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Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is a historic 87-acre estate located at 1100 Lake Shore Road in , on the shores of . Built in 1928 as the private residence of —only son and successor as president of the —and his wife Eleanor Clay Ford, the property exemplifies early 20th-century American opulence and innovation. The Tudor Revival-style mansion, comprising 60 rooms, was designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn, while the expansive grounds were masterfully landscaped by Jens Jensen to blend naturalistic elements with formal gardens. Designated a in 2016, the estate preserves the Ford family's legacy of art, design, and philanthropy for public enjoyment. Construction of the house began in 1927 following and 's marriage in 1917, with the family selecting the site for its scenic lakefront views and proximity to . , born in 1893 and instrumental in modernizing the by introducing the Model A and , sought a serene retreat from industrial life, while , an avid collector of antiques and supporter of the arts, influenced the interior's elegant European-inspired furnishings. The couple raised their four children—, Benson, Josephine, and William—on the estate until 's death in 1943 from at age 49; resided there until her passing in 1976. Originally encompassing over 125 acres, the property was reduced when donated 43 acres to the city of Grosse Pointe Woods in 1946 for public parkland. The estate's architectural and landscape features highlight Jensen's Prairie School influence, including a mile of reengineered shoreline with a private harbor, a bird sanctuary on Bird Island, and diverse gardens such as the , Flower Lane, and a formal and . Kahn's design incorporates walls, roofs, and leaded windows, creating a harmonious integration of the 30,000-square-foot main house with its service buildings and pergolas. These elements reflect the Country Place Era's emphasis on estate living as an extension of nature and culture, earning the property its listing in 1979. The Fords' commitment to is evident in Jensen's use of native plants and winding paths that prioritize views of the lake and meadows. Following Eleanor's death, the estate was placed in a trust to ensure its preservation for educational and cultural purposes, opening to the public in 1979 under nonprofit management. Today, it operates as a offering guided tours of the restored interiors, which showcase original family artifacts, alongside outdoor events, concerts, and seasonal displays like holiday lights. A modern , completed in 2021, enhances accessibility with exhibits on the legacy and sustainable practices. The site also features lakeside dining at and hosts community programs, drawing visitors to experience its blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Family and Background

Edsel and Eleanor Ford

Bryant Ford, born on November 6, 1893, in , , was the only child of and , the founder of the . As a young man, joined the family business, becoming secretary of the in 1915 and ascending to the presidency in 1919, a position he held until his death. During his tenure, he played a key role in expanding the company's product lines, including the acquisition of the in 1922 and the introduction of stylish vehicles that elevated 's reputation in luxury automobiles. died on , 1943, at the age of 49, from at his home on Gaukler Point. Eleanor Lowthian Clay Ford was born on June 6, 1896, in to William Clay, a , and Eliza Hudson Clay, members of a prominent local family. After her father's death when she was 12, Eleanor and her family moved into the home of her uncle, Joseph L. Hudson, founder of Detroit's leading . Educated at the Detroit Home and Day School (now ), she developed a passion for , , , and . and Eleanor met as teenagers at a and married on November 1, 1916, in a modest ceremony at her family's ; at the time, was 22 and Eleanor was 20. The couple had four children: , born September 4, 1917; , born June 20, 1919; , born July 7, 1923; and William Clay Ford, born March 22, 1925. Following Edsel's death, Eleanor remained at the Gaukler Point estate until her own passing on October 19, 1976, at age 80, continuing to oversee the household and raise the children into adulthood. She intensified her philanthropic efforts, anonymously supporting causes in the arts and community, including substantial donations to the . In her will, Eleanor established the Eleanor & Edsel Ford Fund, a family foundation dedicated to charitable giving, and transferred the estate to a public trust to preserve it as an educational and cultural resource.

