Earl Young’s Charlevoix Michigan “mushroom” houses
“I always build the roof first, and then shove the house under it.” (Earl Young as quoted in the Ludington Daily News, October 13, 1971 issue)
image from: www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/
Earl Young was an architect who lived most of his life in Charlevoix, Michigan - a small town on the shores of three lakes, including the mighty Lake Michigan. It’s not too far from where I grew up in northern Ontario. Earl’s way of giving back to his beloved community was to leave a lasting legacy of strange and adorable houses. He built unique homes in Charlevoix between the years of 1918 and his death in 1975.
image from: www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/
Following the manner of Frank Lloyd Wright, who argued that houses should blend organically into their surroundings, Young designed each home to fit its site. His signature style included liberal use of stone, including stone fireplaces, curved cedar shake roofs, and unusual chimneys that look like they come from fairy tales.
- from: charlevoixparkavenue.wordpress.com/guidebook/the-earl-young-houses/
photo credit: Mike Barton; image from: www.mikebartonphoto.com/photo/mushroom-houses
photo credit: Mike Barton; image from: www.mikebartonphoto.com/photo/mushroom-houses
These are my kind of houses – cute, cuddly, organic, overflowing with charm and character!
Earl Young was a visionary. His work as a builder/designer combined sculpture, nature, fun and whimsy…
image from: www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/
He would take a common building style (such as the ranch-style home below) and Earl-ify it:
image from: www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/
image from: www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/
Stone never looked so dynamic!
image from: www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/
The dripping chimneys (above) look like cakes decorated by my six-year old and my two-year old. Fun!
image from: www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/
When I think of an “architect designed” house, I automatically envision angular, clean, sterile lines and modern designs. Then there’s Earl…
image from: www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/
image from: www.mikebartonphoto.com/photo/mushroom-houses
The same house (as above) photographed from a different angle:
image from: www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/
I just can’t get enough of these things!
image from: www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/
image from: www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/
Unfortunately, I was only able to find TWO pictures of the interiors of these Earl Young designed homes:
image from: www.mikebartonphoto.com/photo/mushroom-houses
Both highlighting the incredible stone work inside…
image from: www.mikebartonphoto.com/photo/mushroom-houses
The “mushroom” homes in Charlevoix are truly amazing. I can’t think of a better legacy to leave for your town than these special… creations.
image from: www.mikebartonphoto.com/photo/mushroom-houses-
You can learn more about Earl Young and his imaginative houses at the following websites:
www.absolutemichigan.com/dig/michigan/earl-youngs-charlevoix-cottages/
http://charlevoixparkavenue.wordpress.com/guidebook/the-earl-young-houses/
www.mikebartonphoto.com/photo/mushroom-houses-12/
www.interestingideas.com/roadside/charlevoix/index.html
Enjoy!
11 Responses to Earl Young’s Charlevoix Michigan “mushroom” houses
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I love this house Sarah. I think I may be a bit quirky myself.
Hi Sarah, these houses are absolutely amazing! And to think I’ve driven through Charlevoix how many times and didn’t even know they were there!!! I feel a road trip coming on, to go see if I can find any of them…..wonder how they are holding up…..I noticed one of the pics it looks like they’ve replaced the cedar shakes with asphalt shingles.
I know – it makes me want to swing by there next time I drive up!
These are so fun! It would be like living in a fairytale. Thanks for sharing.
A friend mentioned these homes to me and this is very interesting. I am amazed to see these and hopefully one day can travel here to see them in person!
Hi, Sarah. Thanks for the link to your post on Earl Young’s houses. Your interior shots really showcase the huge stone used both inside and outside. I never have seen the homes blanketed by winter’s snow. I imagine they would take on an extra measure of charm snuggled in a snowdrift.
Debra
Thanks Debra!
Hi, I really appreciate your love of these amazing homes in our hometown, Charlevoix, Michigan. My partner in both life and business are both from Charlevoix and we’re also real estate partners We have listed one of Northern Michigan’s most famous estates, Boulder Manor, built by Earl Young in the 1930s. If you would like to see more recent photos, please visit our website: http://www.EdwardsEstatesMI.com. There is also an amazing 7 page featured article in the 2013 Spring Edition of Michigan Blue Magazine.
Chris Edwards
and Kelly Kenifeck
Thanks Chris – I’m checking out your link right now!
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They are gorgeous. These designs of Young’s take a backseat to none.