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!
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Clare Horn says
Un be lieve able. What a house. And the price…!!!
MCM is Grand says
I think that is Spartany-Roman tile in the bathroom! So refreshing to see that these original bathrooms were left unspoiled by granite…
retrojunkie58 says
This is such a wonderful HOME! Can you imagine how this could look decorated? AWESOME!!!!
TappanTrailerTami says
So, here we have it – an awesome reason to move to Michigan! Love! Swoon! This house entirely rocks! If someone ends up owning this house, does that mean they get to have a “pool boy” to maintain the pool AND a “ball return boy” to maintain the bowling lanes? Whoo Hoo!
Marion Powell says
What fun! If I could afford a second home, this house would be in the running.
Frank says
Excuse me while I pick up my jaw from the floor. Michigan is such a beautiful state with so much 20th Century history. It kills me that the state has been hit so hard during the last 30 years. I wish there was some way for all of the manufacturing infrastructure in the state to be put to work to make quality products here in America again. My mother owned an American-made Kenmore washing machine for 30 years. It worked beautifully and only needed a belt replacement now and again. We have burned through three Kenmore washers (made in China) and two refrigerators during the last 5 years (thank goodness for extended warranties).
Judy Pleasant says
I’m depressed!! It’s the PERFECT house, perfect price……but I don’t live anywhere near the location 🙁 Some buyer is going to be very lucky!!!! Thanks for sharing with us!
Lesley says
Love Love Love this house!!!!
Annette says
Holy crap! I was looking at the pictures of the main level and thinking, “eh, this is okay”. Then I saw that lower level! Oh man, how awesome is that? A bowling alley AND a rec room! A full bar with a cooktop and a sink and everything! Wish I could find a huge place like that in my own area for such a reasonable price. There are things to like about the main level too, though. The thing is freaking cavernous– you could have several roommates and never even see each other! LOL. Also, look at that gigantic dining room! My “dining room” would barely be able to contain the table they have there. I also find the little microwave nook kind of amusing, haha.
Lynx says
LOVE this house! If I didn’t just buy a new/old house I would go take a look at it.