Edsel & Elenor Ford House in Detroit, MI
The Edsel and Elenor Ford house is located on the shore of Lake St. Clair in Detroit and is a superb example of fine architecture and impressive antiques and artwork. Edsel Ford was the only son of the automobile magnate Henry Ford, and both he and his wife Elenor were avid collector of fine antiques throughout their lives, many of which remain on view to the public in the Ford house.
The house is a large 60 room mansion that was specifically modeled on the Cotswold architecture that the couple loved. They then proceeded to fill each room with a range of English and French antiques including a number of original paintings by such artists as Cezanne and Matisse. Today you can take a guided tour around the mansion and learn all there is to know about the family and the collections on show. There are four floors to explore including the attic and basement however there is an elevator for people with mobility problems.
In addition to the main house you can also explore the 87 acres of gardens that surround the mansion. You can enjoy impressive views out over the lake and wander around the designated pathways as much as you want for free, the house does have an admissions fee however. The opening times vary throughout the year and so it may be worth checking before you visit. Occasionally the house also hosts special events and lectures which would definitely be appreciated by collectors and lovers of antiques and Ford cars.
