Steeped in history…

The elaborate mansion was built in 1885 as Captain 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.

Please allow us to show you the best of warm hospitality for all the senses.

We look forward to your stay,

Mallory and John