A grand historic estate with views of Lake St. Clair is the magic of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, a magnificent mansion built in the 1920s.
Located in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, the Cotswold-style English village estate was completed in 1928 and shows off the taste of royalty.
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford house stands as a perfect time capsule of luxury living from America’s golden age.
When built, this wasn’t any home, it was a masterpiece in millions that is across 87 acres of lakefront property.
With its limestone exterior, graded slate roofs, and 60 rooms packed with furnishings and art.
It is not like other historic mansions that feel like museums, the Ford House feels like someone’s beloved home.
Here in this post, we’ll take a tour through the Edsel and Eleanor Ford house, learn about the couple who called it home, explore its architecture inside and out, and give you all the info you need if you’re planning a visit.
Who are Edsel and Eleanor Ford?
Edsel Bryant Ford wasn’t an ordinary rich kid but he was the only son of Henry Ford, the guy who put America on wheels.
He served as President of Ford Motor Company from 1919 until his death in 1943 and brought style and design to the cars.
Edsel married Eleanor Clay, the niece of department store founder J.L. Hudson.
While Edsel brought automotive innovation, Eleanor brought culture, sophistication, and an eye for design.
What made them special wasn’t only their money, it was how they used it.
They were arts patrons, collecting works by van Gogh, Cézanne, and Diego Rivera.
They supported Detroit institutions and helped many people during the Great Depression.
But Edsel died young at 49, but Eleanor continued living in their beloved home until her death in 1976.
It was Eleanor’s vision that turned their private paradise into a public treasure.
A Glimpse of Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
The Ford House is at 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, which is about 30 minutes from downtown Detroit. This isn’t some fancy house but it’s a National Historic Landmark.
When the Fords bought the property in 1925, they hired the best architect Albert Kahn, landscape architect Jens Jensen, and interior designers from the prestigious Duveen Brothers for their home.
While the particular figure of the house isn’t available, building a home of this size and quality during the 1920s would have cost around tens of millions in today.
The estate is now priceless as a cultural treasure.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan |
| Property Size | 87 acres |
| Year Built | Completed in 1928 |
| Architectural Style | Cotswold-style English village |
| Architect | Albert Kahn |
| Interior Designers | Jules Bouy and Duveen Brothers |
| Landscape Designer | Jens Jensen |
| Number of Rooms | Over 60 |
| Notable Features | Limestone exterior, slate roof, art collection, advanced technology systems |
| Current Status | Museum and cultural center |
| National Historic Landmark | Designated in 2016 |
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House Tour: History, Architecture and Visitor Guide
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House isn’t only a building but it’s a journey through time.
Every corner tells a story about the family who lived here, the era they shaped, and the legacy they left from it.
If you fascinate architecture, gardens, history, or love beautiful things, there’s something here that you’ll surely love.
Exterior Features of Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
Go to the Ford House and you’ll get why people can’t stop talking about it.
It is not like the flashy mansions other millionaires built, the Fords went for something that looked like it had grown from the Michigan landscape.
The limestone walls weather differently in each section, making it look like the house was built and expanded into generations.
The roof is hand-laid slate with edges that wave like the ancient cottages of England’s Cotswold region.
Around the house, it has terraces with views of Lake St. Clair. Jensen’s landscape with the meadows, woodlands, and the Linden Allee.
There’s a man-made lagoon, a rose garden, and secret stone paths.
“The grounds at Ford House are as important as the house itself,” says a curator at the estate.
“The Fords could have hired anyone, but they chose Jensen because he believed gardens should reflect the character of the region.”
The estate has become popular for weddings and photoshoots, the stone pathways and lake views for gorgeous backdrops.
Interior Design of Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
The main hall has an oak paneling and a staircase that makes a grand entrance.
The home has over 60 rooms including multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, sitting rooms, a library filled with books the family can read, and service areas.
The living room is big but somehow feels cozy, with fireplaces and windows that frame views of the lake.
