Timeless 1919 Farmstead in Cedar, Michigan, With 217 Acres of Orchards, Lake Michigan Views, and Iconic Outbuildings

Daniel Whitaker

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December 7, 2025

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

This quintessential century home, located in Cedar, MI, stands as a beautifully updated farmstead on a sprawling 217-acre plot, capturing the essence of Leelanau County’s agricultural and historical legacy. The iconic farmhouse, likely built around the early 1900s, features traditional American farmhouse architecture with its gabled roof, large front porch, and practical window placements. Recent tasteful renovations blend charm with modern comfort, while the property retains its historical significance through continuous farming use—now a vibrant cherry and apple orchard. With multiple outbuildings, a warehouse, and worker’s quarters included, the estate’s potential spans agri-tourism, equestrian, or event venue uses. Listed at $1,700,000, it is preserved by a perpetual conservation easement, ensuring its agricultural beauty endures.

Driveway and Front Approach

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A paved driveway leads directly to a historic American farmhouse and its surrounding outbuildings. The main house, featuring light-colored siding and a dark shingle roof, sits to the left with a cozy front porch and large windows that let in plenty of sunlight. Flower beds with blooming plants add charm to the entryway. The property is bordered by open grassy fields and large mature trees for shade and privacy. Further along, there are classic white barns and utility structures, contributing to a rural, picturesque setting. The scene conveys a spacious, peaceful, and well-maintained countryside atmosphere.

House and Outbuilding

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A wide grassy expanse stretches across the foreground, leading to a white, single-story historic home with dormered windows and a black-shingled roof. The house is set slightly to the right, displaying clean lines and classic siding. To the left stands a distinct, large outbuilding with multiple evenly spaced garage doors and a simple gabled roof. In the open yard between the two structures sits a slender, metal windmill or well ornament. Mature pine trees create a natural backdrop, while an open sky with scattered clouds adds to the peaceful, rural setting. Shadows from nearby trees dapple the lawn, creating a tranquil, spacious atmosphere.

Front Porch

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A classic American farmhouse stands on a broad, open grassy lot, surrounded by fields and clusters of mature trees. The exterior displays white siding with black shutters on the windows. The house is crowned with a steep gabled roof covered in dark shingles. A modest front porch with a white railing features potted flowers and leads up via a short set of stairs. Window boxes with colorful blooms hang beneath several windows, complementing the lush greenery and sky blue above. The overall aesthetic evokes a peaceful, rural charm and a sense of welcoming simplicity, blending harmoniously with the natural landscape.

Barnyard Exterior

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

The view captures an open barnyard area of a historic rural property. A dirt driveway leads past a weathered white barn with a gray metal roof and a large cylindrical tank, hints of aging shown in rust and overgrown grass. To the left is a small outbuilding with lattice trim, holding tools and a hose, echoing the functional, agricultural purpose of the space. The layout is spacious, surrounded by open land, with a clear blue sky above and green tree lines in the distance. The overall aesthetic is rustic and utilitarian, emphasizing simplicity and practical rural living.

Front Lawn and Outbuildings

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A wide expanse of open grassy lawn forms the foreground, bordered on one side by a large, leafy tree providing ample shade. In the midground, several white-painted buildings with gabled roofs can be seen, including a barn with double doors and a farmhouse with dormer windows and dark roofing. The buildings are surrounded by smaller bushes and mature trees, lending a tranquil, rural character. The background consists of a lush, green forest under a bright blue sky scattered with fluffy clouds. The scene emphasizes spaciousness, natural beauty, and a classic American countryside aesthetic.

Farmhouse Exterior

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A historic American farmhouse displays a simple, utilitarian design set in an open field. The white, wood-sided house features a steeply pitched roof and an enclosed porch lined with windows, emphasizing practicality over ornamentation. To the right, wooden outbuildings, including barns and sheds, cluster together, showing weathered textures and slanted roofs. A tall windmill stands between the house and outbuildings, indicating the property’s reliance on wind power. The scene is sparsely populated, with a few figures in the distance. The overall aesthetic is rustic and functional, with minimal landscaping and an emphasis on rural self-sufficiency.

