It was 19XX when lot 2 of the Seven Mile Point Community finally went up for sale. It had long since been under ownership of the (Land Trust??) where, in decades past, the neighboring campground owners' children and grandchildren explored the forest, made memories in the streams, and galloped on family horses along the former lakeside trail. It was the dream property of neighboring annual campers, Gary and Connie Ludwig.
The Ludwig's lived a busy life in their home based in Neenah Wisconsin, which included lots of travel abroad and heavy volunteerism both in and out of their treasured community. They provided others with their time, care, and attention throughout their years of service in the medical profession. They raised a very successful daughter, Sarah, who eventually provided them with their very own grandchild to cherish. They yearned for a time when life would slow down in the Keweenaw and they could relish time for themselves and their family.
Soon after the purchase of Lot 2 in 2001, plans were drafted and their forever house was well underway. They were very thorough and detailed in their design ensuring the best use of the lot and corresponding lake view. Starting with the raw materials of the structure, they consulted with area businesses to have all the woodwork hand picked (Sickler Industries): only clear maple for the trim and expansive wood floor, only Curly or Birdseye Maple for the cabinetry, and only most remarkable eye-pleasing pieces for the stairwell newels. The rock walls forming the garden wall (which surrounds the flagstone courtyard), outside accents on the building, all three fireplaces, the backdrop to the residential woodstove, and the arch around the kitchen stove alcove are all made of local "Red Rock" from neighboring Bumbletown, and local copper tops both the Turret and master fireplace.
The Great Room or "Captains Room" is facing almost exactly North and much of the natural vegetation was also intentionally preserved for the view. The final design contained mother-in-law suite for Connie's mom called "XXXX's Suite" (currently on the residential side), the Cubby Suite or "Guest Room", the Balcony Suite or "Sarah's Room with Airing Porch", the Turret Suite or "Light House" which was originally a sitting area without a door nor bathroom, zoned controlled in-room heat for all their family/guests (without which we would have struggled with future hosting), and the most amazing master suite one could envision. Connie and Gary worked relentlessly with architects (Reuters Design Service), builders (originally Kariniemi Contracting, a local contractor who was overwhelmed with the size of the project/then Martineau Morris Construction to finish the job), interior designers, and other key professionals/skilled tradespersons to make this castle a home away from home.
In 2008, the Ludwig home at fire number 2611 on Seven Mile Point Road was finally complete (well... as complete as a new house ever is). Family and friends would frequent the location with nothing but hopes of relaxation, bonding, and memory making in mind. The good times began to wane when Connie's health started to fail and time spent in Allouez, MI became harder and harder to achieve.
Gary and Connie Ludwig's dreams continue to inspire Keith and I to this day. We only hope we can promote the love for one another, for nature, for the birds and wildlife, and for Lake Superior the way they had envisioned. The Castle is uniquely focused on couples and special celebrations keeping in that same spirit. We will continue to build on that premise in years to come.
The Ludwig's lived a busy life in their home based in Neenah Wisconsin, which included lots of travel abroad and heavy volunteerism both in and out of their treasured community. They provided others with their time, care, and attention throughout their years of service in the medical profession. They raised a very successful daughter, Sarah, who eventually provided them with their very own grandchild to cherish. They yearned for a time when life would slow down in the Keweenaw and they could relish time for themselves and their family.
Soon after the purchase of Lot 2 in 2001, plans were drafted and their forever house was well underway. They were very thorough and detailed in their design ensuring the best use of the lot and corresponding lake view. Starting with the raw materials of the structure, they consulted with area businesses to have all the woodwork hand picked (Sickler Industries): only clear maple for the trim and expansive wood floor, only Curly or Birdseye Maple for the cabinetry, and only most remarkable eye-pleasing pieces for the stairwell newels. The rock walls forming the garden wall (which surrounds the flagstone courtyard), outside accents on the building, all three fireplaces, the backdrop to the residential woodstove, and the arch around the kitchen stove alcove are all made of local "Red Rock" from neighboring Bumbletown, and local copper tops both the Turret and master fireplace.
The Great Room or "Captains Room" is facing almost exactly North and much of the natural vegetation was also intentionally preserved for the view. The final design contained mother-in-law suite for Connie's mom called "XXXX's Suite" (currently on the residential side), the Cubby Suite or "Guest Room", the Balcony Suite or "Sarah's Room with Airing Porch", the Turret Suite or "Light House" which was originally a sitting area without a door nor bathroom, zoned controlled in-room heat for all their family/guests (without which we would have struggled with future hosting), and the most amazing master suite one could envision. Connie and Gary worked relentlessly with architects (Reuters Design Service), builders (originally Kariniemi Contracting, a local contractor who was overwhelmed with the size of the project/then Martineau Morris Construction to finish the job), interior designers, and other key professionals/skilled tradespersons to make this castle a home away from home.
In 2008, the Ludwig home at fire number 2611 on Seven Mile Point Road was finally complete (well... as complete as a new house ever is). Family and friends would frequent the location with nothing but hopes of relaxation, bonding, and memory making in mind. The good times began to wane when Connie's health started to fail and time spent in Allouez, MI became harder and harder to achieve.
Gary and Connie Ludwig's dreams continue to inspire Keith and I to this day. We only hope we can promote the love for one another, for nature, for the birds and wildlife, and for Lake Superior the way they had envisioned. The Castle is uniquely focused on couples and special celebrations keeping in that same spirit. We will continue to build on that premise in years to come.