Mega thanks to reader Ron for spotting this gem — a 1962 home in Rockford, Michigan (near Grand Rapids) that includes a spectacular two-lane bowling alley in the basement. This is beyond amazing! The house is currently for sale, it’s listed at $189,000 by Theresa Robinson of 616 Realty (listing now ended.) I talked to Theresa via phone to get permission to show this photo, and she explained that the house has been in the same family since they built it — with great care — in 1962. The original family member loved to entertain … and yes, loved to bowl! He got the bowling alley components from a bowling alley in Lansing, Mich. that was going out of business. Then, he built the house around the bowling alley. Theresa said that the local newspaper wrote a feature story about the house when it was finished.
The house is a wonderful time capsule a number of other ways — it does not appear to have been re-muddled. Original bathrooms, kitchens upstairs and down, great space, great finishes. But the bowling alley: Blow me away!
weed30 says
That is freaking AWESOME!!!! I would lovelovelove to have that in my basement!
Laura's Last Ditch--Vintage Kitchenwares says
Wow! And it’s right near me!
Lauryn says
Oh my, be still my beating heart. Hubby and I have a SERIOUS bowling addiction and were just fantasizing the other day about how great it would be to have a bowling alley in the basement. To have one that is so fabulously cool looking too? With a bar? And a pool out back??? (And yes, folks, real estate in the midwest is still affordable. Because you’re on this website, you’re obviously very cool, so I will let you in on the fact that the midwest is this country’s best kept secret. But don’t tell anyone else. We like the quiet here.)
Lynn-O-Matic says
Golly, I’d never considered moving to Michigan before, but . . .
I would definitely take up bowling if I had this house. Love the screen porch. Do they still make that corrugated fiberglass?
I can’t believe how cheap this is. You can barely buy a trailer for that here in little ol’ Missoula, MT!
Kersten says
Lynn-O-Matic, we have that same corregated fiberglass on the front of our house, creating a type of overhang. A couple months ago, a big bad windstorm robbed several of the panels and we are having the hardest time finding the original look (with the fibers visible.) “New” corregated panels are grossly plastic, and nothing like our original. I don’t know what we’re going to do. Additionally, the “wavey” wood strips (called a closure strip) that go under the fiberglass sheet is also impossible to find. The new panels “wave” shape are a fraction of an inch larger than the old ones, so the closure strips are also sized differently. We need to find an old stock of the original – the new just won’t look right.
This entire house is incredible! I love that basement kitchen – and I NEEEEEED that cooktop and vent hood that are down there.
Lynn-O-Matic says
Oh, Kersten, what a shame. I’m sorry to hear about your loss!
Do let us know if you ever find a source. In the short term I’d like to add some under our deck to make dry storage for bikes, etc. In the long term I want to add a screen porch over our patio.
Kersten says
This is the closest I’ve found but it *might* work for you?
http://www.ondura.com/reroofing.asp
Several colors to choose from, but I just want clear.
pam kueber says
You are a great researcher, Kersten!
pam kueber says
I just started poking around — how about this: http://www.thegreathardwarestore.com/26×10-Heavy-Duty-Clear-Fiberglass-Panel-C25SF-230-p/416131.htm
Kersten says
PAM! I’m definitely calling them in the morning! You’re my hero! (Again.) So– what about that incredible coppertone *gas* cooktop in the basement of this amazing house? I’ve been looking for years for one. The doorbell chime in our kitchen is coppertone, so I am convinced that the original appliances were too. And, I’m pretty sure that I see a coppertone fridge in the very back of one basement kitchen photo too. If that counter top is white with gold star shaped flecks, I might just lose my mind.
Lynn-O-Matic says
Thanks, Gals! I was really hoping to find that translucent stuff, but this would for under the deck, at least.
Beth says
Holy cow. That’s all I have to say!
JessicaLea says
This house is simply amazing! My boyfriend & I go bowling often & always joke that someday when we are “rich” we are going to have a house with its own bowling ally!!! Im going to call him at work to let him know we will be moving to MIchigan! LOL
denise says
Awesome. How fun is that??
Kristy says
My mom still lives near here, I may have to ask her to go by and take a look at it. I, too, am in love with all the cool fireplaces in this house!
I’d love to move back there but the jobs situation is just hard =(
BungalowBILL says
That’s a great house. I have fond memories of living near Grand Rapids as a child. When I see what you get for your money in other places it makes me wonder why I’m paying 3 times as much for a house and property taxes and getting 1/4 as much for it.
nina462 says
Yes, please come to MI. We need more people here who love this type of mcm homes (as there are a lot of them!).
This is a dream home – perfect if it had the right paint & furniture – it’d be a mcm showcase.
**And yes, prices for homes in MI are this reasonable!