Eleanor’s touch is everywhere like in fabrics, furniture, and arranged rooms for both beauty and comfort.
The children’s rooms have an energy that shows that growing up in a mansion, the Ford kids weren’t spoiled. The boys shared bedrooms.
And the modern bathrooms with glass tiles look right in the house’s bathrooms.
The gallery has a long, light-filled space where the family displayed the artwork.
Many of the masterpieces were donated to the Detroit Institute of Arts, but the room is a work of art.
Planning Your Visit to Edsel and Eleanor Ford House: Here’s the Details and What to Expect
Visiting the Ford House isn’t a quick stop but it’s an experience worth planning for.
Whether you have a few hours or a full day, there’s many things to see and do at this historic estate.
Location and Directions
The Ford House is at 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan. It’s about 13 miles northeast of downtown Detroit.
From Detroit: Take I-94 East and exit at Moross Road.
Follow Moross north until at Lake Shore Drive.
Turn right and continue about 1.5 miles to the entrance, also the parking is free.
Price of the Tickets
General admission tickets start at $15 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children.
If you want the full experience with guided tours, prices range from $15-$25 depending on the tour type.
House and grounds passes cost about $15-20 per adult, while grounds-only tickets are about $5-10.
Always check the official website “fordhouse.org” for current prices and special promotions before your visit.
Options of Tours
The Ford House offers various tour options:
- General House Tour: A self-guided experience through the main rooms of the mansion.
- Guided Historic House Tour: Led by knowledgeable staff who share stories and details you’d miss on your own.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Takes you to areas not on the regular tour, including service spaces and storage areas.
- Grounds Tour: Focuses on Jensen’s amazing landscape design.
- Seasonal Tours: Special themed experiences like holiday decorations or garden highlights.
Facilities and Amenities
The Ford House knows how to treat visitors nicely with:
- A modern visitor center with restrooms, gift shop, and information desk
- The Cotswold Café offering light meals, snacks, and refreshments
- Accessibility accommodations
- Benches and rest areas throughout the grounds
- Water fountains and comfortable indoor waiting areas
What Guests can Expect
First-timers are surprised by how intimate and personal the house feels.
It is not like some other historic mansions that are cold and museum-like, the Ford House feels lived-in and warm.
You’ll see original furnishings, family photos, and personal items that make it easy to imagine the Fords living here.
The tour guides share stories about family life that bring the space alive.
Make sure to spend at least 2-3 hours to see everything.
Wear comfortable shoes because the grounds are extensive and you’ll want to explore.
Special Events
The Ford House isn’t stuck in the past but it’s a lively cultural center hosting cool events:
- Garden concerts in summer months
- Holiday events and decorations in November and December
- Art exhibitions in the visitor center
- Educational programs for adults and children
- Painting and photography workshops
- Yoga on the lawn in warm weather
- Bird watching walks with local experts
Reviews of Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
According to TripAdvisor, the estate holds a stellar 4.5/5 rating based on the reviews of the people who love it.
“I’ve visited mansions all over the country, and this one stands out because it feels like a home, not a museum,” writes one reviewer from Chicago. “You can picture the family living here.”
The gardens receive special praise: “Jensen’s landscape design is stunning in every season,” notes a visitor from Ann Arbor.
“We’ve come in spring, summer and fall, and it’s a completely different experience each time.”
Many guests mention the knowledgeable guides as highlights of their visits.
“Our guide Mary knew about the family, small details that weren’t on the placards. She made the house come alive,”.
Not everyone gives positive reviews. Some visitors mention wishing they could see more rooms or take photos inside.
Others note that appreciation requires walking: “If mobility is an issue, focus on the house tour and skip the grounds,”.
According to the price, consider the Ford House worth visiting. “For under $20, we spent around four hours exploring. That’s cheaper than a movie and popcorn these days!”
