Address: U.S. 27 North, St. Johns, Michigan
Price: $139,900.00
Terms: Land Contract Possible
Number of Rooms: 20
Number of Bedrooms: 7 (minimum)
Number of Bathrooms: 3 finished, 1 unfinished
Lot size: Approximately 3.5 Acres
Year Built: Circa 1850
Outbuildings: Several (shed, 3 car garage, and a small smokehouse)
Heat Sources: Oil, Woodburners, and solar assist
Siding: Aluminum
Other features: Large central country kitchen (modern), formal dining area, large bathrooms, great room, huge ball room (27X59), many windows for an airy feeling, some window treatments.
Designated "Michigan Historical Site" in November 1975
Situated on 3.5 acres on one of the busiest north and south bound highways in the state of Michigan, just minutes north of Lansing. Yard is landscaped for maximum privacy, the house is surrounded by Russian Olive bushes, lilacs and pine trees. The yard has three outdoor fireplaces and a secret garden filled with flowering perennials.
The main wing of the house has been remodeled during the past 20 years. Taxes are low due to being "overbuilt" for present use. Taxes would be re-evaluated based on new owner use.
Excellent location for a "Bed and Breakfast Inn" due to the heavy traffic on highway going to and coming from Northern Michigan tourist and vacation spots.
Information deemed reliable, but not warranted since said information comes from a third party.
Park House, also called Frenches Corners or Frenches Tavern, was buiilt about 1850 by Floyd Coleman and his brother, Charles. It was bought by Major David S. French, who brought his family and two slaves (whom he freed after arriving here) from the south. French expanded the building into an elegant hotel and it was operated as a summer resort (for Lansing people) for many years. In those days its large ball room was popular for dances.
The building has been a private home for the past 20 years. Because it was stripped during the depression, with lighting, woodwork and other decor removed, the current owners opted to remodel it rather than restore it.
At the time Park House was erected U.S. 27 did not exist. The original building is what is now referred to as the east wing. Coleman erected it to serve travellers going by stage on French Road. Later, when U.S. 27 was built, it was expanded to serve travelers on that highway the front of the building faced U.S. 27. When French bought the structure he added on to the front portion on U.S. 27 so that the building actually was erected piecemeal during a fifty year period in three seperate phases.
In its early heyday the corner now known as Frenches Corners was called Keystone with a private home across the road and another hotel/inn kitty-corner across the street.
Stage coach came from St. Johns to Eureka to the northeast and Maple Rapids to the northwest; and they then went on to Ithica, Alma and St. Louis.
The building was designated a historic site in 1975.