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5 Beds ⋅ 6 Baths ⋅ 1950854 MLS ⋅ N/A BLDG.

There are lakefront properties, and then there are places that feel entirely their own. Privately set along coveted West Day Forest Road, this exceptional Little Glen Lake retreat offers a rare combination of privacy, natural beauty, and an extraordinary waterfront setting. Set on approximately one acre with 100 feet of private frontage, and a gorgeous boulder wall along the sand, the property begins with a long, beautifully landscaped approach framed by mature trees, lush lawn, and gardens before opening to the residence and lake beyond. Built in 2019 and encompassing approximately 3,700 square feet, the home was thoughtfully designed to embrace its surroundings. Nearly every room captures beautiful water views, while all five bedrooms feature en-suite baths. Generous living spaces open naturally to a covered porch, adjoining deck, and lower patio, creating an effortless setting for both intimate gatherings and entertaining. A custom bunk room comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests and adds a memorable element for family and friends. Beyond the home, the landscape gently unfolds toward Little Glen Lake, where a broad grassy lawn meets 100 feet of beautiful, hard-packed sandy shoreline. A long private dock extends into the lake, offering an exceptional vantage point toward the Sleeping Bear Dunes and spectacular sunsets. Few experiences are more quintessentially Northern Michigan than ending the day at the end of your dock as the sun settles beyond the dunes. A beautifully finished garage with epoxy flooring and a dedicated recreation and gaming area adds functionality to this exceptional retreat. Just minutes from downtown Glen Arbor and Empire, the property offers easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the M-22 scenic corridor, the M-22 Bike Trail, Lake Michigan beaches, and the area’s celebrated restaurants, shops, and outdoor experiences.

8205 W Day Forest Road, Empire

$1,499,000

5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 1949500 MLS ⋅ N/A BLDG.

Discover the privacy and natural beauty of this exceptional log home with 1,400 feet of private frontage on Courson Lake, spanning Leelanau and Benzie Counties. Surrounded by peaceful woods and pristine landscape, this waterfront retreat is perfect for fishing from your dock, relaxing by the water and stargazing—yet conveniently located approximately 20 minutes from Lake Michigan in multiple directions, including Empire to the west, Good Harbor to the north and the Traverse City area to the east. Enjoy easy access to M-22, local wineries and distilleries, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Arbor, Empire and breathtaking Empire Bluffs. Garey Lake State Forest is steps away, with Michigan’s Shore-to-Shore Trail for hiking and horseback riding and nearby snowmobile trails for winter recreation. The home features warm knotty pine ceilings, a primary suite with heated bath floor and private screened porch, lake views from all four bedrooms and surround sound throughout the home, sauna, garage and decks. A solid-cedar sauna with traditional hot rocks, separate sink and oversized rain shower creates a spa-like retreat. Multiple lakeside decks offer beautiful spaces to entertain and enjoy peaceful sunsets over private lake shared with neighbor. A detached garage features a workshop with half bath and 10' doors for cars, boats and recreational equipment. Above is a guest house ideal for family, friends or potential rental income. Driveway, detached garage and guest-house floors have radiant heat systems ready for connection to a boiler. Privacy gates serve both driveways. Main house: 4,340 finished sq. ft., 4 BR/3.5 BA. Detached garage/guest house: 1,500 finished sq. ft. studio with full bath plus workshop with half bath. Benzie Co.: 4.56 acres; Leelanau Co.: 7.12 acres; acreage includes a portion of Courson Lake.

