An epitome of neo-classical architecture in all its splendor and beauty, the Cranbrook House was built in 1908 as the English Arts and Crafts-style home of Cranbrook founders George Gough and Ellen Scripps Booth. The mansion, which is the oldest surviving manor home in Detroit, was designed by renowned Detroit architect Albert Kahn.
Visitors to the Cranbrook House can view the lavish interiors tastefully done up with handcrafted furniture, tapestries, tiles, stained and leaded glass and other fine works of decorative arts. The upper floors house the executive office of the Cranbrook Educational Community, which is an internationally recognized cultural center that was founded by the Booths. Crafted by the most skilled artisans, craftsmen and studios of the era, the Cranbrook House reflects the gracious lifestyle, the cultivated tastes the Booths were known for while also documenting their significant contribution to the American Arts and Crafts Movement. The Cranbrook home also houses the second largest collection of sculptures by Swedish artist Carl Milles in the world.
The Cranbrook Gardens, which were originally designed by George Booth, are one of the oldest and finest examples of landscape gardening in Detroit. Sprawled over a generous 40 acres, you can view more than 300 species of exotic and native shrubs here. The site is spread over two lakes, rolling hills and sunken gardens, designed to perfectly complement the Manor. Plant lovers will delight in the formal Herb Garden which is arranged in symmetrical rectangular and triangular beds, milling over with a plentitude of fragrant herbs. 'Ellen's Garden', which is completely done up in flowering plants that blossom in her favorite shades of pink and purple, is a visual treat. And if you happen to drop by in late spring, you can witness the charisma of the Peony Garden. You can also wander through the Bog garden, the Oriental Garden and the Wildflower Garden. If you are in a quandary about which route you should take to avoid missing out on any of the numerous gardens, a map detailing the most accessible path is available at the gatehouse. The gardens are interspersed with exquisite sculptures, beautiful fountains and bubbling steams.
You can either explore the Cranbrook House and Gardens on a self-guided tour or opt for one of their guided versions. The Cranbrook House tour leads you through the manor while acquainting you with all the objects d'art it houses and lasts for approximately 75 minutes. Guided tours through the House and the Gardens are conducted on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. If you visit in a group of 15 or more, you can also opt for a private tour, which can be arranged with four weeks notice. You can register yourself as a member of the Cranbrook House and Gardens Auxiliary, where you can volunteer to assist in the greenhouse, conduct tours and help arrange flowers for special events.
Various events are conducted here, which include the 'Beyond the Garden Gate' walking tour which leads you through five exquisite estates located within walking distance from the Cranbrook Gardens. The 'Holiday Tables Celebrations' is a spectacular array of stunning tables decorated with intricate flower arrangements and mantels designed by notable residents and designers.
For further information, you can call 248 645.3147 or refer to the website http://www.cranbrook.edu/housegarden .
Cranbrook House and Gardens
380 Lone Pine Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304-3435
United States
