543 n birdsong road

"Aerie" aptly describes this beautiful, Leland home with pristine privacy carefully situated in an old growth forest on a rise above the shore of Lake Michigan. From this vantage point the views of the Manitou Islands, Pyramid Point and Whaleback are incredible. From here you can walk 2 miles along the beach to Leland. Aerie was the inspiration of Clarence Roy, the nationally known landscape architect, and his wife Ruth an interior designer, the original owners. It was sited to save as many of the mature trees, ground cover and native plants as possible. It has mid-century interior characteristics, organic forms in harmony with nature. The plan is functional, graceful and laid-back. The six-foot-wide entry gallery leads to the living/dining/kitchen area, with a raised hearth and split stone fireplace. The den also has a fireplace and a king size Murphy bed (bedroom #3). A screen porch overlooks the forest. The master bedroom has a beautiful lake view. Both bedrooms have walk in closets. While this is one level living, there are exterior and interior stairways to reach the main floor. According to local history, this is the former spot of the lookout tower said to have been built by Chicago gangster, Al Capone.