Site Acquisition and Construction

In 1925, purchased the Gaukler Pointe property from his parents, Henry and Ford, who had acquired the land in 1911 with initial plans for their own home but ultimately developed in Dearborn instead. The site, situated on the shores of in , offered greater privacy and direct lakeside access, addressing the limitations of the family's prior urban residence in while providing expansive grounds for family life. Originally spanning more than 125 acres, the estate was consolidated from multiple parcels to create a secluded retreat. Construction commenced in 1926 under the direction of architect Albert Kahn, with the exterior of the main residence completed by 1927 and interior work continuing through 1929. The Ford family relocated to the house in September 1928, marking its transition from a planned seasonal escape to their primary residence, while auxiliary structures such as the garage, gatehouse, and playhouse were finished by 1929. This timeline reflected meticulous planning to integrate the home seamlessly with the landscape, emphasizing seclusion and natural integration over prior family properties like .

Architecture

Exterior Design

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House exemplifies Cotswold , drawing inspiration from the rustic English cottages of Gloucestershire's Cotswold region to evoke a storybook charm. Albert Kahn designed the exterior to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, employing random constructed from Briarhill sandstone from for the walls, which provides a textured, aged appearance reminiscent of historic English manors. This style is characterized by steeply pitched slate roofs that slope dramatically to create a picturesque silhouette, complemented by multiple tall chimneys that add vertical emphasis and a sense of coziness despite the structure's grandeur. Kahn's asymmetrical facade further enhances the home's informal, cottage-like quality, with irregular window placements and projecting gables that avoid rigid symmetry. Prominent exterior elements include a entrance tower that serves as a , framing the main entry with wrought-iron doors crafted by Samuel Yellin, as well as numerous leaded glass windows that allow filtered light while maintaining privacy. Copper gutters and downspouts, patinated over time, direct rainwater from the expansive roofs and contribute to the estate's weathered patina. These details, executed between 1926 and 1927 for the exterior with interiors completed by 1929, prioritize craftsmanship over ostentation, aligning with the Fords' desire for a welcoming family retreat. The house integrates thoughtfully with its 87-acre waterfront site on , oriented to maximize views of the water and positioned to appear as a modest amid the . Spanning approximately 30,000 square feet with 60 rooms, the design scales down its imposing size through low-profile massing and harmonious proportions that defer to the surrounding terrain. Auxiliary buildings, such as the power house, , and recreation facilities, echo the main residence's style and materials, ensuring a cohesive ensemble that enhances site privacy and functionality without dominating the shoreline.

Interior Layout and Features

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House encompasses approximately 30,000 square feet across three stories and a basement, comprising 60 rooms in total and designed to balance formal public spaces on the ground floor with private areas on the upper levels. This layout reflects the Fords' desire for a functional home amid its grandeur, with service quarters and staff areas integrated discreetly to support daily operations. The ground floor centers on key reception areas, including the grand hall—also known as the gallery—the house's largest room, featuring expansive sixteenth-century paneling salvaged from English houses and reassembled by imported craftsmen. Adjoining spaces include the , which served as an informal family room for gatherings and holidays, and Ford's study, equipped with practical adaptations like a hidden door leading to a . In , commissioned industrial designer Walter Dorwin Teague to redesign four rooms in an style, including a modern room on the first floor with streamlined elements and innovative indirect lighting, blending modernity with the home's traditional aesthetic. Upper floors prioritize family accommodations, with the second story housing the parents' four-room —comprising a sitting room, , , and dressing room—alongside children's bedrooms connected in Jack-and-Jill style for convenience. A dedicated children's wing includes a separate mudroom entrance and access to a playroom via concealed passages, promoting independence while maintaining from adult areas. The third story likely accommodated additional or guest quarters, contributing to the home's capacity to host extended stays. Notable innovative features include built-in furnishings and amenities in the sons' bedrooms, such as integrated radios and modern en-suite bathrooms, customized by Teague to incorporate efficiency without disrupting the Cotswold-inspired harmony. Throughout, the showcase hand-carved antique woodwork from sources, including overmantels dating to 1585, emphasizing craftsmanship over uniformity. These elements, combined with hidden doors and practical spatial divisions, underscore the house's adaptation as a lived-in residence for raising four children amid its role as a showcase of refined .

