Chalet-Style Living Along the Cass River: A Private Estate in Michigan’s Countryside

Presented by Coleen Hetzner of CENTURY21 Signature Realty

Located outside Frankenmuth in the quiet community of Tuscola Twp., this remarkable riverside property presents a rare offering of tranquility, history, and enduring charm. Located at 9300 Ormes Road, the estate spans six private acres along a high point of the Cass River, offering sweeping views from nearly every room and a seamless connection to the surrounding natural beauty.

The Chalet-style residence spans 3,856 square feet, offering a blend of rustic elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Designed to embrace its setting, the home welcomes guests with soaring ceilings, exposed beams, and expansive windows that frame the flowing river below. Each space within the home feels thoughtfully composed—inviting relaxation while maintaining a quiet sophistication.

Inside, the three-bedroom, four-bathroom layout unfolds with warmth and purpose. The open-concept living and dining area serves as the heart of the home, ideal for gathering and entertaining, with rich hardwoods and generous windows ensuring the outdoors remains ever-present. Adjacent to this space is a library anchored by a fieldstone fireplace, offering a peaceful corner for reflection or reading. Just beyond, the kitchen features a second fireplace, underscoring the home’s inviting, lived-in appeal. With seamless access to a covered patio, this central hub makes indoor-outdoor entertaining effortless throughout the seasons.

Functionality is paired with comfort across every level. The main floor offers two bedrooms, both with scenic water views. One includes a private entrance and en suite bath, making it well-suited for hosting family or extended guests. Upstairs, the primary suite provides a private sanctuary with its own office and a spacious walk-in closet—ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat within the home.

The lower level is a world unto itself. Rustic textures meet artistic charm in this thoughtfully finished space, which includes a double-sided fireplace, a dedicated bar area, a half bath, and a studio space perfect for painting, music, or creative pursuits. A walkout leads to the hot tub, where evenings can be spent under the stars with the soft murmur of the river as background music.

Beyond the main home lies an unexpected luxury—an 1,100-square-foot guest cottage, offering flexible options for short-term rental income or extended stays with loved ones. Designed with privacy in mind and set away from the main residence, it allows guests to fully experience the property’s tranquil atmosphere.

Outdoors, a historic inground pool blends seamlessly into the landscape, enhancing the estate’s sense of serenity and nostalgia. Mature trees, open lawn space, and river access for kayaking, fishing, and quiet reflection complete the picture of a home that is not only beautiful, but deeply connected to its environment.

This distinctive property was recently featured on the Holiday Home Tour, a celebration of the area’s architectural and cultural heritage—a fitting recognition for a home so rich in story and setting. It is, in every sense, a home designed for experience: the changing seasons, the rhythm of the river, and the joy of time well spent in a place of peace.

Though it feels like a secluded retreat, 9300 Ormes Road enjoys proximity to the small-town charm of Frankenmuth, where locally owned shops, riverfront parks, and seasonal festivals bring a sense of community and tradition. The surrounding Tuscola County region is marked by its scenic farmland, quiet roads, and easy drives to nearby destinations like Bay City and Saginaw—making this home both a peaceful escape and a well-connected base.

For those seeking a lifestyle rooted in nature, privacy, and understated elegance, this estate offers an extraordinary opportunity, currently listed for $1,100,000. To learn more, contact Coleen Hetzner at 989-295-7718.