The Heather House

The Heather House is located in Marine City, Michigan, located about an hour north of Detroit and 40-minutes south of Lake Huron. Lake Huron is one of the five Great Lakes of North America, and Detroit is the most populous city in the state of Michigan. The closest body of water to the Heather House is found just across the street, the St. Clair River, which lines the United States and Canadian border. Guests will see large freighters and other boats come and go from the comfort of their own private balconies. The building has roots in history that take it back to the early 1800s, and it is furnished to appeal to that style.

About

Open year-round, the Heather House promises an opportunity for you to unwind and take in all the wonders the one-of-a-kind property has to offer. There are 6 rooms available in the house, each offering their own unique charm and style. Each room is equipped with a Queen-sized bed, a private bathroom, a private balcony, and a smart TV. The two master suites are the St. Clair room and the Huron room. These suites offer whirlpool tubs, more space, and picturesque views of the river from their balconies.

Your innkeepers, Mallory & John manage the space with the utmost attention to detail, ensuring you a meaningful stay from start to finish.

The Heather House welcomes you to experience individuality, history, and comfort in the heart of the idyllic St. Clair River.

Culture

Join us for a relaxing stay in the historic small town of Marine City, MI. Wake up to a warm, home-cooked breakfast while enjoying the picturesque views of the St. Clair River. Maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of one of the huge freighter ships as they pass by the house! Spend the day shopping for antiques on Water Street, getting a glass of wine, or taking in a show from one of the local theaters. Don’t forget to stop by any of the wonderful restaurants in town for a hearty dinner! Return home to a comfortable room and a private balcony. Cozy up with a book and a cup of tea or have a movie night before bed! Enjoy all the modern amenities while being surrounded with small town charm!

History

The elaborate mansion was built in 1885 as William Sauber’s family home. Born in 1848 in Berlin, Germany, William had 10 children and died in 1916. He worked as a chief engineer with the Mitchell Shipping Line, as well as general manager and secretary of the Marine City Sugar Factory, secretary of the Salt and Block Works, and Mayor of Marine City. William traveled the lakes extensively, shipping various goods to and from the Great Lakes, eventually having a ship named after him. To this day, the waterway remains an important shipping route, with the mansion’s wraparound porch providing a perfect view of freighters going by.

After half a century of ownership by a sole family, the property passed into other hands in 1950. Don Ashley purchased the property from Clair Miller Wills, renovating and converting the home into four apartments.

In 1991, the house was finally transformed into a bed & breakfast by Heather and Bill Bokram. Heather is credited with founding the Historical Society of Marine City, in addition to her passion for art and design. Her original mosaic works can be enjoyed in many parks along the river.

Together, the Bokrams established a pillar of the community beloved by visitors from near and far, ultimately retiring in 2014 and passing the house into the hands of Mark and Helen Lally. After nearly a decade of caring for the eclectic estate, the Lallys retired from The Heather House, leaving behind a legacy of care and hospitality for the old home.

Luckily, a young couple hoping to start their own life fell in love with the character and meaning of the house, acquiring the keys in June of 2024. Today, John and Mallory are your hosts and look forward to continuing the high level of service that has come to be expected from The Heather House.