Furnishings and Collections

Furniture and Decor

The furniture and decor of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House consist primarily of English antiques from the 17th and 18th centuries, including 18th-century armchairs, many of which were acquired by and during their European trips. Custom pieces enhance the collection, such as handwoven Aubusson rugs from and complete sets of silverware that reflect the family's refined aesthetic. Decorative details abound, featuring wallpaper from the French firm Zuber & Cie, custom hardware on doors and fixtures, and family heirlooms including extensive porcelain collections displayed in various rooms. Eleanor's arrangement philosophy prioritized comfort over ostentation, blending formal elements with cozy, livable spaces to create an intimate environment rather than a grand showcase. This approach is evident in the thoughtful placement of furnishings within the house's interior layout, where portable items complement the architectural features without overwhelming them. The original inventory is maintained to convey the Fords' personal lifestyle.

Art Collection

The art collection amassed by and Eleanor Ford reflected their discerning tastes as patrons of modern and European art, spanning Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early 20th-century works acquired during the 1920s and 1930s. Eleanor Ford played a pivotal role as a collector and philanthropist, actively curating pieces that complemented the home's interiors while supporting cultural institutions like the (). Their acquisitions, often facilitated through prominent dealers such as Joseph Duveen, included significant purchases like a altarpiece panel for $187,000 in the early 1930s and a portrait around 1927–1935. Key highlights of the collection featured paintings by renowned artists, such as Vincent van Gogh's works displayed throughout the residence, Henri Matisse's "Anemones," and Diego Rivera's "Cactus on the Plains," the latter hanging in the modern-style room designed by Walter Dorwin Teague. A notable piece was Paul Cézanne's landscape "" (c. 1904), acquired by in 1933, which underscored their interest in . The Fords' holdings extended to over a hundred works, integrating sculptures and artifacts from and , though exact totals varied as the collection evolved. These artworks were thoughtfully displayed within the home's rooms to enhance the architectural and decorative scheme, with modern pieces like Rivera's painting accentuating the influences in specific spaces. Following Eleanor's death in 1976, the majority of the collection—numerous paintings and sculptures—was donated to the , where they remain part of its permanent holdings, reflecting the Fords' commitment to public access to art. The remainder, including select originals and reproductions, continues to be exhibited at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House to preserve the site's historical authenticity, though high-value items like the Cézanne were sold privately in 2013 for $100 million to fund preservation efforts. In 2020, the estate auctioned a separate Cézanne watercolor at .

Gardens and Landscape

Design Principles

The landscape design of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House reflects the Prairie School philosophy championed by Jens Jensen, who sought to evoke the vast, open expanses of the American Midwest through naturalistic elements. Jensen's approach prioritized native plants to foster ecological authenticity and organic forms that mimicked unintentional natural growth, such as sweeping meadows and irregular woodlands, while integrating the 87-acre estate seamlessly with the ecosystem. This created a sense of continuity between the and the waterfront, emphasizing harmony over imposition. Jensen collaborated with architect Albert Kahn to ensure the Tudor Revival house served as a subtle amid the expansive grounds, rejecting formal garden styles like those of parterres in favor of a fluid, site-responsive layout. The house's exterior, with its stone and brick detailing, blends into this setting through strategic placement that frames views of the lake and surrounding terrain. At its core, Jensen's principles embodied "living architecture," using rugged boulders, dense evergreens, and meandering paths to cultivate serenity, encourage family recreation, and invite contemplation of the natural world. The estate's scale allowed for a deliberate of spaces—allocating areas for private retreat, active play, and quiet reflection—to balance utility and aesthetic immersion without rigid boundaries. This design evolved from Jensen's prior commissions for the Ford family, notably the estate in Dearborn, where he honed his techniques for blending architecture with prairie-inspired landscapes using native flora and irregular topography before adapting them to the lakeside context at Gaukler Point between 1926 and 1932.

