Unique 'wedding cake house' near Michigan lakeshore lists for $5.5M

A Unique Luxury Home in Holland, Michigan

Nestled off Lakeshore Drive in Holland, Michigan, a one-of-a-kind luxury home captures immediate attention with its distinctive design. Located at 329 N Lakeshore Dr., this custom-built estate is known for its tiered structure, which has earned it a special nickname from its owners.

“The owners were getting married when the house was built,” said listing agent Steve Grilley. “It’s kind of tiered like a wedding cake from the ground level, then the next level and the little turret on top.”

This stunning property, listed at $5.5 million by Grilley and Bria Hanneken of West Edge Real Estate, is featured as MLive’s House of the Week. Each week, the series highlights unique homes across Michigan, and this particular residence stands out for its innovative design and high-end finishes.

Architectural Design and Interior Features

The home spans three finished levels and offers approximately 7,000 square feet of living space. The entrance features a heated, covered entry with large columns leading into the home from a turnaround driveway. Inside, the aesthetic is bright and airy, with an open-concept layout on the main level.

Wood flooring, Van Enk custom cabinetry, and Cambria quartz countertops define the living areas. The chef’s kitchen includes Thermador appliances, an induction cooktop, and an oversized pantry. One of the most striking architectural elements is a central open column that extends from the basement to the central turret, creating a continuous sight line through all three floors.

From the basement, mirrored glass on the ceiling reflects natural light throughout the space, enhancing the sense of openness. The primary suite on the main floor includes a luxurious bathroom with heated floors, a walk-in shower, and abundant storage. Even the walk-in closet features its own washer and dryer.

Upper and Lower Levels

The upper level houses three bedrooms plus a fourth room currently used as a sewing space. The lower level impresses with polished concrete floors, radiant heat, a game room with pinball machines and a wet bar, an exercise room, and a second laundry area.

One of the most surprising features is the hidden theater room, concealed behind what appears to be a solid teal wall. “It’s on an actuator. So it opens with a remote,” Grilley explained. “When it’s closed, it looks like a solid wall, and then when you open it, it reveals this hidden theater room with a star escape ceiling with shooting stars through it.”

Accessibility and Outdoor Spaces

The home was designed with accessibility in mind. An elevator services all three floors, and there are no steps into the house, with threshold-only entries through both the front door and garage. Outdoor living spaces are equally impressive, featuring a 16,000-gallon heated pool, sunken hot tub, expansive patio space, gas fireplace, and custom stone fire pit perfect for entertaining.

The property also includes radiant snow melt around key areas and impeccable landscaping with lighting and fieldstone retaining walls. A screened-in fireplace area on the balcony level features screens that can be automatically raised or lowered, making it usable in multiple seasons.

Additional Amenities

The property also includes a 2-stall heated garage with cold storage below, plus a heated 3-stall detached garage. While not directly on the water, the home offers proximity to several beaches, including Tunnel Park, James Street Beach, and Holland State Park, all within a short distance.

Appeal to Potential Buyers

Agents believe the home would appeal to either a high-end executive buyer looking for a primary residence or someone seeking a second home for family gatherings. “It’s a really good family home just with the main level living and then having kids upstairs all together,” Hanneken said.

Grilley noted that the home’s versatility is a major selling point. “If you come up for the weekend from Chicago and you have your family up here and it’s windy or rainy, or the water’s cold or wavy, you might not be able to utilize the water,” the realtor said. “This has a pool, has a hot tub, has plenty of covered space, has plenty of room for family to have fun and gather.”

Attention to Detail

The attention to detail extends to every aspect of the home, from the meticulously organized utility room to the thoughtful placement of every feature. “This house is, I mean, if you ask if it’s there, it’s probably there,” Hanneken said. “They did not spare on any detail, that’s for sure.”