Front Porch View

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A welcoming front porch sits under a bright white ceiling with a classic square light fixture. The porch floor is made of rich, weathered wooden planks, and the white railings provide a crisp contrast. Comfortable wicker armchairs with blue-gray cushions are arranged for relaxation, accented with patterned throw pillows. Potted plants and hanging flower baskets filled with vibrant pink and red blooms add cheerful pops of color. The porch overlooks a broad, open lawn with scattered trees and a distant backdrop of forested hills under a clear blue sky, evoking a serene and inviting rural atmosphere.

Barn Exterior

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A classic barn structure stands prominently in the middle of a spacious grassy field, surrounded by dormant trees and gently sloping land. Its white-painted wood siding is accented by bold black trim outlining large sliding doors, which are positioned under an extended pitched roof. The roof is a mix of metal and shingles, giving a slightly weathered, rural charm. To the side, there’s a satellite dish leaning against the barn and a wooden fence extends into the distance. The landscape is open and pastoral, imparting a serene and functional agricultural aesthetic suited for historic American farmhouses.

Barn Exterior

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A spacious outbuilding features large, barn-style doors accented with black trim against a white wooden facade. The structure sits on a gentle grassy slope, bordered by wide open field and clear blue sky. To the left, a white fence lines part of the adjacent field, enhancing the rural, pastoral feel. Modest vegetation and clusters of distant trees provide a sense of seclusion and tranquility. The barn’s angular rooflines and the orderly symmetry of the doors convey a classic farmhouse aesthetic, blending with the natural surroundings to evoke a sense of American rural heritage and simplicity.

Driveway and Outbuildings

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A wide asphalt driveway curves between a one-story house on the left, a multi-bay garage or workshop to the right, and a traditional barn structure further in the background. The house features a ramped wooden entry, partial stone facade, and white siding. Orange flowers and lush green foliage soften the area near the windows. The property is largely open, with manicured grass and sparse landscaping, giving a spacious and rural atmosphere. A simple open sky, minimal fencing, and a tall metal windmill structure add to the farmhouse charm and historic American country feel of the setting.

Garden and Outbuildings

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A landscaped garden with daylilies and neatly pruned shrubs borders a paved driveway, drawing the eye toward a series of historic outbuildings. The buildings feature white exteriors, black trim, and metal roofs, evoking a classic American farmstead aesthetic. Mature evergreen trees provide shade and structure to the scene, while a simple white handrail and pathway invite passage through the area. In the background, grassy fields and wooded acreage extend to the horizon, enhancing the rural charm. The overall ambiance is peaceful and orderly, with a sense of timeless country living and well-tended grounds.

Driveway and Garage

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A long concrete driveway stretches between a large garage with white paneled doors on the left and a single-story white ranch-style house on the right. The house features a stone accent along its base, a multi-gable roof, and is surrounded by a well-manicured green lawn. There is a tall, narrow metal windmill frame positioned on the grass near the house. Mature trees dot the landscape, and the scene is bordered by rolling forested hills under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The overall atmosphere is spacious, rural, and serene, combining open fields with simple, practical structures.

Farm Fuel Station

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A small open-sided structure stands on a concrete pad in the middle of grassy farmland. The structure has a sloped metal roof supported by dark-painted posts, and is partially enclosed by crisscross lattice panels. Inside are two large cylindrical tanks, one green labeled for diesel and the other red for gasoline. Each tank has a hose and a pump attached. Wild grasses and weeds grow at the edges of the structure. The surrounding area is lush and green with neat rows of trees, under a sky with scattered clouds, contributing to a rural, functional aesthetic.

Bedroom Windows

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A spacious bedroom featuring large windows with natural wood trim on two sides, bringing in abundant daylight and views of a green lawn and trees outside. The bed, positioned centrally against a wall, has a rustic wooden headboard and is dressed in crisp white bedding with multiple pillows. Matching wooden nightstands flank the bed, each topped with a lamp and small decorative items. The walls are painted a light neutral shade, and white curtains hang from black rods, framing the windows. The overall ambiance is bright, serene, and cozy, with soft carpeting underfoot and a balanced blend of farmhouse and contemporary accents.