Key Features

The , established in 1929, features sunken beds showcasing various varieties of roses, reflecting Eleanor Ford's deep passion for and providing a fragrant, colorful focal point amid the estate's naturalistic . Designed by Jens Jensen, the garden blooms vibrantly in and with more than 800 cultivated , including and types arranged along gravel paths for intimate viewing. Adjacent to the main house lies the Formal Garden, characterized by meticulously maintained perennial borders that burst with seasonal blooms, serving as an inviting transition from the house to the broader grounds. This area, also shaped by Jensen's emphasis on native plantings and harmonious integration with the architecture. Among the auxiliary structures, the Power House, constructed in 1928, features a stone facade, originally housing electrical and mechanical systems while blending seamlessly into the estate's picturesque environs. The Recreation Building, completed in 1929 by architect Albert Kahn, offers a spacious pavilion for leisure activities, featuring rustic stonework and large windows overlooking the water. Nearby, the original Boat House provides practical waterfront access with its simple, functional design suited to the era's boating pursuits on Lake St. Clair. Water features enhance the estate's tranquil ambiance, including a meandering that connects the landscape to the lake and a from 1929 featuring a cascading for visual and acoustic appeal. The 132-foot-long , designed by Jensen, drains naturally into the , creating a fluid progression toward the shoreline. The and were restored in 2022. A network of pathways and scenic views invites exploration, with meadow trails winding through open grasslands and wildflowers, offering glimpses of and distant horizons. Shoreline terraces, stepped stone platforms along the water's edge, provide elevated vantage points for contemplating , bolstered by over 3,000 feet of private frontage that underscores the estate's expansive lakeside presence.

Historical Use

Family Life

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford family resided at their Gaukler Pointe estate from 1928 until Edsel's death in 1943, creating a nurturing environment that balanced professional demands with intimate family moments. Edsel, as president of , maintained a routine that included oversight of operations at the company's plants in Dearborn and beyond, while the family emphasized togetherness through shared activities like watching in the home theater and gathering for meals. The four children—Henry II, Benson, Josephine, and William Clay—benefited from attentive parenting, with Edsel often capturing family scenes through and home to preserve their daily joys. Recreational pursuits were central to family life, leveraging the estate's amenities for leisure and bonding. Swimming in the indoor pool, playing and on the courts, and on aboard Edsel's vessel provided outlets for physical activity and relaxation, especially during weekends spent or exploring the grounds. The children frequently played in the expansive gardens, including Josephine's custom-built playhouse, a scaled-down replica designed as a birthday gift to foster imaginative play amid the landscape's formal and informal spaces. Family vacations to destinations like , , and further enriched their experiences, with letters exchanged during the children's absences to stay connected. Social events at the estate highlighted the Fords' cultured lifestyle, including house parties, teas, and gatherings that welcomed extended family such as Henry Ford. Holiday traditions, particularly Christmas, involved decorating multiple trees and hosting receptions that emphasized warmth and philanthropy, reflecting Eleanor's influence as an arts patron. These occasions often featured gift-giving and celebrations of birthdays or sporting events, reinforcing familial ties within the estate's expansive 125-acre grounds. As the 1940s progressed, challenges emerged amid , with Ford Motor Company's shift to wartime production straining Edsel's responsibilities. His health, weakened by a long illness including , began declining in the early 1940s, limiting his involvement in family activities and culminating in his death on May 26, 1943, at age 49; this loss profoundly impacted and the children, who had relied on his steady presence. Despite these hardships, the family upheld traditions of resilience and cultural engagement at the estate.

