While newly built homes are great, they don't have the fascinating histories that many older homes have embedded into their very bones. Fortunately, Grosse Pointe periodically has some of these gems waiting for new buyers to create their own special memories.
One of these iconic homes is located at 29 Fisher Road, and it has an amazing story to tell. Looking at it today, you would never know that it was originally designed as horse stables as part of a much larger estate.
The estate was built in 1913 for W. Howie Muir, a prominent Detroit businessman and one of the organizers of the Jenks & Muir Manufacturing Company, which manufactured brass and iron bedsteads. By 1922, the company was one of Detroit's largest manufacturers outside of the auto industry.
"The main house was located at 17805 East Jefferson, which later became 244 Lincoln, and the formal grounds and orchards stretched all the way from Lincoln to Fisher," says Connie Dunlap, a Realtor® with Sine & Monaghan. The white stucco Colonial home, designed by the renowned designers Chittenden and Kotting, featured 35 rooms and a perfect lake view.
In 1921, Matilda Dodge, a prominent figure of the early 20th century, acquired the estate from Muir after her husband, John Francis Dodge, died in 1920. A few years later, the avid horse rider enlisted the architectural firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls to convert part of her estate into stables.
Post 1930, the stables were sold to Marion Knight Kellogg, who, along with his wife, Virginia Dryden Kellogg, converted the stables into a distinctive French country residence. Displaying a brick exterior with stucco and a wood shingle roof on the outside, the interior included a grand oak-paneled living room with high ceilings and elaborate fixtures.
Today, the main house offers a generous 3,820 square feet of living space with four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. There's a whimsical cupola on top of the home, and antique lampposts on each side of the front door. "These lampposts were reportedly brought back from Connecticut and date back as far as the 1800s," she says.
Walking through the front door, you'll first step into a beautifully tiled entryway leading into a spacious great room filled with natural light. The room also boasts a majestic cathedral ceiling and a cozy fireplace surrounded by Pewabic tile, a hallmark of Michigan craftsmanship with its own fascinating history. [The Pewabic ceramic studio has been in the same building on East Jefferson Avenue since 1907.]
Family and guests can also congregate in the large family room or walk out one of the French doors to relax in the plentiful outdoor areas on its 0.48-acre lot. "There are beautiful French doors throughout the house," says Connie. "In the primary bedroom, there are French doors that lead out to a little garden and sitting area."
The first-level primary suite is large and luxurious, featuring a fireplace, an enormous walk-in closet, and a spacious en-suite that includes a luxurious jacuzzi tub and a double vanity. There is also an adjacent sitting area that enhances the ambience of a private retreat.
In addition to the main house, there is also a lovely carriage house above the 3.5-car garage. There, you'll find a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and full bathroom, providing a versatile living space for short- and long-term guests.
The neighborhood boasts numerous sidewalks for homeowners to stroll, and it's conveniently located in close proximity to schools, shopping, and parks. "Lake Shore is very close by, and the home is across the street from Grosse Pointe City Park, which has a marina with boat slips and places for kayaking," she says. "There is also a swimming pool and a picnic area. It's private, so you have to live in Grosse Pointe in order to use the facilities."
The area, explains Connie, used to be a popular summer getaway for city dwellers. "In the 1920s and 30s, there were cottages where people would come and stay for the summer."
Actually, Howie Muir's father, William Ker, had spent several summers in Grosse Pointe and ended up purchasing a property in 1882 that he had rented numerous times. He then had it rebuilt to become a permanent home for himself and his family. The Muir's were one of the first families to make Grosse Pointe their permanent year-round home.
It's no wonder, says Connie, since the area has always been a wonderful place to live. She moved to Grosse Pointe when she was 26 and never left. "It feels like home to me now for sure," she says.
With her 30-plus years of experience, Connie specializes in representing clients in the purchase and sale of residences and condominiums in the Grosse Pointe communities. "I truly love this area and pride myself on my knowledge of current transactions, school districts, neighborhood information, and related services, including mortgage, insurance, and inspection information."
Sine & Monaghan Realtors, she says, also has deep local expertise, strong community presence, and a long-standing reputation for excellence. "Their professional, responsive agents provide personalized service, while their strategic digital marketing ensures your property receives maximum exposure," she says.
Connie is very proud to represent this home and share its history. "Unfortunately, there are very few properties still here from that era," she says.
If you're interested in this historic home, or buying and selling another home, call or text Connie at 313-570-7515 or go to MiHomesNow.com/Team/Connie-Dunlap.
"Lake Shore is very close by, and the home is across the street from Grosse Pointe City Park, which has a marina with boat slips and places for kayaking. There is also a swimming pool and a picnic area."