Situated 1 1/2 miles from downtown, Stonecliffe offers a quiet, rustic setting that appeals to many people. Carriages frequently convey guests to and from downtown. Many people find that Stonecliffe provides the best that Mackinac Island has to offer. One can go downtown to shop, eat and enjoy the nightlife, yet return "home" and avoid the noise and crowds of downtown.

The condos in the Stonecliffe community are the only condos on the Island that can be rented on a nightly, weekly or monthly basis, similar to hotel accomodations. (A city ordinance requires that condos downtown must be rented on a monthly basis.) Because most of Mackinac Island is state owned, little property is available for condo development. As a result, the unique nature of Stoneclife will always endure.

Stonecliffe Manor

The Stonecliffe development started as the private estate of a gentleman at the turn of the century. One of the few large privately owned parcels on the island, the Manor was built on the site in 1904. 14 guestrooms with private baths and Victorian architecture invoke images of a lifestyle that was both luxurious and gracious.

The Stonecliffe property was purchased by the previous owner in 1975 and development was started on several projects. The Stonecliffe condomiums were built, starting with the Applewood Building. Pinewood, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Hamill and Oakwood buildings were added in that order. (All except the Hamill building have rental units available.) A swimming pool and poolhouse were added next to the mansion.

In 200, the current owners purchased the Stonecliffe Mansion and grounds, completed work on the Pondhouse Condominiums, and upgraded the swimming pool. Further development is already on the drawing boards.

Many roads and trails wind through the Stonecliffe development, perfect for casual strolls through the woods. The original owner of Stonecliffe made a brief and unprofitable attempt at a ski resort. A huge cement block, the original base of the top of the chairlift, was located just south of the Applewood building, but was "relocated" by the current owner and now forms part of the hillside. A path from Applewood down to the water's ege follows the original ski trail.

The view from Sunset Rock

Evening sunsets are best viewed from Sunset Rock, a natural promontory with a flat top. A rock half-wall was built on three sides, forming a perfect place to view the Mackinac Bridge, Lake Huron, and those gorgeous sunsets unique to Mackinac Island.

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