CHARLEVOIX COUNTY, Michigan (WPBN/WGTU) — An iconic Charlevoix home could have a new owner by September.
But there is a catch: the holidaymakers who booked the house suddenly have no place to stay.
UpNorthLive News spoke to the owner and a family whose wedding plans were stalled.
Every summer, thousands pass by Charlevoix’s mushroom houses.
These include the famous Thatch House, which would once have housed the Doyle family’s wedding party.
“It was a dream decision and I was thrilled when they became available. I showed them to the bride and groom and they loved them,” said Jeanne Doyle, the groom’s mother.
The wedding is planned for October at nearby Castle Farms.
But from emails to the booking agent, Doyle learned that the house had most likely been sold and the purchase contract was expected to close on August 30. The house would then no longer be available for rental as a holiday home.
“Panic. Five weeks before the wedding and we don’t have accommodation for the entire wedding party,” said Doyle.
“Someone had maybe said something a few weeks before like, ‘Oh, it looks like they’re putting the Mushroom House up for sale,'” Doyle said. “I just thought it would take months to sell something that size. I just didn’t realize it would impact our wedding.”
But owner Michael Seitz said he has been trying to sell the house for years.
He said the buyer had considered continuing to rent the property but wanted to remain living in the house.
“The buyers actually wanted it by the end of July, and we compromised and agreed on the end of August,” said Seitz.
“We tried to sell it as much as possible by the end of the season. I knew it was going to be difficult to sell the property. It’s very versatile and there are a lot of great properties in Charlevoix,” Seitz said.
The Thatch House and the attached chalet were two of the three units available.
Meanwhile, with the help of the booker, the Doyle family was able to find a new place to live.
“We’re not the only ones here. Every venue and event after August 30 is booked, they have bookings through the end of the year. Thank God we had five weeks, some couples only had four or three,” Seitz said.
