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Hosts and History

Meet Your Hosts

Cartier Mansion is under the dedicated stewardship of Jenna and Chris Simpler. Drawing upon extensive experience in luxury hotels and charming bed and breakfasts, they are delighted to offer their expertise and heartfelt hospitality to Ludington. The Simplers warmly welcome you and your family to experience the Cartier Mansion Bed and Breakfast.

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Jenna

Jenna Simpler, a native of Michigan, is thrilled to return to her home state and carry on the legacy of Cartier Mansion. Her distinguished career in luxury hospitality includes leading a property to achieve the coveted Forbes 5-star rating for four consecutive years. As an executive manager, she played a pivotal role in ensuring all properties within a family hospitality group met the high standards of Select Registry and Historic Hotels of America.

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Chris

Hailing from the Hudson Valley, Chris discovered a warm embrace in the Midwest during his time at Truman State University and now feels Michigan is truly home. He brings a wealth of experience to Cartier Mansion, and his passion for hospitality extends beyond the welcome desk. Chris delights guests with his innovative culinary creations, crafting exceptional dishes enjoyed within our historic walls.

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Carson the Butler

Carson, the resident Tibetan Spaniel, adds a touch of charm to the Cartier Mansion experience. His warm presence ensures Jenna and Chris consistently deliver world-class hospitality to their guests.

A Beacon of History

Built in 1905, the Cartier Mansion stands as a testament to Ludington's rich heritage. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this three-story neoclassical masterpiece boasts Roman pressed brick and Bedford limestone accents. Inside, a symphony of mahogany, oak, cherry, walnut, and maple unfolds, adorned with meticulously preserved period antiques. Through the years, the Mansion has been entrusted to dedicated stewards who have ensured its enduring legacy.

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A Legacy of Vision

The Cartier Mansion owes its existence to Warren Cartier, a Notre Dame graduate and accomplished athlete whose name graces the university's Cartier Field. Following in his lumber baron father's footsteps, Warren established himself as a prominent businessman and politician in Ludington. Together with his wife Kate, they built the Cartier Mansion in 1905, a testament to their enduring influence on the city's landscape. The Cartiers' entrepreneurial spirit is evident in their diverse ventures, including the first telephone company, banks, a car dealership, a department store, and even a watch case manufacturing company. Notably, both Warren and his father served as mayors of Ludington, albeit on opposing political platforms.

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Dancing Through Time

Following the Cartiers' legacy, local figures Abby and Genevieve Schoenberger assumed the stewardship of the Cartier Mansion in 1950. Mr. Schoenberger, a butcher and owner of a quaint Scottville grocery store, brought a touch of practicality to the grand residence. Meanwhile, Mrs. Schoenberger, a graceful dancer, imbued the carriage house loft with the rhythm of her lessons for many years. While raising their family within the mansion's walls, the Schoenberger couple became the true guardians of its historic character. Their dedication ensured the preservation of the mansion's original essence, evident in the enduring beauty of its floors, woodwork, and even some of its original wall coverings. To this day, the Schoenberger family's commitment to preserving this architectural gem remains an integral part of the Cartier Mansion's story.

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Warm Hospitality

Following in the footsteps of the Schoenberger family, Gary and Sue Ann Schnitker embraced the Cartier Mansion's legacy in 2005. For fifteen years, they transformed the grand residence into a welcoming bed and breakfast, offering Ludington and its visitors a unique and memorable experience. Their commitment to creating a space open to all fostered a positive impact on the community, making the Cartier Mansion a haven for countless guests.

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