Henry Ford’s Detroit home hits the market for $975K
Automotive history buffs are well acquainted with Fair Lane, Henry and Clara Ford’s 56-room mansion in Dearborn, Michigan. Before the Fords built that palatial home, however, they lived in a smaller but also lavish home at 140 Edison Street in Detroit. More than a century after the Fords moved to Fair Lane in 1915, that Edison Street house is for sale.
Offered on Zillow for $975,000, the 7263-square-foot home sits on a 3/4-acre lot near Voigt Park. The Fords had it built in 1908. The home’s current owners are the fourth stewards of the historic property. You could be the fifth.
The landmark Ford home has four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and plenty of opulent charm, as you’d expect from the founder of the Ford Motor Company. Henry Ford was a fan of architecture and historic buildings—which explains how his famous Greenfield Village and The Henry Ford Museum came to be—so he no doubt had a hand in designing the beautiful Edison Street home, in addition to Fair Lane.
As you step inside the Edison house’s vestibule and walk upon its hardwood floors, double French doors welcome you to a grand dining room for entertaining. There is also a beautiful living room with a fireplace and a private library with built-in glass bookcases. A screened-in porch overlooks the terrace, and the kitchen retains its original scullery and butler’s pantry.
A spectacular staircase leads you to spacious bedrooms, original bathrooms with Pewabic tile, a sleeping porch, a linen room, and large servant’s quarters.
The basement has a laundry room, a second kitchen, recreation rooms, and storage.
The home has forced air, steam, natural gas, and central air.
Outside are elaborate gardens and a private yard, as well as a carriage house that features additional living space, along with 2.5 garage spaces.
Zillow’s “Zestimate” values the property at $853,300, but it appears you’ll have to pay much more than that to get it. Ten years ago, the house was valued at $282,600, so its value has skyrocketed. Perhaps the asking price is on target then, considering the home’s magnificent luxury and amazing history. If only those walls could talk.
