Property Watch: Farm Country Beauty In The Heart Of Leelanau

This week’s property hunt takes us to a historic home (7251 East Alpers Road, Lake Leelanau, $435,000) formerly known as The Centennial Inn. The property could be a year-round family home, a rural vacation retreat, or — with live-in hosts — return to its B&B roots. Welcoming vibes are everywhere from the covered front porch, side deck and patio, breakfast nook with window seat and big bay window that perfectly frames the countryside views. Make your farm life dreams come true while baking, canning and cooking in the kitchen, which has a custom pantry, open shelving, and a wood stove. For a home built in 1865, the four bedrooms (with closets!) are unexpectedly large — and two are on the main level. The manicured 2.5-acre countryside setting is where the current owners were married, and listing broker Kimberly Bork of Venture Properties says the four historic outbuildings and barn will wow you. They need some TLC, but with some fixer-upper spirit, the adjacent artist’s studio could also make a great short-term rental.