Grrrrrowl…. It’s time for some serious partying in this 7,000 s.f., 1979 time capsule house in Sturgis, Michigan. The decor is haught-1970s funk on the cusp of 1980s disco. There are bars… gambling machines… an indoor swimming pool… an indoor sauna… and yes: that tiger! Thanks to all the readers who sent me this time capsule tip, and to listing agent Dennis Bamber of Cressy & Everett Real Estate and Randy Mason of Next Door Photos Michiana for permission to feature the listing and photos in our forever-fantabulous Retro Renovation Archive of more than 100 time capsule houses of all varieties!
From this listing:
CREATE YOUR OWN MAGICAL KINGDOM IN THIS EXTRAORDINARY HOUSE! Sitting on almost 2 acres, this unique property offers you an opportunity to have an estate LIKE NO OTHER! With over 5,000 sq ft on each floor, numerous skylights, and creative architecture, THIS HOME WAS DESIGNED FOR LUXURY, ENTERTAINING, & LIVING LIFE TO ITS FULLEST! Featuring four large bedrooms on the main floor, large open kitchen-dining area & connected to your very own game room with huge indoor swimming pool, dressing rooms, sauna & additional kitchen. The garage will handle several cars, all your toys, & even a motor home. Home has been vacant for a few years, and will need some work, updating, and TLC. Once finished, it is ready for LIVING LARGE!
$375,000
From the outside you would never suspect…
Oh the glamorama to be found inside…
As I said: Grrrrrrrowl….
Sturgis is not far from Kalamazoo — is it possible that Elvis hid out here?….
Vintage Poggenpohl Kitchen Cabinets
Even the Kitchen is Fabulous!…
Update: After I wrote this story, I heard from reader Alan who wrote:
Pam –
I enjoy seeing your posts each week. This week was not exception. I was tickled to see the Sturgis time capsule house and delighted to see the kitchen with classic Poggenpohl cabinets. Last year I was fortunate to acquire a set of these cabinets to install in my 1972 raised ranch in Baltimore.
My house and I are midcentury wanttobes. The other houses on my street are true midcentury houses…mine not so much.
Thanks for inspiring and entertaining me each week.
Alan
You’re very welcome, Alan — and thank YOU for identifying these cabinets! And of course, we’d love to see the Poggenpohls you salvaged when they get installed in your kitchen!
I tend to think that in the 1970s, the quality of many materials and products manufactured for use in our homes started to diminish significantly, as manufacturers turned to lower-priced materials, production methods and just plain ole despicable “planned obsolescence.” The 1970s were real boom years in terms of housing construction, including multi-family units, in the U.S. Could be: Manufacturers (1) really needed to crank stuff out, (2) they could scrimp on quality because demand was so great, and (3) consumers didn’t fuss about quality as much because they were so much wealthier than before World War II or the first few decades thereafter, when material availability was still constrained.
But, these Poggenpohl kitchen cabinets — which seem to have been made in Germany — likely were built to last — as I said: high-end.
Other name brands from the 1980s and into the 1990s that I remember as being up-market were: Smallbone… Wood-Mode… and of course, St. Charles continued in business into the early 2000s.
Back to this fabulous house: But of course: Metallic wallpaper…
Downstairs… Let’s shoot some pool…
Time for a dip…
Then… a sauna and hot tub, baby…
Nap time!
Of course, there’s stuff outside, too. But. Why. Would. You. Ever. Go. Outside.
Link love:
Bobbie says
Art Linkletter Craftmatic Contour Chair in the bedroom! These people lived t he swank life!
Mary S says
An amazing concentration of mid-century fabulousness, would love to see this in person but I live too far away. Someone really loved purple and lavender! Wonderful finishes!
Nikki says
This was posted on “Apartment Therapy” blog (frequented by millennials and Gen X’ers, Gen Y’ers. There was much gnashing of teeth declaring how “hideous” this house is and how if “they” had it they would rip everything out. Little do the young “trendites” know that they themselves are no longer trendy! LOL!
As for me, I like it. A lot. Wish I had the funds to own it and keep it up…
Pam Kueber says
ugh
Katie says
Hey, don’t blame “kids today” for this. Young people are also part of the reason why “retro-renovating” is cool, there are plenty of older people who are just as happy to follow the latest trend.
Retroski says
Actually I checked the Apartment Therapy site and it had its lovers too! This house is craaazyy in the best 70s way so I hope it finds a good buyer.
Jamie says
“The house was built in 1979-80 by Ralph and Renee Levin. He was the owner and operator of Sturgis Iron and Metal, a metal shredding operation that started in Sturgis and grew to do business in multiple states. He founded the company in 1942 and retired from it in 2008.
Ralph Levin died in August of 2014 at age 92. His wife of 56 years, Renee Messe Levin, died in October of 2016 at age 85.”
http://hosting-24051.tributes.com/obituary/show/Ralph-Levin-101612018
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sturgisjournal/obituary.aspx?pid=182002990
Carol says
Jamie, thank you for the links. The Levin’s were a very handsome couple in their older years, and surely breathtaking when they were young. It’s nice to know they had 7 children and the house was always full and fun. What a lovely legacy for a home.
Robin, WA says
Pam, you obviously need to buy this and make it the RR world headquarters and convention center. Holy smokes what a cool house!
Steve H says
I wonder if that big recessed box in the bathroom (right after the pool pics) could be a Kohler Habitat Environmental Enclosure?
http://www.designtool.kohler.com/us/detail.jsp?item=329202
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-Kohler-HABITAT-environmental-enclosure-photo-vintage-print-Ad-/362211931846
There can’t be many of those around anymore!
Pam Kueber says
Wow! I saw the opening but thought it must have something to do with the sauna. Great to know! I will try to do a followup! Thank you!
Ryan says
I thought the same thing about the Kohler habitat. Those were over $20K back in the 80s!
suzi says
You may be right! In the MLive link above (from Carolyn) has this caption on that picture, “Behind the framed sliding glass at left, is a lie-down tropical spa. It is located on the lower level of the Lakeview Avenue house in Sturgis, adjacent to a bathroom.”
Dan says
This is actually the semi-secret lair of a James Bond villain. He could be taking care of business in the bathroom while on the phone directing his henchman throughout the world.
Sadly, I think most folks would regard this place as a white elephant. Anyone who could afford to entertain on this scale is more likely to custom build.
Carolyn says
Dan, surprisingly my computer allowed me to click on all the pics – although the interview stated that with a little cleanup, it would be worth $1 in a $200K residential area, I could see there are several businesses across the street. I’d see about re-zoning and open a spa/gym or as I previously posted, a corporate retreat or Experiential Learning Center (a la Kohler). If Laura’s Last Ditch Vintage Kitchenwares can chime in with the economics of the area, think what a bonanza cleaning up this property would be if you’re at the starting blocks of an economic upswing of the area – !!!
Pam, I would have to say this entry certainly piqued our interest (sorely needed at this time of winter!)
Gerry says
In the photo with the purple shag staircase….the recliner looks like it has an 8 Track player built into it haha !
Shawna says
I think if Frank Lloyd Wright visited the Star Trek Enterprise (Next Gen era) and dropped acid, this is the house he would have built!
A.J. says
Any idea the source for that metallic tree wallpaper in one of the bathrooms?
Pam Kueber says
I’d start stalking vintage on ebay — it comes up.
A.J. says
yeah, I have been trolling Etsy and eBay; just didn’t know if anyone knew the print’s name to make my searching easier 🙂