A contemporary Bloomfield Township home with roots in Michigan’s architectural history is on the market for $4.2 million.
Completed in 2022, the 6,643-square-foot residence sits on 2½ acres of wooded landscape and features four bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and a half bath.
A winding driveway leads to its U-shaped design, with the front entrance positioned at the rear, a nod to the two-bedroom Albert Kahn-designed house built in 1917 that once stood on the site.
Detroit-based Albert Kahn is best known for his innovative industrial designs, including the Ford Rouge Plant, as well as landmark office buildings and cultural institutions that helped define Detroit’s skyline. He also designed a number of private residences, many of which are treasured for their craftsmanship and distinctive layouts.
The current owners originally hoped to remodel and preserve the Albert Kahn-designed structure, but environmental and structural concerns, combined with the cost of restoration, made preservation unfeasible. Instead, they chose to create a modern interpretation that is about 50% larger than the original, while still honoring the spirit of Kahn’s design.
“This is a newer version, created with their vision,” said listing agent Lora Kazanjian of Max Broock Realtors in Birmingham, noting that the updated design carries a mid-century modern feel.
The couple partnered with designer Patrick Dyke, who has experience with Albert Kahn Associates, to bring their vision to life at 4890 Charing Cross, according to Kazanjian.
The result is a home that blends historic inspiration with contemporary amenities.
The home’s interior was designed to maximize natural light and views of the grounds as seen from the entrance that opens to a great room overlooking a pond with a water feature.
The main floor has soaring ceilings, custom lighting and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that connect the indoors to the natural setting.
The main floor also features a fully enclosed sunroom with spalted maple wood paneling and a built-in Wolf grill vented outdoors; a butler’s pantry with a second refrigerator and sink; a mud/locker room with a bench for seating along with closets and many drawers that lead to a two-car attached garage; built-in cabinetry, and a first-floor laundry room.
The primary suite on one side of the house includes a walk-in closet with an island dresser, a private office that opens to a patio, a spa-like bathroom with two separate vanity areas, a freestanding tub and a zero-entry shower.
All bedrooms throughout the home are en suites with custom cabinetry and tile finishes.
The lower level, with 10-foot ceilings and daylight windows, includes a fitness room with a full bath, a wine cellar, two additional en suite bedrooms, a second laundry room, a cedar closet and a large storage area.
Additional amenities include a separate two-car garage, a whole-house generator, Crestron smart home system, Lutron lighting, solar panels, putting green, walking path around the property and well-fed sprinklers.
Approximately 100 trees and 100 tons of boulder were brought in, creating privacy at this property that blends luxury with architectural inspiration drawn from one of Michigan’s most celebrated designers.
Brendel Clark (previously published as Brendel Hightower) writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bclark@freepress.com.
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