Post-Edsel Era

Following Edsel Ford's death from on May 26, 1943, at the age of 49, his wife Eleanor Clay Ford remained at the Gaukler Pointe estate, where she had lived since 1928, continuing to oversee its operations as her primary residence until her own death on October 19, 1976. The house, which had served as a vibrant center during Edsel's lifetime, adapted to Eleanor's evolving needs and tastes in the ensuing decades, reflecting her role as a managing a large with a reduced presence. In the 1950s, Eleanor enlisted the renowned decorator Polly Jessup to reimagine the master suite originally designed for her and , transforming it into a more personal sanctuary that emphasized comfort and artistic sophistication. This redesign incorporated 18th-century French furnishings alongside select paintings from the family's collection, such as Henri Matisse's Anemones (1922) and Odilon Redon's Fleurs dans un Vase Bleu (circa 1900), which Eleanor displayed to enhance the room's warmth and elegance. These changes marked Eleanor's ongoing engagement with the estate's interiors, aligning them with her refined sensibilities while preserving the home's historic character; she also continued to acquire and integrate artworks, sustaining the couple's shared passion for collecting that had begun decades earlier. The estate endured as a focal point for family connections, with Eleanor's four children—Henry Ford II, Benson, Josephine, and William Clay Ford—returning regularly alongside their own families, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren who cherished visits to their grandmother's lakeside home. Edsel Ford II, a grandson, later recalled fond childhood memories of spending time at the estate with Eleanor, highlighting its role as a cherished gathering place across generations. Throughout the 1960s, Eleanor hosted elaborate debutante receptions for her granddaughters, inviting hundreds of guests to the mansion for these social milestones, which underscored the estate's continued function as a venue for intimate family celebrations amid quieter post-war domestic life. Eleanor's focus shifted markedly toward after 1943, with annual giving increasing substantially—often under auspices—to support causes in , , and community welfare, building on the Fords' established legacy of generosity. She leveraged the estate for select charitable endeavors, channeling her resources and the home's prestige to advance initiatives like those at the , where she began donating artworks from the family collection in her later years, including pieces that had adorned the house.

Transition to Public Access

Establishment as Museum

Following Eleanor Ford's death on October 19, 1976, her will stipulated that the estate be preserved and maintained as a for the benefit of the public, allocating $15 million specifically for its upkeep from her estimated $90 million fortune. This bequest established the property in under the management of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, a nonprofit foundation formed to oversee its operations and ensure accessibility. The estate transitioned from private family residence to public , reflecting Eleanor's lifelong commitment to and cultural preservation. The house remained closed to the public immediately after her passing to allow for cataloging of its contents and necessary preparations, reopening for guided tours in 1978. Initial operations focused on authenticity, with several principal rooms furnished and displayed as they were at the time of Eleanor's death, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the Ford family's lifestyle. Tours were led by volunteer docents trained to interpret the home's , while modest admission fees supported ongoing maintenance in line with the will's provisions. In its early years, the faced logistical hurdles in adapting the 1920s-era for widespread public use, including securing institutional and making basic modifications such as installing restrooms to accommodate growing crowds. These efforts ensured compliance with preservation standards while enhancing visitor comfort. By the , the site's popularity had surged, drawing tens of thousands of annual visitors and establishing it as a key cultural attraction in the area, with cumulative attendance reaching hundreds of thousands since opening.

Designation and Funding

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House was listed on the in 1979, recognizing its significance as an exemplary Cotswold Cottage-style mansion and its associated landscape designed by Jens Jensen. In 2016, it received designation as a from the U.S. Department of the Interior, honoring its exceptional architectural merit, the collaborative vision of and Ford with architect Albert Kahn, and the innovative that integrates natural features of . Additionally, the property was added to the Michigan State Register of Historic Sites in 1977 and marked with a Michigan Historical Marker in 1980, affirming its role in the state's cultural heritage. Following its transition to public access in the late , the estate's preservation and operations are supported by a dedicated established upon Eleanor Ford's death in 1976, which provides for ongoing maintenance and public use. The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is governed as a 501(c)(3) by a , ensuring oversight and strategic direction for its mission. Funding derives primarily from admission fees, event revenues, and philanthropic contributions, supplemented by investment income from its endowment; in 2023, total revenues reached approximately $5.8 million, with expenses of $16 million supporting operations and . Notable donors include the Fund, which provided $50,000 in 2023 for arts-related initiatives. The organization's financial structure includes substantial assets valued at over $299 million as of 2023, reflecting prudent management of the original trust and accumulated endowments to sustain long-term stewardship. Partnerships, such as collaborations with the for educational programming and potential art resource sharing, enhance its cultural offerings without relying on public funding. These elements collectively ensure the estate's viability as a open to the public since its initial museum phase.