List of Upcoming Events in Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
The Ford House calendar stays packed year-round with events that appeal to history buffs, art lovers, families, and for those who are looking for a beautiful setting to enjoy culture and nature.
- Summer Garden Concert Series – Friday evenings in July and August featuring local musicians on the lakeside lawn
- Photography Workshops – Monthly sessions teaching landscape and architectural photography techniques
- Children’s Story Time – Saturday morning readings in the playhouse building
- Fall Harvest Festival – October weekend celebration with cider, donuts, and seasonal activities
- Holiday Lights Tour – November-December evening tours of the house decorated for Christmas
- Winter Bird Watching – Guided nature walks focusing on winter birds around the estate
- Yoga on the Lawn – Sunday morning classes during summer months
- Classic Car Showcase – Annual display of vintage Ford vehicles on the grounds
- Art in the Gardens – Rotating outdoor sculpture exhibitions
- Eleanor’s Tea – Monthly high tea service in the visitor center restaurant
Who owns Edsel and Eleanor Ford House?
Nobody “owns” the Ford House.
When Eleanor Ford passed away in 1976, her will specified that the estate should become a public institution “for the benefit of the public.”
Today, the property is managed by a nonprofit organization called the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House.
This organization maintains the property, manages the museum operations, and ensures that the vision for sharing their home with the community continues.
The Ford family maintains connections through board membership and support of the nonprofit, but the estate belongs to the public.
According to the Detroit News, this arrangement “ensures that the Ford legacy will continue to educate and inspire visitors for generations.”
Is the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House for sale?
No, the Ford House isn’t for sale and won’t be on the market soon.
As mentioned above, Eleanor Ford’s will establish the estate as a public institution.
The nonprofit status and its designation as a National Historic Landmark provide layers of protection that prevent it from being sold for private use.
So while you can’t buy it, you can visit anytime which is more affordable than paying the property taxes.
Where is the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House restaurant?
The Cotswold Café is located in the visitor center of the Ford House.
It offers breakfast and lunch with views of the estate grounds through windows.
The café serves seasonal menus featuring fresh ingredients, homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
Many visitors recommend their afternoon tea service, which includes finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
The café also caters private events held on the estate.
While not fancy fine dining, it’s a spot to relax your visit.
According to Michigan Magazine, “The Cotswold Café captures the warmth of the estate with comfort food.”
Conclusion
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House isn’t some old mansion but it’s a living, a piece of American history that continues to inspire and welcome visitors.
From the designed architecture that grew from the Michigan landscape to the personal touches in the interior, this home tells the story of a family that helped shape 20th century America.
What makes the Ford House special isn’t its grandeur or connections but it’s how personal it feels.
Despite their wealth and status, the Fords created a real home where they raised children, entertained friends, and found peace.
Whether you’re crazy about classic cars, architecture, gardens, or enjoy stepping into different worlds, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House offers a glimpse into a fascinating era.
The estate stands as a testament to her eye for design and commitment to creating spaces that were both beautiful and livable.
FAQs
Where does Edsel Ford live?
Edsel Ford passed away in 1943, but during his lifetime, he lived at 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, the estate we know as the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House.
How much does it cost to get married at Edsel Ford house?
Wedding packages at the Ford House start around $3,000 for ceremony options and go up to $10,000+ for full ceremony and reception packages. Prices vary based on guest count, day of the week, and which areas of the estate you use.
Who lived in the Ford House?
The house was home to Edsel and Eleanor Ford and their four children: Henry Ford II, Benson, Josephine, and William Clay. The family moved in when it was completed in 1928. After Edsel’s death in 1943, Eleanor continued living there until her death in 1976.
How much does it cost to go to the Ford House?
General admission tickets range from $5-$25 depending on your age and what parts of the estate you want to see. Adult tickets for both the house and grounds cost around $15-$20, while children’s tickets and senior tickets come with discounts. Grounds-only passes are less expensive at around $5-$10.