Bedroom Layout

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A spacious bedroom features a plush, light gray carpeted floor and neutral light gray walls. The centerpiece is a rustic wooden bed with a white comforter and two large pillows, flanked by matching wooden side tables. Two large windows with wooden trim let in abundant natural light, softened by white drapes. To the left, a wide dresser in a similar wood finish provides ample storage, topped by a lamp and small decorative items. Opposite the bed, double wooden closet doors echo the woodwork’s natural grain, giving the room a warm, cohesive, and welcoming atmosphere. The overall aesthetic is comfortable, airy, and simple.

Bathroom Vanity Area

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

Spacious bathroom featuring a double-sink white vanity with black fixtures, topped with a large, rectangular framed mirror. The countertop holds baskets and toiletries arranged neatly, contributing to a practical yet inviting feel. A toilet sits against the left wall near a window framed in natural wood, allowing natural light to enhance the neutral color palette of pale gray walls. The flooring is wood-look laminate in a warm tone that complements the wood trim and baseboards throughout the space. Overhead recessed lighting softly illuminates the room, and a textured gray floor mat adds warmth near the vanity.

Bathroom Entry

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

Spacious bathroom with a clean, modern aesthetic. Soft grey walls pair with light wood-look vinyl flooring and medium-tone natural wood trim. On the left, a white vanity with black hardware sits under a solid surface countertop, adorned with an electric toothbrush and soap dispenser. A fabric laundry basket rests nearby. Opposite, a white bathtub features a curved shower rod, chrome fixtures, and a handheld shower head. A wooden door with a simple knob leads to an adjacent room, just visible through the opening. The room feels airy and uncluttered, with a minimalist, calming atmosphere and practical design.

Living Room Seating

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

Plush earth-toned couch and matching armchair sit atop a soft multicolored area rug, arranged around a sleek black round coffee table with a candle and remote. The walls are a soft gray that complements the natural wood trim on large double windows, offering a green outdoor view. Black and white striped accent pillows add contrast to the warm upholstery. Framed monochrome prints line one wall above the armchair, while a black reading lamp arcs overhead. The visible transition to a dining area features more wood accents, and potted plants add a hint of freshness by the window, enhancing the cozy, welcoming feel.

Living Room Layout

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A spacious living room with pale wood flooring features a large, plush, taupe-colored sectional sofa and a matching armchair arranged to create a cozy seating area facing a flat-screen television on a wooden media console. Soft gray walls enhance the natural light, while recessed ceiling lights brighten the space. A black floor lamp sits near the armchair, next to a short wall decorated with a grouping of framed art. The space transitions smoothly into a dining area through a wooden-trimmed doorway, where large windows invite greenery views and sunlight. A white console table with potted plants and a vertical ‘FARMHOUSE’ sign add rustic charm.

Kitchen and Dining Area

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

Spacious and bright kitchen with an adjacent dining nook, featuring warm honey-toned wood cabinetry and matching trim around windows and doors. Sleek stainless steel appliances, including a double-door fridge and modern oven, provide a contemporary touch contrasting with the classic shaker-style cabinets. The countertops are light-colored, complemented by a white subway tile backsplash. Under-cabinet lighting brightens the workspace. The dining area features a dark wooden table with matching chairs and a bench, positioned by large windows that frame views of lush greenery outside. Light wood plank flooring extends throughout, creating a cohesive, inviting atmosphere.

Kitchen and Dining Area

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A spacious kitchen and dining area features warm wooden cabinetry, beadboard wainscoting, and light-colored walls. The floor is covered with natural-toned wood or laminate planks. A prominent stainless steel refrigerator sits beside a modern oven and cooktop, both framed by classic wooden cabinets. A rustic brick column separates spaces while adding historic character. The dining area includes a wooden table with matching chairs, set with a blue-gray runner, a white ceramic pitcher, a vase of dried hydrangeas, and a bowl of apples and bananas. Ample lighting comes from recessed lights and a simple ceiling fixture, creating a bright yet cozy atmosphere.

