On our blog,, you’ll find countless photos of houses, both old and new, small and large, around Plymouth and Northville. But just beyond the tree-lined streets, front porches and sidewalk cafes of our local real estate, you’ll discover pastoral landscape that will take your breath away. Here’s a moment I recently captured at Constantine Farm. Enjoy.
Like a vintage automobile, a historic home can sometimes see dramatic changes over its lifetime. What may have been a residence might be converted into a business, and later back again to a residence. A dwelling might be wholly preserved as completely original, but changes over time can also add to the story a home carries with it – like the racing and modification history of a car that is one-of-a-kind. So the exterior appearance, layout and amount of living space may change. It’s all part of the lifetime of a structure that transcends each individual owner.
We started the 908 Penniman Project 3 years ago and are happy to report that the renovation is now finished. Originally built in 1910, this downtown Plymouth home has seen many changes over the past century. Most people will remember 908 Penniman as Dr. Gary Krueger’s office, a very well-known local Chiropractor (now retired). We purchased the property from the Kruegers and have re-purposed the building for light office use. This wasn’t exactly a “restoration” project as the home was already highly modified as a doctors’ office with exam rooms, an x-ray machine room, etc. So without expanding the foot-print of the home, we changed the layout of the main floor, relocated the main entrance, uncovered and added additional windows, and replaced flooring, walls, fixtures, siding, gutters, doors, etc. It was an extensive renovation that included new electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, kitchen and baths. The result is a completely updated office building with historical details and influences throughout. Some of the reclaimed items incorporated into the design of the building include vintage wall sconces, glass, and furniture. We also tried to source much of the material locally. For example, the porch railings were designed and fabricated in Detroit. With all the new builds and additions taking place in Plymouth and Northville, each project offers a great opportunity for the owners to create something lasting and uniquely their own.
– Patrick & Carrie
We currently have a delightful waterfront condo available in Plymouth’s Colony Farm with gorgeous views from the patio and master bedroom balcony. About a year ago, another client of ours purchased a similar condo a few doors away and wanted to make the place their own. Using their own talents in design and craftsmanship, the first floor is now complete. I stopped by recently to see the progress – the before and after photos are dramatic!
If you want to learn more about what they’ve done or to ask about a project of your own, contact:
Creative Home & Garden Consultants, Inc. – Specializing in home and garden, redesign & renovations.
Yesterday marked the creation of BAKE Real Estate in my hometown of Plymouth. Many of you locals know of Robert Bake REALTORS, which my dad established in 1967. BAKE is BACK! We are happy to keep the real estate tradition alive. Our new office is located at the corner of Penniman and Harvey (908 Penniman) and kitty corner from the new Post Office. Nearly 50 years ago, the following ad appeared in Plymouth and our commitment holds as true today as it did then:
“Dedicated to serving the Plymouth and Northville community in the capacity of extending the finest possible real estate service beyond simply being a commercial enterprise. There is one thing about a well run service business: it always attracts but never has to cry for attention. We sincerely intend to remain a firm committed to the highest standard of personal service combined with dedicated professionalism.”
Carrie Bake, Broker/Owner BAKE Real Estate
If you can’t beat winter, then may as well join in and embrace it! Northville has unique parades through the downtown including the Victorian Festival and the upcoming Holiday Lighted Parade, which kicks off the holiday season with music, merriment and warm drinks amidst the hometown Americana atmosphere of Historic Downtown. Fun for all ages, this year, the parade will be Friday, November 21st at 6:30pm.
(Update: this home has been sold) We are pleased to announce our latest new listing: an elegant, downtown Plymouth center-entrance 1920’s Colonial. Contemplate the classic charm of a character home with new house updates including an open concept Kitchen. Completely remodeled in 2010, the gourmet kitchen is equipped with Shaker style custom cabinets, granite countertops, subway backsplash, breakfast bar, hardwood floors, and high-end stainless stainless appliances. There is a new ½ bath on the main floor & two other full baths – both newer, two fireplaces – gas log in Living Room & natural in Family Room, Arched doorways, beautiful painted trim and crafted details throughout. All bedrooms are upstairs with a newer master suite overlooking rear yard and patio. The Basement includes a cute and spacious finished recreation room, laundry room & unfinished storage/workshop. Outside, there’s an extra storage shed, 2-car garage with new windows, fenced rear yard and recently re-landscaping front and rear yards. Walk tree-lined streets to Bird Elementary, West Middle School, OLGC & Plymouth events, shops, restaurants & parks!
For more information about this home or about buying/selling a home in Plymouth and Northville, visit us at www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Associate Broker, at (734) 788-2398 – carrie@bobbake.com, Patrick, Associate Broker,at (734) 272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com, or Stephanie, REALTOR, at (734) 620-4536 – stephanie@bobbake.com.
On the corner of Dewey and Ross in the City of Plymouth just a few blocks from Kellogg Park, is 690 Ross, a brick ranch with adorable manicured landscaping & completely renovated in 2005-06. With 3 bedrooms on the main level, an attached 2 ½ car garage with breezeway/mudroom, updated eat-in cherry kitchen, dining room, two full baths, hardwood flooring in kitchen, dining and living room and a new dimensional tear-off roof in 2008, this home is ready to enjoy. One will also appreciate the finished basement with vented glass block windows offering an extra 928 sq. ft. of living space and then plentiful storage & laundry rooms, to boot. A private paver patio in the rear overlooks a spacious rear yard & sprinkler system keeps the grass green. Front paver patio leading to a custom door beneath a covered front porch to welcome your guests. Extra details also included such as blown-in insulation, window treatments, ceiling fans, dimmers, lights in all closets, exterior motion sensor lighting, new paint, hardwired smoke detectors, vinyl replacement windows. This is the midcentury ranch updated to today’s century of Downtown Plymouth living!
