Ever wanted to start a village with your nearest and dearest? Well, a phenomenal package of properties has come onto the market that would be an amazing group investment in the form of a historic Upper Peninsula compound. This particular real estate parcel of eight historic buildings in the town of Laurium, Michigan is currently on the market for $3.5m (£2.6m). Why not gather up seven friends, family members or investors and grab a mansion for less than $450,000 (£339k) each? Click or scroll for more...

Laurium started life as a company town for mine owners and captains and as you might expect from a town in one of the most northerly US states, it is quite the snowy winter wonderland with a yearly average snowfall of 63.7 inches – more than double the US average.

Laurium sits within the Calumet Township, in Houghton County, Michigan. Nestled in the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula, this quaint village for sale is bursting with history and friendly residents. In 2010, the population stood at just 1,977, so if small-town life appeals, this might be the perfect place for you to move!

Spanning 2.25 acres, the eight properties total a spacious 35,380 square feet, and are now on the market via Sotheby's International Realty. The multimillion-dollar property listing is sure to stand out in a village with an average list price of $99,000 (£74.6k). 

After 30 years, the current owners have finally decided to sell up and move on, leaving behind them a charming roster of mansions. Whether you are looking to invest with friends or start a business, the real estate purchase is the perfect addition to any collection. 

The appealing package spanning eight separate properties is currently being used as an idyllic vacation rental location. However, boasting a grand total of 40 bedrooms and 33 bathrooms, the opportunities are endless. 

The extravagant homes were built during the copper boom in the early 1900s as copper prospectors quickly came into their fortunes. According to realtor.com, the property parcel is already proving popular, ranking third in their list of most popular homes in November 2021. We can’t say we’re surprised!

Built in 1906, the largest property in the collection was constructed by the owner of the Calumet and Arizona Mining Company. Coming in at 13,000-square-foot, the stunning mansion is known as the Laurium Manor Inn.

Spread over four floors, the restored home boasts a grand triple staircase of hand-carved oak as well as 10 guest bedrooms and a 1,300 square foot ballroom on the third floor. 

A beautiful stained glass window awaits on the stairway landing, while a panoramic hand-painted landscape mural and gilded tile fireplace takes pride of place in the den.

On the ground floor, you’ll find a whole host of luxury features including a Tiffany-glass fireplace and gilded, embossed wall coverings in the dining room that comes with the property. This particular house was built at a cost of $50,000 (£38k), while $35,000 (£27k) of furnishings were later added.

Across the street from Laurium Manor Inn is this attractive, brick exterior Victorian Hall. Spanning 7,000 square feet, the luxurious mansion features eight guest suites and a three-bedroom carriage house that boasts two bathrooms alone.

The three-storey home was designed by the architect Charles Maass, Built in 1906 for Norman Macdonald, who owned a drug store in Calumet and was a major stockholder in Thomas Hoatson’s Calumet and Arizona Mining Company, the home has been meticulously restored today. 

Each home in the collection comes fully furnished from floor to ceiling, complete with all furniture, curtains, rugs and lamps. The turnkey properties are ideal for a new owner looking to carry on the guesthouse business. 

But that’s not all prospective buyers will receive. Each building also comes with paintings, original light fixtures and custom stained glass. Nicholas Asplund, the listing agent told Realtor that the portfolio of historic homes that have been restored to such a high level was a rare find. 

In one of the houses, the mahogany bed that previous US President, Teddy Roosevelt, once slept in even comes with the sale. Surrounded by vivid red walls and a lavish fireplace, it's just one of the many perks that come with the unusual real estate package 

Alongside their historical heritage, the buildings are perfect for modern living. Each features up-to-date electricals, HVAC systems, plumbing and recently refurbished kitchens and bathrooms. 

Savvy property investors may be keen to learn that Michigan Tech University is just 12 miles away. With a current shortage of housing in the area, this cluster of multi-bedroom buildings could pull in some real revenue for the next buyer.

What’s more, you can even treat yourself to a horse-drawn wagon ride around the neighbourhood should the urge take your fancy. A top-notch way to greet the local community!

In recent years, the surrounding Keweenaw Peninsula has also become a popular haunt for visitors. The National History Park is well known for mountain biking trails, as well as its own theatre, mining museum and nearby Calumet lake to feed the ducks.

Amongst pine trees in the snow, you might stumble across nearby Keweenaw Mountain Lodge – a rustic resort filled with log cabins. From here you can venture out on a cross country mountain trail. Or choose to sit next to the fire with a warm cup of cocoa.

According to the listing, Mid-Westerners have been visiting this area known simply as 'Up North' for generations but the property market is only now beginning to boom here. 

Whether it's the fresh lakeside air, the historical town or Teddy Roosevelt’s sleeping arrangements, it’s clear this Upper Peninsula compound will be snapped up in no time. We suggest rounding up the group chat and getting organised with your bids!

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