Northern Writing Studio

As a counter to the hustle and bustle of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Owner, a Michigan native and long-time transplant to the west coast, was seeking a retreat for writing, relaxation and connection with family. An opportunity arose in 2018 to purchase a turn-of-the-century farmhouse and aging garage, and already in love with northern Michigan, the Owner jumped at the chance. As a writer, the northern Michigan retreat provided an ideal setting for reflection and creativity. In 2020, when the pandemic gripped the country, the need for a remote workspace pushed the development of a writing studio to the top priority. To make way for the new space, the old garage was torn down. In its place, the modern studio cuts clean lines and provides a set of straightforward spaces. Its simple program is focused on function -- the main level has a modest sitting area, galley kitchen and bathroom, while the lofted upstairs includes sleeping quarters, a closet, and a compact laundry. The dark exterior is clad in black cementitious panels and Shou Sugi Ban cedar siding. The interior is filled with natural light, warm wood tones, a polished concrete floor and a central wood stove that offsets the moodiness of the exterior. A careful renovation of the existing farmhouse is now underway that will celebrate its original form while giving a nod to the modern studio, tucked just back from the main street.