The Main Residence

Nestled along the shores of Lake St. Clair, the Main Residence at Ford House invites you into the private world of Eleanor and Edsel Ford—a home of elegant design, intimate comfort, and vibrant family life.

You’ll find it’s not ostentatious or intimidating, despite the fine art on the walls and the exquisite decor. The rooms feel welcoming, warm, and lived-in. It isn’t just a house—it’s a home.

An Architectural Gem Inspired by English Charm

Designed by Detroit’s legendary architect Albert Kahn, renowned for his iconic work on Ford Motor Company’s factories and prominent buildings throughout Detroit, the Main Residence reflects the timeless beauty of Cotswold-style cottages in England.

Construction began in 1926, and by 1928, the Ford family moved into their lakeside retreat. The 30,000-square-foot home features sandstone exterior walls, slate roofing, and a layout that fosters closeness and ease, rather than grandiosity (Detroit Historical Society).

Inside, the rooms embrace classic Western European interior design styles, combining historic English paneling and stone fireplaces with refined decorative arts.

A Home Full of Life and Love

Eleanor and Edsel Ford, along with their four children—Henry II, Benson, Josephine, and William Clay—filled this house with the joys of everyday life. Birthdays, movie nights, swimming parties, squash matches, and summer boating adventures on Lake St. Clair animated the estate.

Family was at the heart of everything. Summers often meant vacations to Maine, Florida, and Europe. At home, Edsel enjoyed capturing family moments with his home movie camera, offering a rare glimpse into the Fords’ private lives.

A Passion for Art, Design, and Innovation

The Fords were passionate collectors and patrons of the arts. Their home showcased an impressive array of treasures, including paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Diego Rivera, Edsel’s personal friend. The home also featured classical European portraiture, modern sculptures, and ancient Asian and African artifacts.

As time passed, the Fords updated spaces within the home. In the 1930s, Edsel hired Walter Dorwin Teague, an acclaimed industrial designer and Ford Motor Company collaborator, to redecorate four rooms. Teague introduced a sleek, modern Machine-Age aesthetic, incorporating rich materials and new lighting techniques (Architectural Digest, 2001).

Later, in the 1950s, Eleanor enlisted her friend and interior decorator Polly Jessup to refresh spaces that reflected Eleanor’s evolving tastes and highlighted her growing collection of fine art and antique furniture.

A Legacy Preserved

After Edsel’s untimely death in 1943, Eleanor continued to reside at Ford House until her passing in 1976. Following her wishes, the estate was opened to the public for tours, educational programs, and cultural events. Ford House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2016, recognizing its architectural, artistic, and historical significance. Today, visitors to the Main Residence experience a rare glimpse into a family life that blended innovation, philanthropy, and a deep love for art and design.

Plan Your Visit

Discover the warmth, artistry, and vision that defined the Ford family. Explore the Main Residence at Ford House and experience the blend of history, art, and a well-lived life.