The Inn at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island owned by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation — originally built in 1904 as a lakeside estate for the Chicago Cudahy family — is set to open on June 17 following a “more than $40-million property-wide transformation.”
Over the course of two years, the Edwardian estate added brand new guestrooms, food and beverage offerings, event spaces, and common areas (such as a library and a pub). An expansive lawn offers fire-pits, games, an apple orchard, and more.
Sitting in the center of the 15-acre property near Mackinac Island Airport, the 18,500-square-foot mansion overlooks Sunset Rock on the western side of the island. The project was crafted by Mark Timothy Luxury Homes with design work by Jeffrey Strasser Interior Designs.
The restoration included preserving the original hard-wood floor, stained glass windows, fireplace mantels, gables, moldings, and timberwork.
The mansion’s 16 updated King and Queen guestrooms, and the new Straits Suite, feature new bathrooms, modern amenities, and air conditioning. Each room is unique in its décor.
The Inn at Stonecliffe also features a 26,000-square-foot Summer House building, which offers 32 King and Queen guestrooms, each with a kitchenette, a small dining table, and lake or garden views. The artwork was sourced from local artisans.
Additional amenities on the property include a family-friendly pool and an adults-only pool, the expansive Straits Lawn with a firepit, solo stoves, and classic lawn games, and views of the Mackinac Bridge and the straits connecting Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.
“We are excited to open The Inn at Stonecliffe’s doors this season and unveil the transformation of this property, including new resort amenities and a careful restoration of the historic 1904 mansion,” says Kevin Doyle, COO of Pulte Family Charitable Foundation.
“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.”
New to the resort are three private cottages, named Sunny Honey Cottage, Hill Top Cottage, and Yacht Watch Cottage. Each building features three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a living room, and a fully equipped kitchen.
The cottages provide views of the Straits Lawn and Lake Huron, and are suited for families and groups. In addition, the Love Shack is a quaint private cottage complete with a private porch.
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.
New additions include:
— The Straits, a fine-dining restaurant located in the mansion’s main dining room and adjoining outdoor patio.
— The Backyard, a casual outdoor restaurant featuring a variety of pizzas as well as daily themed specials ranging from barbecue to burgers and seafood.
— Horsey’s, located inside the mansion, offers craft co*cktails, pints of beer, and snacks.
— The General Store includes homemade ice cream, a coffee bar, grab and go food options, merchandise, and souvenirs.
There’s also the new Sunset Pavilion, an event venue spanning 3,000 square feet of flexible space. It offers custom catering menus for up to 150 guests. Located adjacent to the mansion, the event space features floor-to-ceiling window walls offering expansive, panoramic views of Lake Huron and the Straits. Additionally, a 900-square-foot patio with continued sweeping views surrounds the building.
Other offerings include fitness equipment, massages, locker rooms, and a sauna — all part of the new Wellness and Fitness Center.
Acalendar of activitiesis available for guests including movie nights, classes in pizza making, watercolor, and beekeeping, bingo by the pool, lawn games, and more. The Bike Pavilion allows guests to rent bikes to explore nearby biking trails or the restored on-property apple orchard that includes beehives, chicken coops, and a garden.
Owned byThe 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.
Reservations are now available for stays starting on June 17. A Grand Opening Package includes 20 percent off stays, plus a $100 resort credit.
To learn more, visitTheInnAtStonecliffe.com.
