Indigo Bluffs -- Empire's upscale motorcoach and RV resort -- will add six craftsman style cottages as part of a planned expansion. Owner Gary Becker says the cottages, which will be for rental or purchase, were part of the overall growth plan since he purchased the former rustic campground site in 2008.

“Our goal is to be an outdoor lifestyle resort,” Becker explains. “People like the idea that camping is family and friend oriented and brings togetherness. But not everyone wants to rent or own an RV.”

Becker's resort has benefitted from the explosive growth in tourism -- and real estate purchase and rental costs -- in Leelanau County in recent years. Much of the growth was spawned by Good Morning America's pronouncement of Sleeping Bear Dunes as "the most beautiful place in America." Becker says he's identified a niche that allows families to visit and stay in the county for significantly less (many seasonal home rentals can cost $3,000-$5,000 a week), while still being close to all the amenities.

The site already includes several "pads" for large motorcoaches, as well as a full, traditional RV park, rustic cabins, an outdoor pool, a reception building, and open recreational space. The resort's season is from the first week of May to the end of October. 

The new cottages—which will sleep six—will include master bedrooms, loft spaces with entertainment and sleeping areas, hardwood floors, solid surface counters and appliances, with several upgrade options. 

Becker sees the new cottages primarily for those staying in the RV/motorcoach side of the property to have additional family members join them, or for area homeowners who need more space for friends and families who visit. They will be available for rent or for sale.

“Rates will probably start at $165 a night, maybe $40 higher on weekends and holidays," he says.

A starting purchase price of $85,000 is anticipated and, in an effort to maintain its niche as an affordable resort, Indigo Bluffs will impose price controls on those who intend to rent out their cottage.  

"If owners rent the site, it’s mandatory that it go through the resort," he adds. "Not just for liability issues, but to maintain pricing integrity. It affects the entire property and product if individual owners set pricing policy."

The expansion has been approved by Empire Township and construction is scheduled to begin soon. The target open date for the  first cottages is July 2015, though Becker acknowledges that off-season construction timetables are always at winter’s mercy.

He says there has already been much interest.

“The appeal is that it’s an affordable, social, beautiful facility. We’re smack dab in the middle of one of the most beautiful places on earth, with so many things to do…. That’s what people enjoy about our area, and we have been very mindful of that, in terms of what we are delivering and where we are delivering it.”