11801 S Lacore Road

What if the most desirable venue in Empire is simply waiting to be reimagined? Situated on over 3 acres in the heart of downtown Empire — walking distance to Empire Beach, local shops, and restaurants — this rare offering combines scale, flexibility, and location in a way that is nearly impossible to replicate. The expansive main residence features multiple gathering spaces, two fireplaces, a Viking professional double oven cooktop, a natural light-filled three-season room, and a private office with custom cherry built-ins from floor to ceiling. Upstairs you’ll find four bedrooms — three with private ensuite baths, including two primary suites. A finished third-level attic spans the length of the home, providing additional flexible space and storage.Outdoor amenities further expand the possibilities. The in-ground pool is complemented by three accessory buildings: a 28x16 pool house with architectural character and an unfinished second level, a 40x24 garden house/workshop with 14 ft ceilings, drive-in garage door, and 240-volt service, and a 24x12 pond house with electricity powering the pond and irrigation systems. Included in the sale is a separate high-visibility corner parcel at M-22 and M-72, also zoned residential/commercial, offering exceptional exposure and long-term income potential. With mixed-use zoning in place (buyer to verify intended use with the Village of Empire), the framework exists for a boutique hospitality concept, destination retreat, live/work compound, or event-based venture. Moments from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Lake, and a direct route to Traverse City, properties with this scale, zoning flexibility, and positioning rarely become available in Empire. This is more than a home. It is an opportunity to create something iconic.