Clemens Vonnegut Jr. House

After 105 years of on and off ownership by various members of the Vonnegut Family of Indianapolis during its 125 years of existence, The Clemens Vonnegut Jr. House was sold to the partners of Old East Shore LLC in 2013 to be restored to its original character.

The home is perched up on the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee, on what is likely its highest shoreline bluff. Originally built in 1889 as summer retreat from the Vonnegut's residence in Indianapolis—just a three day journey by way of horse and buggy, and later a long day's journey by train to Peru In, then Hibbard, and eventually Marmont, renamed Culver as the years went on, and the iron horse age came closer and closer to Lake Max. The extended Vonnegut-Schnull-Mueller Clan owned at least 12 properties around or near the north-east shore of the lake, including the three homes currently to the north, and various members of the family enjoyed time here from short visits, to languorous summers, to year round retirement.

This home was built by Clemens Jr., oldest of four sons of German immigrant, family patriarch, and Hardware Store owner Clemens Vonnegut Sr., for his immediate and extended family to enjoy. Clemens Junior was himself a one term State Representative for Indianapolis, a Manager of National Casket Company, and executive of Vonnegut Hardware.

After two years of extensive renovations, the house boasts the comforts of modern amenities such as geothermal climate control, updated kitchen and bathrooms, and handcrafted local Amish furniture, while maintaining its airy original connection to the past in its most historical portions.

The home can now be rented for special events or to spend a holiday at the lake.