architecture

Boulder Manor

      “THE SUCHER HOUSE” The beautiful Sucher House….located in one of the most fabulous locations of all the Mushroom Houses……. atop a hill overlooking beautiful lake Michigan.  Its also I would have to say, one of the most expensive of all the Mushroom houses simply because of the property, amount of land, and the expansive design. The Sucher House was built in 1949 by Earl Young.  He was commissioned to do this house by the Sucher family who also owned “Speedway 79” gas and oil at the time.  In other words, they were not hurting for cash.  This was a BIG job for Earl Young and probably his biggest money making house commissioned at that time.  I think that made him a tad nervous….also considering the owners told him to go ahead and do whatever he wanted with…

“Boulderdash” or the actual “Mushroom House” I cannot tell you how many times I get asked during our 45 min. tour of why on earth all these houses are called “Mushroom Houses?!”  When the tour starts out and for most of the first half, they simply look like fairy-tale houses and Gnome Homes no doubt…… but a “Mushroom House”?  What’s the reason they want to know?! It’s simple I say, and if you can hang on a bit longer….the 2nd to last house we see will explain everything. As we make our descent down Clinton street and turn left onto Grant….all becomes clear, like a beacon in the dark.   I like to tell everyone that in my opinion….this is Earl Young’s most famous house and voila…the reason we call these Mushroom Houses. Keep in mind one thing……..Earl Young NEVER called…