Original Construction
1926
Completion Date
2012
Size
20,000 sqft
National Register of Historic Places

The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, completed in 1929, is a nationally significant historic estate located along Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan. Designed by architect Albert Kahn, with landscape planning by renowned designer Jens Jensen, the estate served as the residence of Edsel and Eleanor Ford, whose legacy remains central to its cultural and historical importance. Known as Gaukler Point, the property features a more than 60-room mansion inspired by the traditional cottages and villages of England’s Cotswold region, characterized by sandstone walls, a slate roof, and carefully curated European interior fittings. Opened to the public in 1978 through Eleanor Ford’s generosity, the estate continues to serve as a house museum and cultural destination, with the potential to expand its educational programming, visitor experiences, and community engagement while preserving its historic character.

Beginning in 2012, HopkinsBurns Design Studio, in collaboration with JJR as a consultant, developed a comprehensive Master Plan to guide the long-term preservation, restoration, and development of the Ford House estate. Building upon the property’s initial strategic plan, the team established a phased vision for the buildings and landscape, including implementation priorities, timelines, and probable costs. A key component was the Preservation Plan and Historic Structures Report (HSR), which defined the estate’s historic core and identified areas suitable for new operational, educational, and revenue-generating facilities. The plan established a framework for balancing sensitive growth with the protection of nationally significant historic resources, while improving accessibility and enriching the visitor experience. By providing implementation benchmarks and a long-term vision for the estate’s future use, the Master Plan created a roadmap for responsible stewardship, expanded public programming, and the continued interpretation of the Ford family’s legacy through accessible, engaging, and meaningful experiences.