812 Irish Settlement Road

A singular property where architecture, craftsmanship, history, sustainability, and landscape are thoughtfully woven together. Set on approximately 11.4 acres, this extraordinary home grew from traditional Old World forms, natural materials, local artisanship, and a deep respect for the land. Hand-cut timber-frame and straw-bale construction pairs sustainably harvested Michigan red oak with local straw. Portions of the original 1870s farmhouse were preserved and incorporated into the home, remaining tangible in the library, rustic pantry, laundry room, and other spaces. Historic wood was salvaged and beautifully reused throughout. Natural materials and exceptional craftsmanship define the interiors: rare historic chestnut flooring, sustainably harvested oak, cherry and walnut, New York slate and soapstone, and custom Arts & Crafts cabinetry with traditional joinery. Live-edge walnut braces and tree trunks and branches harvested from the property become architectural elements. Three adjoining pieces of New York soapstone create a continuous natural pattern across the kitchen counters. An ingenious oak-paneled wall conceals closets and a laundry entrance. The home’s green design is equally exceptional. A deep-energy retrofit includes polyiso insulation, comprehensive air sealing, and basement sealing, complemented by ground-source (geothermal) and air-source heat pumps, efficient lighting and appliances, and two 16kW solar arrays on dual-axis trackers. Two meadows, divided by a wooded copse and seasonal stream, offer mowed walking paths and views across the Six Mile Creek valley and watershed. A roughly one-acre natural spring-fed swimming pond, marsh pond, wetlands, creekside habitat, and abundant wildlife create an extraordinary private landscape. Portions of the property’s original 180 acres are now permanently protected, including land associated with Roy H. Park Preserve. A restored historic barn adds workspace, its original hayloft, woodshop, five electrical-equipped parking bays, and EV-ready infrastructure. More than a home, this is a handcrafted expression of place—where history, sustainability, artistry, and landscape are integral to the design.