15495 E Pettengill Road, Empire

$1,600,000

1949351 MLS ⋅ Na BLDG.

A one-of-a-kind, estate-sized Leelanau County parcel. This private, elevated 120 acres includes a spectacular panoramic view of the Empire Valley and is only a 5-minute drive to the Village of Empire amenities, a sandy public beach on Lake Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and National Lakeshore recreation. The property is improved, with two active wells, electric service, a cement-block barn and a fence encompassing 100 acres. Rising hundreds of feet above the valley, a 2,500-foot-long, west-facing ridge currently offers stunning sunsets and distant views of Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes from two locations. Select tree thinning of the 20-acre woodland on the slope could provide potential views from the entire ridge. Flat land in the middle of the property presently contains 60 acres of active cherry trees. Their removal would provide a new owner with a number of use options. Rolling hills with 100-plus-year-old white pines and other trees are found on the property’s east side, bordered by a paved county road. Tall, mature spruce trees line a portion of the property near the road, and red pines are found along most of the property lines, offering privacy. Last year 400 new evergreens were planted, and some of the parcel adjoins National Lakeshore property. The acreage has access to cable internet along the road. It is a short drive to golfing, to the Glen lakes for swimming, boating and fishing, and to Glen Arbor for eclectic shopping and dining, tennis, and kayaking on the Crystal River. Located in the Glen Lake School District, the property offers an easy commute to Traverse City via M-72 for big city fun such as movies, concerts, upscale dining, festivals and more.

12540 S Benzonia Trail, Empire

$2,095,000

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 1947589 MLS ⋅ Metes And Bounds BLDG.

Nestled on the tranquil north shore of pristine Pearl Lake, this charming 4-bedroom, 2-bath Cape Cod offers an exceptional combination of waterfront beauty and peaceful Northern Michigan living. With approximately 87 acres, approx. 600 feet of natural frontage on Pearl Lake as Well as approx. 2000 ft. on Brooks Lake. The property provides an ideal setting for swimming, kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the crystal-clear waters. A welcoming covered front porch spans the entire length of the home, creating the perfect place to relax and take in the surrounding scenery, while a spacious rear patio offers additional outdoor entertaining space. The home also overlooks a picturesque natural pond, attracting abundant wildlife. Completing the offering is a detached 2-car garage and a setting that blends privacy, recreation, and timeless Up North charm. Offering a rare opportunity to create an extraordinary Northern Michigan estate encompassing acreage, multiple lakes, and exceptional privacy.

16043 Wagner Road, Empire

$1,400,000

1947590 MLS ⋅ Metes And Bounds BLDG.

Rarely does a property of this significance become available. Encompassing approximately 80 acres with nearly 2,000 feet of frontage on crystal-clear, spring-fed Brooks Lake, this remarkable parcel has remained in the same family for more than 100 years. Majestic mature timber frames the shoreline, creating an incredibly private setting with numerous spectacular building sites overlooking the lake. Road frontage on both the north and south boundaries provides convenient access and future flexibility, while the property may be split, offering additional possibilities. With its natural shoreline, public lake access, and unmatched combination of acreage, waterfront, and history, this is a true legacy property unlike anything else on the market. Additional 7 acres w 600 ft. on Pearl Lake with home also avilable.

Pettengill Road, Empire

$1,009,000

1944910 MLS ⋅ Wells Creek Ranch (Wt) BLDG.

Wells Creek Ranch is 125.2 acres of mixed hardwood forest, rolling terrain, and living water in the heart of Leelanau County. Wells Creek traverses the property north to south, connecting to Wells Lake on the adjacent parcel — providing year-round water, strong wildlife habitat, and a natural feature rarely found at this price point. The property sits adjacent to the 45,000+ acre Traverse City Forest Management parcel along Beeman Road, ensuring the wild, undeveloped character of the surrounding landscape is permanent. All splits available. Electric access from South Gilbert Lake Road. Located just south of M-72 and South Gilbert Lake Road — minutes from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Leelanau wine country, and the resort communities of Glen Arbor and Empire. On a very special not for the outdoor enthusiast, 00 W. Beeman Road sits at the very western doorstep of one of Michigan's most celebrated long-distance trail experiences. The Shore-to-Shore Trail stretches across the state, beginning near Empire on Lake Michigan and ending at Au Sable on Lake Huron — passing through forests, beneath I-75 north of Grayling, and following the historic Au Sable River. The full system spans 420 miles, open to both hikers and horseback riders, with additional northern and southern spur trails extending the network further.

00 W Beeman Road, Empire

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Browse All Empire MI Above $1M Properties for Sale

Above $1 Million Empire Real Estate

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