Preservation Efforts

Major Restorations

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House has undergone several major projects aimed at preserving its original design while ensuring structural integrity and historical accuracy. These efforts have relied heavily on archival materials, including photographs, original blueprints, and sketches by Jens Jensen, to guide reconstructions and repairs. A prominent example is the restoration of the and , conducted from 2019 to 2022 by Albert Kahn Associates in collaboration with Ford House staff. This project revived the original 1929 features designed by architect Albert Kahn and Jens Jensen, including the infinity edge created with a overflow pan, the cascading in the , the blue tiles lining the bottom, and a replica of the diving board based on the 1936 A.G. Spalding model purchased by . The work addressed decades of deterioration, restoring the 185,000-gallon 's curved shape, scum gutters, and surrounding woodland landscape to evoke the northern Michigan woods aesthetic intended by the Fords. The and reopened to visitors in July 2022, enhancing public access to this key estate feature. In the 2010s, the estate's auxiliary buildings received attention, particularly the power house, which was stabilized through electrical upgrades and storm-water management improvements completed in 2015. These enhancements modernized the original systems—responsible for hot water, pool timing, and —while preserving the building's role in the estate's infrastructure. Earlier restorations in the focused on the exterior, including repairs to weathered pillars and the roofing. Teams replaced deteriorated elements and tiles sourced from quarries matching the originals, ensuring the Cotswold Revival-style facade retained its authenticity amid Michigan's harsh climate.

Ongoing Projects

In 2023, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House initiated a multi-year shoreline funded by a $7 million Transformational Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grant from the (NOAA), spanning 2023 to 2027. This initiative targets the of natural habitats along , focusing on enhancing ecological health and public access while addressing environmental challenges. The project is divided into phases, with Phase 1 (2024–2025) concentrating on the wooded wetlands adjacent to the . Activities in this phase include the removal of and the restoration of native to revive ecosystems, alongside the construction of an ADA-accessible to provide elevated access without disturbing sensitive habitats. Phase 2 will focus on reshaping the lakefront to control , expand wetlands, and establish native plant communities for improved coastal resilience. A key component of Phase 1, the elevated wetland boardwalk through wooded areas, was completed and opened to the public on September 27, 2025, during the estate's Harvest Day festival. This path serves as an educational tool, allowing visitors to observe wetland ecology up close while promoting awareness and safe navigation through the terrain. The overarching sustainability goals of the project emphasize reducing runoff through filtration, boosting for such as , amphibians, and aquatic life, and building against flooding and wave impacts along the estate's shoreline. These efforts align with broader at the site, including ongoing management, such as the removal of diseased trees affected by pathogens like to protect the historic landscape. Looking ahead, the project aims for full habitat restoration by the end of 2027, incorporating features like a proposed public to further enhance recreational opportunities and ecological connectivity.