Kitchen Details

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A spacious kitchen features natural wood cabinetry with black knobs, extending along both sides of the room. Stainless steel appliances, including a double-door refrigerator and a modern oven, provide a sleek, updated contrast to the warm tones of the cabinetry. White quartz countertops and a white subway tile backsplash enhance the brightness of the space, complemented by under-cabinet lighting. Open wooden shelves add visual interest and offer storage for glassware and mugs. The floor is a light wood, echoing the cabinetry. A brick accent wall at the end of the kitchen adds rustic charm, and the hallway beyond suggests an open, welcoming layout.

Dining Area Details

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A cozy dining area features a rectangular wooden table surrounded by a mix of wooden chairs with grey upholstered seats and a matching bench draped with a white faux fur throw. The room is adorned with natural wood wainscoting that extends halfway up smooth light gray walls, creating warmth and contrast. Large double windows with rich wood trim flood the space with natural light and offer a scenic view of the outdoors. A neutral-toned woven rug anchors the table, and a simple overhead glass pendant provides illumination. The adjoining space continues the wood trim theme, enhancing continuity and charm.

Living Room Details

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A cozy, open-concept living room features two plush taupe sofas arranged around a wooden coffee table and matching TV stand. The room is grounded by warm wood flooring and complemented by stained wood trim on the windows, door, and staircase. A staircase with broad wooden steps leads upward along the right wall. Neutral light gray walls provide a calm backdrop, with minimalistic framed artwork adding visual interest. An open doorway on the left reveals a bedroom with a neatly made bed. Recessed ceiling lights and a tall reading lamp provide soft, inviting illumination. Large windows offer views of surrounding greenery.

Home Office Alcove

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A quiet workspace set in an attic or upper-floor room with a sharply sloped ceiling, finished with soft white paint. The room features neutral, textured carpet and natural wood trim along the baseboards, door frame, and doorway, creating a warm contrast against the cool wall color. A wooden door with rustic grain stands partially open, leading to a hallway. A simple desk with a TV or computer monitor sits in one corner, paired with a black office chair on casters. Built-in shelving is tucked into the angled wall, offering storage for books and small office supplies, maximizing the unique architectural lines.

Bedroom Workspace

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A bright bedroom features a sloped ceiling and a large window framed with light wood trim, offering views of a green lawn and trees outside. Soft gray walls and carpet create a cozy atmosphere. A metal-framed bed is neatly made with a light blush blanket and a round pastel pillow. Beside the bed, a wooden nightstand holds a modern lamp. Across from the bed, a traditional wood dresser with brass handles adds warmth. Near the window, a minimalist desk and black chair provide a workspace, softly lit by a sleek desk lamp. Curtains in muted sage complete the serene and functional design.

Bedroom Workspace

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A bedroom with sloped ceilings features a large window framed in natural wood that lets in bright daylight and offers a scenic view of green trees outside. The bed, positioned in the right corner, is dressed with a pale pink textured blanket and matching pillow, enhancing the gentle, calming palette of the room. A compact black desk and chair set sits in the left corner near the window, topped with a modern black desk lamp, creating a cozy workspace. Pale gray carpeting adds warmth and softness to the floor, while soft green curtains partially frame the window, completing the serene and functional atmosphere.

Laundry Room Details

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A compact laundry area featuring a white washing machine and dryer set side by side along a wall with wood wainscoting halfway up, complemented by cream upper walls. Above the machines, there are colorful detergent bottles and cleaning supplies neatly arranged. Next to the appliances, a freestanding laundry sink with an open shelf underneath stores various household items. The space is lit by a single ceiling light with a simple glass fixture, and exposed wooden ceiling beams add rustic charm. A doorway leads to a tiled room with wooden wall paneling and a ceiling fan, creating a warm, cohesive aesthetic throughout.

Bathroom Details

Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC

A compact bathroom with a warm and inviting atmosphere, featuring natural wood accents around the window trim and vanity. The sink area offers a white countertop and modern black faucet, complemented by a decorative soap dispenser. Above the toilet, a woven basket holds toiletries and a small faux plant for a touch of greenery. Checkered black-and-white curtains add a charming, vintage farmhouse feel to the space. Light gray walls provide a neutral backdrop, while three framed prints hang neatly above the toilet. The overall look is clean, cozy, and thoughtfully arranged for functionality and style.

Listing Agent: Thomas Alflen of EXIT Northern Shores-TC via Zillow 

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