For Sale By Owner

Here is your chance to own a piece of history. This 1892 mansion, originally called the Rockery, was built for Fred E. Lee, owner of the Round Oak stove company. Situated in the City of Dowagiac, on a 2.8 acre lot, this property is surrounded by a mile long 3 foot high stone wall. The City of Dowagiac is “nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Michigan, surrounded by a multitude of inland lakes and bountiful farmland, the area carries the feel of a rural community, while enjoying close proximity to major metropolitan areas.” With it's Victorian charm, Dowagiac has many fine and stately older homes as well as a thriving downtown voted as one of the best small downtowns in Michigan. Only 20 miles from Lake Michigan, less than 30 minutes gets you to Notre Dame University, and Chicago is about 2 hours away. Dowagiac is a popular vacation area within the fruit belt and wine producing areas of Southwest Michigan. The property has 2 homes, the main house is approximately 8,000 sq. ft. The whole structure is built of locally harvested uncut fieldstones. Upon entering you notice woodwork not found in today’s homes, oak, maple, mahogany and butternut are on the floors, walls and ceilings. Hardwood floors throughout, some of which are inlaid, others are parquet (at this time some of the floors are protected by carpeting.) There are 8 fireplaces in the home, examples shown in the pictures are Italian marble, onyx and hand painted tiles. Ceilings in the home are 12 feet high, with an abundance of hardwood beams and moldings. Other architectural features include five stone chimneys reaching to over 40 feet high, red tile roofs and a rounded turret with curved windows and walls extending two stories. The building still has the original carriage entry with a wrought iron entry door, The property currently houses six apartments, 5 of which are 1 bedroom, the owners apartment has over 2000 sq. ft with 2/3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a full basement. If the property is returned to a single family home, there could be 10 bedrooms, 7 baths, along with a “ballroom” on the third floor. All this in addition to a formal dining room, living room, large foyer and sitting room. The second property, the former carriage house, has 5 apartments, three of which are two bedroom each, the others are one bedroom apartments.