Aretha Franklin house connects you with American musical history.
The “Queen of Soul” left us with her unforgettable voice, her homes tell stories of success, artistic brilliance, and the life of a woman who changed music.
The most famous of her other properties, known as the “Rose Estate,” is in the Detroit Golf Club.
It is a 7,700 square foot mansion that has been known as Rose Estate because Aretha lived there while recording her 1998 album “A Rose is Still a Rose.”
It was built in 1927, this historic home sold for $510,000 and has since undergone over $1 million in renovations.
The new owners are working hard to restore this property to its original glory.
We’ll take you inside of Aretha Franklin house, you’ll look at her Detroit residence, discover where her other properties were located, and also what happened to these places after her passing in 2018.
Who was Aretha Franklin?
Aretha Franklin wasn’t only a normal singer but she was THE voice of a generation.
She was born in 1942, she grew up surrounded by music and spirituality.
Her father, C.L. Franklin was a famous Baptist preacher.
She earned the title “Queen of Soul” because of her raw talent, emotional depth, and an ability to connect with listeners.
Her version of “Respect” became an anthem for both the civil rights and women’s movements.
With 18 Grammy Awards and over 75 million records sold worldwide, Aretha’s success transformed into wealth.
She purchased several homes throughout her career and her notable residence was the Rose Estate in Detroit, which reflected her love for her hometown.
While this property was once valued high, it sold for $510,000.
Aretha Franklin House Tour: The Detroit Residence
The Rose Estate has been presented as a monument to Aretha’s legacy, it was built in 1927, this historic 7,700 square foot home is on the Detroit Golf Club fairways and has classic architecture with character.
Before Aretha purchased it, it belonged to Patricia Hill Burnett, a women’s rights advocate who passed away in 2014.
The property maintains Aretha’s legacy through its connection to her 1998 album and the current owners’ dedication to preserving its historical significance.
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom in Aretha’s Rose Estate reflected her status as music royalty.
While details aren’t documented, we know the room would have provided Aretha with a private space from her busy life.
Large Music Room
Every home that belonged to Aretha Franklin has a space which is only dedicated to music.
The Rose Estate includes a music room where Aretha could practice, compose, and entertain.
The room has a piano and the acoustics for her to showcase and practice for her music sessions.
Sun-lit Living Room
Natural light in the living room of the Rose Estate, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Large windows give the view of Detroit Golf Club, bringing the outdoors inside.
The sun-drenched space was perfect to relax, entertain guests, or for quiet moments away from the performing schedule.
Bathrooms
The bathrooms in Aretha’s Detroit home combined functionality with classic design elements which is in luxury homes built in the 1920s.
They weren’t as extravagant as bathrooms in modern mansions, they retained charm with vintage fixtures, and speaks about her personality.
Grand Foyer Staircase
At the entrance of the Rose Estate, there was a grand foyer featuring a sweeping staircase, an architectural element that makes a statement about the home’s stature.
This entryway set the tone for the house, combining elegance with the warm hospitality Aretha was known for.
Kitchen with Open Dining Room
Aretha’s love for southern cuisine made her kitchen an important part of her home.
The kitchen and open dining area in the Rose Estate provided ample space for family gatherings and entertaining friends.
While we don’t have specific details about the original appliances or design, the new owners’ renovation efforts have likely updated this space while preserving its connection to Aretha.
Garage and Storage
The property includes garage space and storage areas that are built for Aretha’s needs for vehicle protection and storage.
These spaces may not be glamorous as other parts of the home, but they were essential for Aretha’s stature who had performance wardrobes, memorabilia, and other possessions to store.
Outdoor Amenities with Golf Club
One of the most attractive features of the Rose Estate is its location overlooking the Detroit Golf Club fairways.
This setting offered Aretha beautiful views and access to golf club amenities.
The outdoor spaces of the home complement the natural beauty of the golf course setting, creating a peaceful retreat.
Where is Aretha Franklin’s House Located?
Aretha Franklin’s famous home is the Rose Estate, is located in Detroit, Michigan, in the fairways of the Detroit Golf Club.
This location reflects Aretha’s connection to her hometown of Detroit.
