Property Description

The Historic Comstock House. Step back in time at the beautifully preserved Comstock House, a rare Eastlake-style Victorian masterpiece constructed in 1896 by D.F. Comstock--banker, businessman, and visionary. Uniquely built from red brick, this home stands out among Eastlake designs, which were typically wood-framed. Its not just a home; its a living piece of history. Inside, the craftsmanship is immediately apparent. Throughout the home, youll find an extraordinary variety of fine woods--including oak, and mahogany--each carefully selected and milled, a testament to Comstocks passion and access to quality materials from his own sawmill. Soaring ceilings--12 feet on the main floor and 10 feet upstairs--enhance the homes grand and open feel, while five exquisite stained glass windows immerse the rooms in colorful light.The woodwork is truly magnificent, from lavish picture rail, beautiful pocket doors and the grand staircase details. When the plaster was removed during renovations in 2006 , it revealed solid plank walls on 12 inch centers. Some of the original hardwood floors were uncovered and brought back to life, restoring warmth and authenticity to the living space that simply arent found in modern homes.There are 4 fireplaces and each has its own character and charm. From the to the intricate mantal, and elaborate tile many are original to the home, while others have been painstakingly bought and replaced with period-appropriate reproductions.The restoration went far beyond surface beauty. Years of paint were meticulously stripped from wood trim and wainscoting to reveal solid hardwoods. Period-appropriate crown molding was either restored or custom-milled to match original profiles, and missing or damaged architectural elements like spindlework, brackets, and trim were recreated using traditional joinery techniques.The Comstock House remained D.F Comstocks private residence until 1966, when it was sold and turned into a fraternity house, for the next 38 years. In 2006, it was restored and brought back to life as a bed and breakfast.The woodwork is truly magnificent, from lavish trims, beautiful pocket doors and the grand staircase details. When the plaster was removed during renovations in 2006 , it revealed solid plank walls on 12 inch centers. Some of the original hardwood floors were uncovered and brought back to life, restoring warmth and authenticity to the living space that simply arent found in modern homes.D.F. Comstocks ambition extended beyond this house. He was president of both the Mecosta County Savings Bank and the Big Rapids National Bank. He also began construction on what would later be called the Nisbett Block a building that played a role in his financial downfall. He gathered lumber for ten years and completed only the first floor before Mr. Nisbett finished it and lent his name to the structure.The Comstock House remained a private residence until 1966, when it was sold and transformed into a fraternity house, known as Delta Sigma Phi, for the next 38 years. In 2005-2006, it was lovingly restored and brought back to life as a bed and breakfast, and now serves as a commercial space for Edward Jones and two upper rental units.Outside, every flower, bush, and tree has been carefully planted by hand, a labor of love by the current owners. From the thoughtful garden landscaping to the lovingly restored interiors, every inch of the Comstock House reflects dedication to historical preservation and warmth.Com

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