• 2009 Barn of the Year Recipient •

Charlevoix. The Loeb Barn, Castle Farms, 5052 M-66 North,
owned by Richard and Linda Mueller.

Singled out for an" Outstanding Preservation Practices" award, this extraordinary former cattle barn has no peer. Part of the Castle Farms complex of fieldstone buildings, aptly named because of their castle-like quality, it was designed and built in 1918 by architect Arthur Heun for Albert Loeb, an executive of Sears & Roebuck. The barns were intended to look like French castles with walls, towers, courtyards and French roofs. For a time, the farm was highly successful with prize-winning cattle and Belgium draft horses. After Mr. Loeb's death, the farm went through several owners and when the Muellers bought the buildings in 2001, the structures needed significant work. Since careful restoration, Castle Farms has received many awards and today is a site for weddings and major events. The Muellers have renamed the barn, the "King and Queen Castle Building." Contact the Muellers at 231-675-3186.