For 124 years, the Historic Stone House has been a beacon of craftsmanship in the heart of Downtown Gladwin, MI. This classic Victorian style home was built as a primary residence by the Smith family, but has played many roles in recent decades. These walls have housed real estate firms, Dr.’s offices, dry goods merchants, engineers, lawyers, and much more.
In 2021, this big, beautiful house was given a second chance at life – as the new home of Pale Blue Smoking Company’s flagship restaurant and catering operation. Gladwin natives Brandon and Becky Hodgins purchased the property, and began a 6 month restoration of the Stone House, with help from friends, family, and volunteers. No stone was left untouched in our effort to bring this beautiful piece of architecture back to life.
ALL customers are invited to tour the Stone House before, during or after your meal! Here’s a quick preview of the fully restored home – The new home, of Pale Blue at the Stone House.
Full Stone Construction, Circa 1898
The Stone House is a 3 story, Victorian style home, built in 1898. Featuring a 3 story turret, wrap around porch, and stunning craftsman details throughout the building.
Protect and Preserve
One of our first priorities was to seal the house up, and stop any further water intrusion. Seamless gutters, new flashing, and caulking helped a ton. We then commissioned K.C. Painting to paint the exterior, including all of the architectural shingles on the gable ends, and the turret roof. This work ensured that centuries old details would last another 100 years to come.
Heart Shaped Rock
One of the most recognizable features on this impressive structure, is the massive 3 story turret. Inside the turret you’ll find two fully renovated dining rooms, completely restored to their original glory. On the outside of the turret, you’ll find a truly unique heart-shaped rock – a nod to the love and care that stone masons poured into this house 124 years ago.
Outdoor Dining Options
Between our brand new pit-side deck and the Stone House’s original covered stone porch, there are nearly 40 seats available outdoors. With outdoor dining becoming increasingly popular, it was a priority to provide these patio dining options during the renovation of the Stone House! You can sit pit-side and smell the sweet aroma of wood-fired BBQ, or you can sit street-side and watch the traffic pass through Cedar Ave.
Full Handicap Accessibility
The Stone House features full handicap accessibility, with the addition of a brand new wheelchair ramp. The original grand entrance is also ADA compliant, along with the addition of 2 brand new ADA compliant bathrooms! Our new wheelchair accessible ramp is tied into the large, pit-side outdoor dining space.
The Great Room
A step inside the front door takes you on a trip back in time. All of the architectural details have been kept, and preserved for longevity. The completely refinished, original oak and maple hardwood floors stretch into the expansive Great Room, where guests are greeted by Pale Blue staff to start a truly unique dining experience. Quarter-sawn oak panels, a grand staircase, and access to the first floor of the turret and Maple Room can all be found in the Great Room.
The Maple Room
Our most popular dining space, the Maple Room, features some of the most stunning artistic details in the entire house. Inside the Maple Room you’ll find original maple floors in a picture frame/herringbone pattern, massive sliding pocket doors, curved glass windows, a 2nd turret, and the extremely rare and coveted birds-eye maple columns and trim work. Inside the second turret sits the Maple Table, a custom piece of furniture that’s always great for sparking conversation!
The Maple Table
The custom Maple Table is our most frequently reserved seating, and may just be the most impressive 5-top you’ll ever dine at. Custom built by Gladwin’s own Kernie Gilliam, the Maple Table is a massive cross section of spalted maple from right here in Gladwin County. The table sits inside the 2nd turret, with loads of natural light pouring in from three original curved glass windows.
Dine Inside the 3 Story Turret
The Stone House’s main turret is the most prominent feature, and it’s as beautiful inside as it is outside. Featuring quarter-sawn oak panels, original oak flooring, original Anaglypta wallpaper, a functioning antique cast-iron radiator, and 3 massive curved glass windows. The room seats 8, and offers a great view of Cedar Avenue!
Banquet Spaces
The Stone House features 2 second floor banquet spaces that double as overflow dining rooms. The first room is finished with fully restored original maple floors, the second floor of the massive turret, birds-eye maple trim work, and original curved glass windows. This room seats 20 and is available for private party rentals! Email catering@palebluebbq.com to inquire!
2nd Floor Dining
Our second banquet space and 2nd floor dining option features antique weighted windows, oak trim work, restored oak flooring, and a unique dormer with swing open windows. This room seats 20, and is available for private party rentals, or as a 2nd floor dining option when the first floor is full! Email catering@palebluebbq.com to inquire!
Restaurant - Catering - Takeout - Online Ordering 