Detroit held significance for Aretha, as she was born in Memphis, Tennessee, she grew up in Detroit where her father pastored at New Bethel Baptist Church.
The city shaped her musically and personally, and she maintained ties with it.
Beyond the Rose Estate, Aretha also owns another home in the Detroit Golf Club area, a 7,000 square foot property that was for $975,000 after she passed away.
Her birth house is located in South Memphis, Tennessee, and the focus of historic preservation efforts led by the South Memphis Renewal Community Development Corporation.
How Many Homes Does Aretha Franklin Own?
Aretha Franklin owned several properties throughout her lifetime, showcasing both her success and her connection to different places that were meaningful to her.
Her real estate holdings included:
| Property | Location | Size | Notable Features | Status After Her Death |
| Rose Estate | Detroit Golf Club | 7,700 sq ft | Named during recording of “A Rose is Still a Rose” album | Sold in 2023 for $510,000 |
| Second Detroit Home | Detroit Golf Club | 7,000 sq ft | Golf course views | Listed for $975,000 |
| Bloomfield Hills Home | 4585 Kiftsgate Bend | Size not specified | Pool, tennis court, sauna, finished basement | Sold for $1.3 million |
| Birth House | South Memphis, Tennessee | Size not specified | Historic significance as her birthplace | Preservation efforts ongoing |
After Aretha’s death, her properties faced difficulties.
Many of them were neglected and required renovation.
The Rose Estate was marketed as a “fixer-upper” and stayed on the market for years before being purchased by Trevor Thomas and Brandon Lynum.
The new owners of the Rose Estate are not only renovating it but they’re documenting the process on social media and working toward having the home listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Where Did Aretha Franklin Live When She Died?
When Aretha Franklin passed away on August 16, 2018, at the age of 76, she was living in her Bloomfield Hills home in Michigan.
This residence at 4585 Kiftsgate Bend sold for $1.3 million and featured luxury amenities.
Aretha had moved to this Detroit location after spending years at the Rose Estate.
The Bloomfield Hills property offered her privacy and comfort during her difficult time.
Like many of her properties, it reflected her success while maintaining her connection to the Detroit area.
The home contained Aretha’s personal touches when it was sold, including original appliances that had been used by the Queen of Soul, small details that connected the space to its former owner.
Conclusion
Aretha Franklin House, specially the Rose Estate in Detroit, tells us about the woman behind the legendary voice.
These walls witnessed the private moments of a public figure who changed music history.
From her birth home in Memphis to her final residence in Bloomfield Hills, each represents a story of a girl who became the Queen of Soul.
What’s the best part about these properties is how they’re preserved and restored.
The new owners of the Rose Estate are not only renovating but they’re protecting a piece of American cultural history.
The dedication to restoring the home and seeking National Register of Historic Places status ensures that Aretha’s legacy will live not only through her music, but the spaces she called home.
The summer garden dinner held in June 2024 to rededicate the Rose Estate shows that her impact continues.
Aretha Franklin house, her music, connects us to the woman who touched many lives with her talent, strength, and soul.
FAQs on Aretha Franklin
Who owns Aretha Franklin’s house now?
The Rose Estate, Aretha Franklin’s famous Detroit Golf Club home, is now owned by Trevor Thomas and Brandon Lynum. The couple has invested over $1 million in renovations to restore the historic property.
What happened to Aretha Franklin’s mansion?
After Aretha Franklin’s death in 2018, her Detroit mansion known as the “Rose Estate” was put on the market as a “fixer-upper” needing renovations. The 7,700 square foot home built in 1927 remained on the market for years before being purchased in 2023.
What was Aretha Franklin’s net worth?
At the time of her death in 2018, Aretha Franklin’s net worth was about $80 million. This wealth came from her music career spanning more than six decades, during which she sold over 75 million records worldwide and won 18 Grammy Awards.
Who inherited Aretha Franklin’s wealth?
There was confusion about Aretha Franklin’s estate because she passed away without a will. However, handwritten wills were discovered in her home. After legal proceedings, her assets were divided among her four sons, Clarence, Edward, Ted, and Kecalf Franklin.