UNION PIER'S SUNNY, SOPHISTICATED SCANDINAVIAN RETREAT
Two talented sisters — architect and designer — a long-held property steps from the beach, and an even longer history of family vacations on the Lake Michigan shore. These were the seeds of Sol Haus, an extraordinary sylvan vacation home in Union Pier.
Dorothy and Kathy Zalewski bill Sol Haus as a natural retreat inspired by Scandinavian living. In truth, that’s a massive undersell. Yes, hygge ideals of togetherness and simple pleasures whisper softly in the background of your stay. But beneath the calming, minimal, cozy polish lies a stunning level of intention. Architecture that blurs the lines between inside and out. Organic, planet-friendly materials and state-of-the-art tech. Locally sourced modern furnishings. And outdoor amenities for every season. It’s impossible to miss that this is someone’s passion project. A collaboration between kindred souls in pursuit of their dream retreat with an admirable, geek-level of detail.
Lucky for us, Dorothy and Kathy always planned to share it. Expect a small gasp as you enter, welcomed by a soaring, sun-drenched living space that opens to a 40-foot pool veranda through retractable glass walls. Then another as you move into the three-season room, a humble name for a fairytale escape surrounded by nature and warmed by a wood-burning fireplace. But despite the initial awe, the rest of your experience unfolds slowly. Thoughtful nuances reveal themselves as you mellow enough to notice. And you will mellow, we promise.
An obvious summertime win, don’t sleep on the chilly season. Sol Haus is a spectacular winter stay. Bundled-up beach walks, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are all in play. Then, après-ski style, return to warm in the Finnish Harvia sauna, hot tub, or around the firepit — all still center stage on the veranda. At the end of the day, cuddled up with a book, blanket, wine, and your favorite people, it’s hard to imagine wanting to be anywhere but here.
Sol Haus has five bedrooms, four baths, an outdoor pool, hot tub, and sauna, two fireplaces, and one firepit. A semi-private Lake Michigan beach is a short, pretty walk away.
Local Tip: We meet them all the time: summertime regulars who become wintertime evangelists. If you’re curious, find more cold-weather inspiration in this guide to winter adventure and Abra Berens and Erik Hall’s essay, Winter Rules.
words Collette DiJohn Kemper
images Dan Kelleghan + Katrina Hoernig
