1937 Michigan Home on 52.14 Acres With a Pond and Historic Barn

A rural property on Firesteel Road in Ontonagon, Michigan, combines an older home with 52.14 acres of land in the Upper Peninsula. Built in 1937, the house offers 910 square feet of living space, two bedrooms, one full bathroom, and a full basement. Outside, the acreage includes mixed woodland, a pond, and nearby Cave Creek, creating a setting suited to buyers interested in rural living and outdoor recreation.

The property also includes a historic barn estimated to be approximately 150 years old. With year-round access from a county-maintained road and a location near Lake Superior and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the listing brings together an older residence, substantial acreage, and several natural features.

Property Details and Home Features

The house was built in 1937 and has a wood exterior, metal roof, and full basement. Its 910 square feet provide a relatively compact layout, with two bedrooms and one full bathroom. The basement adds space for storage, tools, and outdoor equipment.

Heating is listed as forced air, with a stove and pellet stove also noted. The flooring is carpet, while the cooling system is described as “other” in the listing. Buyers should confirm the condition and operation of the heating equipment, the cooling arrangements, and the home’s overall maintenance needs before making a decision.

The property is being offered as-is. That makes an inspection particularly important, especially given the home’s age. Prospective buyers should evaluate the roof, foundation, basement, plumbing, electrical systems, insulation, and other major components to understand what repairs or updates may be needed.

A Historic Barn With Potential

One of the property’s distinctive features is its approximately 150-year-old barn, which reportedly dates to the area’s early mining-settlement period. Its age gives the structure historical character, although its current condition and original construction details would need to be verified.

Depending on its structural integrity, the barn might offer space for storing equipment, tools, or recreational gear. A buyer interested in restoration could investigate whether the building can be repaired and preserved. Reusing materials from an old structure may also be an option, but the feasibility would depend on the condition of the timber and the cost of any necessary work.

Before planning a workshop or other use, buyers should inspect the barn’s foundation, framing, roof, and interior for deterioration. Any proposed renovation should also account for applicable building requirements.

More Than 52 Acres of Woodland and Outdoor Space

The property covers 52.14 acres, with mixed woods and open areas surrounding the existing structures. An on-site pond provides another natural feature, while Cave Creek is nearby. Together, these elements create opportunities for exploring the land, observing wildlife, and enjoying time outdoors.

The acreage may appeal to buyers interested in hunting, hiking, or establishing a seasonal retreat. The amount of land also provides room to consider future improvements, subject to site conditions, local regulations, and any applicable property restrictions.

The listing does not establish that utilities, water systems, or building sites are ready for a new construction project. Anyone considering replacing the existing home or adding another structure should verify utility availability, access, zoning, soil conditions, septic feasibility, and the location of any wetlands or other development constraints.

Year-Round Road Access

Access is provided by a county-maintained road that is described as available year-round. This is a practical consideration for buyers who intend to visit the property in different seasons or use it beyond the warmer months.

However, year-round road access does not necessarily mean that every part of the acreage will be easy to reach in winter. Buyers should confirm driveway conditions, snow removal arrangements, and access to the house and outbuildings.

The property’s rural setting may suit people who prefer having substantial land around their home rather than living in a more developed neighborhood. The existing house offers a starting point, while the acreage and outbuildings provide additional possibilities depending on the buyer’s plans and budget.

Near Lake Superior and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

The property is located in Ontonagon, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, within driving distance of Lake Superior and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The area is known for its forested landscapes, lake shoreline, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

For someone who enjoys hiking, seasonal activities, or exploring the Upper Peninsula, the location could make the property useful as a year-round residence or a recreational base. The nearby park offers trails and access to a broad natural landscape, while the acreage provides private outdoor space at home.

Buyers should verify actual driving distances and travel times to the lake, park entrances, and nearby services before purchasing. A rural location can offer privacy and room to explore, but it may also require longer trips for groceries, repairs, medical services, and other daily needs.

What Buyers Should Consider Before Purchasing

The combination of an older house, more than 52 acres, and a historic barn offers several possibilities, but the property’s condition and practical limitations deserve careful review.

Because the home is sold as-is, a professional inspection can help identify immediate repairs and longer-term maintenance costs. The barn should be evaluated separately, as restoring an old outbuilding can require specialized work. Buyers interested in building elsewhere on the acreage should also confirm that the intended location is suitable and that all required permits and services are available.

It is also worth checking property taxes, insurance availability, utility arrangements, and any restrictions affecting the land. These factors can influence the total cost of ownership just as much as the purchase price.

Final Thoughts

This Ontonagon property combines a 1937 two-bedroom home with 52.14 acres of mixed woodland, a pond, nearby Cave Creek, and a historic barn estimated to be around 150 years old. The house provides 910 square feet of living space and a full basement, while year-round county road access adds practical value to the rural setting.

The property may interest buyers looking for acreage near Lake Superior and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, whether for a rural residence, hunting base, or long-term land project. Its potential will depend on the condition of the existing structures, the cost of any necessary improvements, and the suitability of the land for the buyer’s intended use.

If you’re interested in learning more about this property, please contact the listing agent through the Zillow link provided below the original property photos.

Listed on Zillow.