The Inn at Stonecliffe, a Michigan landmark property originally built in 1904 as a lakeside estate for Chicago’s Cudahy family, is set to open June 17, 2024 after two years and a more than $40-million USD property-wide transformation.
Located on car-free Mackinac Island where horse-drawn carriages transport guests from the ferry to the beautiful Edwardian estate, the new resort brings luxury hospitality experience to the island including brand new common spaces, guest rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, and an expansive lawn with fire-pits and games, apple orchard, and much more.
Owned by The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, The Inn at Stonecliffe is one of three Humanitarian Hotels with 100 percent of net profits being used to support charitable initiatives (scholarship programs, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, affordable housing, mental health, and more) in Mackinac County and around the globe. Additionally, the hotel itself is used to undertake programming for employees, guests and non-profits that represent the Foundation’s mission of serving people in need.
“The Inn at Stonecliffe, throughout its history, has been deeply connected to the Island–a special place where families and guests create lifelong memories and traditions. We are thrilled to introduce a new Stonecliffe as a Humanitarian Hotel that will bring an elevated, yet authentic Mackinac Island experience to guests this summer,” said Kevin Doyle, COO for the foundation.
Enjoy a Michigan summer in a comfortable room with lots of light and views
History Meets Updated Design
Built in the late 19th century, the house the summer house, Stonecliffe, was built to accommodate Michael Cudahy, his wife, Catherine, and some of their seven children. It was completed in 1904 and was large enough to be a hotel.
Masterfully crafted by renowned builder Mark Timothy Luxury Homes with stunning design work by Jeffrey Strasser Interior Designs, the lobby and common areas include the library and pub while the building’s moldings, original hard-wood floor, stained glass windows, fireplace mantels, gables and timberwork, and old photos add the retro touches that celebrate the long pedigree of the Michigan hideaway.
The stately 18,500-square-foot Mansion, which sits in the middle of the 15-acre property, has been lovingly restored, preserving its historic charm while adding updated comforts. The building now houses 16 updated King and Queen guest rooms, and the new Straits Suite, all with bright spaces, contemporary furniture and color schemes, new bathrooms, and other necessities such as air-conditioning.
Relax by the pool when not exploring Michigan’s car-free Mackinac Island
Summer House + Private Cottages
In addition to The Mansion, The Inn at Stonecliffe features a 26,000-square-foot Summer House building, boasting 32 King and Queen guest rooms featuring spacious layouts that are each equipped with a kitchenette, small dining table and lake or garden views. Artwork from local artisans adorn the halls of the Mansion and Summer House, echoing the original charm of the property.
New to the resort are three impeccably designed private cottages, aptly named the Sunny Honey Cottage, Hill Top Cottage and Yacht Watch Cottage, complete with distinct designs including custom wallpaper and comfortable yet stylish furnishings. All cottages have three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen. With views of the Straits Lawn and beautiful Lake Huron, the cottages are well suited for families and groups. In addition, the Love Shack is a quaint private cottage complete with opulent bedding, modern comforts and a private porch, ideal for lovebirds.
Michigan summers mean dining alfresco all day
Food + Drink
Three brand new on-property dining concepts will feature local products from Michigan and the Great Lakes, as well as from the resort’s orchard and garden, setting a foundation for a farm-to-table vision for the hotel’s dining outlets. The Straits, a fine-dining restaurant located in The Mansion’s main dining room with an outdoor patio, is inspired by the surrounding Great Lakes, serving locally sourced dishes, including items sourced from the on-property orchard and vegetable garden. The Backyard, a casual outdoor restaurant, featuring a variety of pizzas as well as daily themed specials ranging from BBQ to burgers and seafood, is ideal for a relaxed meal with family and friends. Located inside The Mansion, Horsey’s is a cozy spot for a craft cocktail, pint of beer or snack. An on-site shop, The General Store carries homemade ice cream, a coffee bar, grab and go food options, merchandise and souvenirs.
The new Sunset Pavilion event venue boasts 3,000-square-feet of flexible event space with custom catering menus for up to 150 guests. Located adjacent to the historic Mansion, the event space features floor-to-ceiling window walls offering expansive, panoramic views of Lake Huron and the Straits, creating an enchanting ambience and incredible setting for any event come rain or shine. Additionally, a 900-square-foot patio with continued sweeping views surrounds the building.
Watch a Michigan sunset from Stonecliffe’s lawn
Summer Fun + Amenities
Additional amenities on the property include personalized concierge services, a family-friendly pool and an adults-only pool, and the expansive Straits Lawn with a fire pit, solo stoves and classic lawn games overlooking views of the Mackinac Bridge and the straits connecting Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.
State-of-the-art fitness equipment, massages, locker rooms and a sauna are all part of the new Wellness & Fitness Center.
A calendar of activities is available for guests including movie nights, pizza making classes, watercolour and beekeeping classes, bingo by the pool, lawn games and more.
The Bike Pavilion allows guests to rent bikes to explore nearby biking trails, while the restored on-property apple orchard is a peaceful, treasured spot that serves as a sanctuary for the island’s natural inhabitants along with beehives, chicken coops and a garden.
Explore the car-free island on a bike
About The Inn at Stonecliffe
To land on historic Mackinac Island is to arrive at a world unto itself starting with the stir of guests as they load onto horse-drawn wagons. Originally built in 1904 as a private home, The Inn at Stonecliffe is a luxury resort profoundly connected to the island’s natural beauty, breathtaking views and cultural history, and far from the touristy bustle of downtown. The Inn at Stonecliffe delivers an elevated experience that makes guests feel like they hold the keys to their own private lakeside estate. A one-of-a-kind place to build traditions year after year, the resort will unveil a property-wide, 40-million-dollar renovation in Summer 2024. For more information, please visit www.theinnatstonecliffe.com/.
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Photos courtesy of The Inn at Stonecliffe
