The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, situated at 1100 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, stands as a testament to early 20th-century American affluence, architectural innovation, and cultural patronage. Overlooking Lake St. Clair, this estate was the residence of Edsel Ford—son of automotive pioneer Henry Ford—and his wife, Eleanor Clay Ford. Designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn with landscaping by Jens Jensen, the property exemplifies the harmonious blend of English Cotswold-inspired architecture and naturalistic landscape design.
Origins and Vision
In 1926, Edsel and Eleanor Ford commissioned Albert Kahn to design a home that reflected their appreciation for English country estates. Their travels to England, particularly the Cotswolds region, inspired the design ethos of their future residence. Kahn, known for his industrial designs, embraced this vision, creating a residence that combined traditional English architectural elements with modern amenities.
The Fords moved into the completed estate in 1928. Spanning 87 acres, the property was envisioned not just as a family home but also as a space that embodied their cultural and aesthetic values.
Architectural Design
The main house, encompassing approximately 30,000 square feet, is constructed from Ohio’s Briar Hill sandstone, lending it a rustic yet refined appearance. The roof, covered with slate tiles that diminish in size towards the peak, mirrors traditional Cotswold roofing techniques. To achieve authenticity, English artisans were brought in to install the roof and interior woodwork.
Inside, the residence boasts over 60 rooms, many adorned with historical elements sourced from European estates. The Gallery, the largest room, features 16th-century oak paneling and a chimneypiece from Wollaston Hall in Worcestershire, England. Other notable features include a staircase from Lyveden Manor House and stained-glass medallions from the 14th century.
Modern design elements are also present. Industrial designer Walter Dorwin Teague contributed Art Deco interiors, such as the “Modern Room,” characterized by indirect lighting, leather wall panels, and mirrored niches. Teague also designed bedrooms and sitting rooms for the Ford children, incorporating contemporary materials like grey structural glass.
Landscape Architecture
Jens Jensen, a prominent landscape architect, was responsible for the estate’s grounds. His design emphasized naturalistic elements, featuring meadows, native plants, and winding paths that gradually reveal the house’s façade. Jensen’s “long view” approach ensured that visitors experienced the landscape’s unfolding beauty as they approached the residence.
A point of contention arose when Eleanor Ford expressed a desire for a rose garden. Jensen, favoring native plantings, initially resisted but eventually compromised by situating the rose garden behind native shrubs, preserving the meadow’s natural appearance.
Additional features include a man-made lagoon, a swimming pool that drains into the lake, and a recreation building housing a squash court and changing rooms. A child-sized playhouse, complete with electricity and plumbing, was built for the Fords’ daughter, Josephine, by her grandmother, Clara Ford.
Art and Furnishings
The Fords were avid art collectors, and their home reflected this passion. The Drawing Room housed original works by Paul Cézanne, while reproductions of pieces by Renoir and Degas adorned other rooms. A reproduction of Vincent van Gogh’s “The Postman Roulin” hung in the Morning Room, and an original Diego Rivera painting, “Cactus on the Plains,” was displayed in the Modern Room.
After Eleanor Ford’s death in 1976, many artworks were donated to the Detroit Institute of Arts, with reproductions remaining in the house to maintain its historical ambiance.
Legacy and Preservation
Edsel Ford passed away in 1943, and Eleanor continued to reside in the home until her death in 1976. Honoring her wishes, the estate was opened to the public for educational purposes. In 1979, the property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2016.
Today, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House operates as a museum, offering guided tours, educational programs, and special events. Restoration efforts have been ongoing, funded by a trust established by Eleanor Ford, ensuring the preservation of the estate’s architectural and historical integrity for future generations.
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House stands as a remarkable example of early 20th-century design, reflecting the Fords’ commitment to art, architecture, and landscape. Its preservation offers insight into the lives of one of America’s most influential families and their contributions to cultural and aesthetic advancements.
Plan Your Visit
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is open on every day except Mondays starting at 9 a.m.
Tickets are $7 per person to tour the grounds and $15 per person to tour the house and grounds.
Located at 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan.
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