You will find everything you need and want in this stunning golf community nestled on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, Michigan.

When you hear the words “luxurious golf community,” you probably picture the breathtaking oceanside setting of Pebble Beach in California or the exotic beauty of Dominican Republic resorts. You may be somewhat surprised to find out that one of the top U.S. residential golf communities is in northern Michigan.

LochenHeath boasts a decidedly “Scottish feel,” with rolling green expanses meshed with golden natural plants and grasses on the shore of Grand Traverse Bay, and Golf Magazine named the development’s 7,049-yard, par-71 golf course one of the top-ten new courses in 2002. Steve Smyers of Florida designed the award-winning links, but he credits the natural landscape with much of the design. “[The site] provided all the ingredients necessary to build a truly great golf course—gorgeous views, wonderful rolling topography, and great soil conditions,” he recalls.

For guests who dream of things other than fairways and making par, LochenHeath, developed by Pinnacle Development Group, offers a myriad of additional activities and attractions including private beaches, boat slips, hiking, biking, and jogging trails, as well as boating and fishing in one of three nearby lakes. “Our unique blend of product offerings and our dedication to providing our members with a comfortable, elegant, and private environment appeals to our upscale buyers,” emphasizes John Lang, president of the Pinnacle Development Group. “But our buyers also recognize the fact that they are purchasing ‘irreplaceable real estate’ that has a high likelihood of increasing in value as we continue to improve the property with new infrastructure and amenities.”

The Pinnacle Development Group realized the unique potential of LochenHeath when the first weekend of sales resulted in a sellout, forcing others interested in owning a piece of this exclusive property onto a waiting list. The 43 Golf Villa Lots on Letty Green feature five different floor plans ranging from the Gleneagles’s modest 1,585-square-foot layout to the Car-negie’s impressive 3,720-square-foot design. The homesites, which span an impressive 644 acres of a former cherry orchard, range in size up to 1 acre and cost from $200,000 to $2 million.

The residents and guests expect to receive five-star service on par with the world’s top resorts—and the LochenHeath staff is ready to meet everyone’s needs. “Nature has provided us with the canvas, and it is the responsibility of our staff to complete the picture by providing our members with dinner reservations, travel arrangements, or even the preparation of a resident’s home before they arrive back at the club,” explains Kelly Mebert, director of member services. “We can do it all—from stocking the refrigerator with a resident’s favorite foods and beverages, to cleaning and maintaining the landscape, or perhaps preparing a special ‘arrival dinner’ in the home for the returning family.”

With every amenity at their fingertips guests may find it impossible to leave LochenHeath’s majestic setting even for dinner, so the restaurant at The Club strives to cater to every taste. “We pride ourselves on providing our members with innovative creations from all parts of the world. We also try to utilize many ingredients from the northern Michigan area, such as fresh fish, vegetables, and fruits, to enhance the dining experience,” notes executive chef Joseph M. George.

Even though LochenHeath residents as well as guests have expressed their elation with the accommodations, the developers are already planning improvements. The temporary $1.2-million members’ pavilion, for example, will be replaced in two or three years by a permanent 25,000-square-foot structure that will house the golf shop, locker rooms, casual and formal dining areas, and special event areas. Plans are also under way to construct a 6,000-square-foot fitness center nearby.

As LochenHeath enters its second year of operation, it is drawing ever closer to the vision that motivated developers to chose such an unusual setting for these deluxe accommodations. And even though Traverse City is worlds away from Pinnacle’s other properties in Sedona and Scottsdale, the level of luxury, service, and commitment to residents and guests alike is the same.

By Rachel Stafford

For more information on LochenHeath call 888.562.4364 or visit lochenheath.com.

Next article » Aviation Innovators