Visitor Experience and Programs

Tours

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House offers a variety of guided and self-paced tours that allow visitors to explore the historic estate, with a focus on the Main Residence Guided Tour as the primary option. This 50-minute guided walk-through covers key furnished rooms including the , , bedrooms, and private spaces, emphasizing personal stories of , , and their four children—Henry II, Benson, Josephine, and William—along with the family's artwork and custom furnishings. The tour operates daily from April to December, with advance reservations recommended, and includes access to the grounds, auxiliary buildings, exhibitions, and on-site dining facilities. Specialty guided tours provide deeper insights into specific aspects of the estate. The All About Eleanor tour highlights Eleanor's design choices, elegance, and sophistication throughout the home, and is available exclusively to Friends of Ford House members during Preservation Month in May. The Art Collection Tour examines the evolution of the interior design and the family's personal collection spanning centuries and five decades of creative decisions. Introduced in 2025, the Architecture Tour focuses on the contributions of designers Albert Kahn for the residence and Jens Jensen for the landscape, covering elements like the Rose Garden, Formal Garden, and auxiliary structures. For a behind-the-scenes experience, the Nooks & Crannies Tour is a 50-minute exploration of hidden areas such as staff hallways, the attic, infirmary, and an underground tunnel, offering glimpses into the estate's history, innovation, and operational design. These specialty tours are scheduled seasonally, such as in fall and November for Nooks & Crannies, and require reservations. Grounds tours complement the interior experiences with seasonal emphases on the estate's outdoor features. The Fall Grounds & Gardens Tour showcases the autumn foliage and natural beauty of the 87-acre property, including walking paths through the gardens and exteriors. During the holiday season, the Holiday Tour features festive decorations, lights, and traditions observed by the Ford family, extending to both interior and exterior spaces. These guided options operate from April to December, aligning with the estate's open season. Self-paced exploration is available through grounds admission tickets, which grant access to the trails, gardens, exteriors, and exhibitions without a guide, ideal for independent visitors from April 1 to December 31. For larger parties of 10 or more, guided group tours of the Main Residence, gardens, or both can be customized with flexible daytime or evening scheduling, requiring advance booking at least two weeks in advance. Accessibility accommodations ensure broader participation in the . Paved, wheelchair-accessible walkways cover much of the grounds and select paths, though some areas feature uneven terrain, pebble surfaces, and stairs; wheelchairs wider than 30 inches are not permitted inside historic buildings, with storage available on-site. Mobility-friendly can be arranged upon request via , and video tablets provide to the second floor of the Main Residence, which lacks an . Properly trained animals are welcome per ADA guidelines. The estate attracts over 40,000 visitors annually, supporting its role as a key cultural site.

Events and Activities

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House hosts a variety of special programs, seasonal events, and community engagements that bring visitors together on its historic grounds and within the residence. These activities emphasize cultural enrichment, family fun, and educational opportunities, often tying into the estate's natural beauty and architectural legacy. In 2025, the estate's lineup features new specialty focused on and architecture, complementing standard guided experiences for deeper exploration of the Ford family's collections and design influences. Family-oriented events include the Easter Bunny photo sessions on April 13, Lake Fest—a festival with hands-on water-themed activities—on July 26, Harvest Day on September 27 featuring fall-themed community giving and wetland explorations, and Home for the Holidays from December 5 to 21 with festive walks and Santa visits. Additional family highlights encompass the Mad Hatter's on March 15 and Little Goblins daytime trick-or-treating on October 25, designed for young children with interactive stations and photo opportunities. Cultural programs at the estate include the Outdoor Summer Concert Series from July to September, showcasing performances such as on July 18, the Michigan Philharmonic on August 15, and The Dave Hamilton Band on September 12 under the stars. The Cabaret Over the Cove series offers intimate musical evenings in the Lake Shore Room, with events like the on February 14, Ben Sharkey on May 9, and on December 19. In August, the Shakespeare Stroll on the 7th provides an outdoor theatrical experience amid the gardens. Dining experiences center around The Continental restaurant in the Visitor Center, offering modern American cuisine with seasonal, garden-inspired menus, lakeside views of Lake St. Clair, and options for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch without requiring estate admission. Tea events, such as the whimsical Once Upon a Tea series—including the Mad Hatter's Tea Party—feature themed children's gatherings with storybook elements, finger sandwiches, scones, and curated teas. Workshops cover topics like gardening through nature programs such as Explorers: Plant Detectives, where participants identify plants in the gardens, and philanthropy-inspired sessions exploring the Ford family's legacy of giving, often integrated into educational classes. The estate plays a key role in community engagement by hosting corporate events in spaces like the Lake Shore Room, which accommodates up to 230 guests for meetings and celebrations with terrace views, and providing educational programs for schools, including hands-on nature explorations and history lessons tailored to K-12 groups. Seasonal adaptations enhance these gatherings, such as the Home for the Holidays display adorned with thousands of twinkling lights illuminating the pathways and buildings, and family-friendly during Little Goblins, which transforms the grounds into a safe, festive Halloween zone. Some events build on standard tours by requiring house admission for full access.

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