a well-manicured beachside patio and additional outdoor entertaining patios along the home itself.
Iconic Motel
1010 E. Front St., Traverse City
$2.3 million
MLS#: 1942072
The Grand Traverse Motel is a highly visible motel, sitting on a corner lot on Front Street less than one mile east of downtown Traverse City. This motel was built in 1955 and most recently updated in 2018, giving historic flair with modern amenities and features. It has 17 guest rooms plus a dedicated manager’s suite within about 8,000 square feet. About 130 feet of frontage on Front Street offers “exceptional exposure and easy parking.”
Golfer’s Dream Home
4173 Dornoch Ct., Williamsburg
$3 million
MLS#: 1942145
Located in the exclusive gated community of Lochenheath, this expansive, 10,388-square foot home is described as the pinnacle of luxury living. Highlights include an open concept design with a grand stone fireplace, chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and three-season sunroom with sweeping views of both the golf course and East Grand Traverse Bay. Bonus features include an in-law apartment with its own kitchen, bedroom, bath and two-car private garage and a crow’s nest at the top of the home that overlooks the surrounding area.
