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Josephine's Playhouse at Ford House is a captivating 3/4-scale cottage designed specifically for Edsel and Eleanor Ford's only daughter, Josephine. Gifted to her by her grandmother, Clara Ford, for Josephine’s seventh birthday in 1930, the playhouse was crafted with extraordinary detail by renowned architect Robert O. Derrick, a neighbor of the Fords in Grosse Pointe.

Inside, the playhouse boasts all the amenities of a full-sized home, including an electric range and oven, central heating, running water, plumbing, and a fireplace. Every element was thoughtfully scaled for a child, making it an enchanting space for tea parties, make-believe, and storytelling. Sculptor Corrado Parducci added delightful concrete reliefs of nursery rhymes to its exterior, encouraging visitors to spot beloved stories in the intricate details.

However, Josephine, ever the active spirit, didn’t consider the playhouse her favorite spot on the estate. In a 2005 interview, shortly before her passing, she fondly reminisced that while she enjoyed the occasional tea party there, she preferred outdoor activities like playing tennis and spending time with her beloved dogs.

In its early years, a small vegetable garden, designed by famed landscape architect Jens Jensen, graced the area beside the playhouse, but it was replaced after one season with an open playground for Josephine and her siblings. Today, the sunny lawn surrounding the playhouse reflects its playful history, offering a charming contrast to its petite architecture.

Visitors are welcome to step inside when the playhouse is open, but take care—door frames and ceilings were built to suit a 7-year-old girl, so watch your head! This magical little house continues to tell the story of Josephine’s spirited childhood and the Ford family’s devotion to creating joy and wonder for their children.

The Gate Lodge at Ford House serves as the welcoming gateway to the estate, where most visitors begin their journey into the Fords' historic property. Designed with security and privacy as priorities—especially important to the Fords, who lived in the public eye—the Gate Lodge features a monumental entrance arch that visitors must pass through to access the estate.

This impressive structure is a blend of functionality and refined design, housing the security office and a remarkable eight-car garage. The garage, accessed through a walled courtyard, once featured advanced amenities such as an automobile turntable and wash station. Today, it is home to the Driven by Design+ exhibit.

Above the arched opening and at each end of the building are three distinct residences: the Arch Apartment, South Cottage, and North Cottage, which once housed key members of the Ford household staff. By the 1930s, Chief of Security Thomas Loughlin and his family resided in the South Cottage, while chauffeur Arthur Fauser and his family occupied the North Cottage.

The Gate Lodge’s architectural beauty, practical design, and historical significance make it an integral part of the Ford House story, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of estate life and the thoughtful measures taken to balance accessibility and privacy.

The Garage at the Gate Lodge at Ford House is a captivating showcase of history, design, and automotive innovation. Now home to the Driven by Design+ exhibit, this space highlights Edsel Ford’s legacy as a design visionary through a stunning collection of vehicles that emphasize his passion for aesthetics, modernity, and craftsmanship.

A highlight of the exhibit is Eleanor Ford’s custom-built 1952 Lincoln Town Car Limousine, designed by the legendary coachbuilder Raymond Dietrich. This elegant vehicle was Eleanor’s primary mode of transportation well into the 1970s, chauffeured by her trusted driver, Arthur Fauser.

The Garage at the Gate Lodge invites visitors to dive deeper into the Fords’ love for innovative design and timeless elegance, showcasing the personal stories and artistic achievements that define their lasting legacy.

The bronze sculptures of Edsel and Eleanor Ford at Ford House are a fitting tribute to the couple's enduring legacy, captured in a life-sized, arm-in-arm pose. Designed by StudioEIS and created as part of Ford House's "A Century of Love" celebration marking their 100th wedding anniversary, the sculptures stand as a reminder of their deep love and dedication to their family and community. Cast at Bollinger Atelier foundry in Arizona, the sculptures are meticulously crafted using photos and clothing references to ensure authenticity and bring their likeness to life.

The Power House at Ford House, located on the estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, served as the central powerhouse for the property when the estate was built in the late 1920s. Designed in a sleek, utilitarian style, the structure housed essential equipment for powering the entire estate, including the residence, surrounding buildings, and landscape features. The Power House is a testament to the Fords' commitment to modern convenience and sustainability. Today, it stands as an important historical landmark on the estate, offering insight into the early 20th-century engineering and design practices that supported the Ford family home and their broader philanthropic efforts.

The Recreation Building at Ford House, completed in 1929, was designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn at the request of Edsel and Eleanor Ford. The couple envisioned a support building near the pool for informal entertaining and relaxation. The building features a spacious sitting room with original furniture and a large fireplace, creating a warm and welcoming space for family and guests. Additional amenities include a small kitchen, changing rooms, and a squash court, offering a variety of recreational opportunities.

A pergola once extended from the sitting room, creating a transition between the tennis court and the pool. The tennis court, which saw frequent use, was eventually removed and replaced with a manicured lawn, aligning with the Fords' evolving vision for their outdoor spaces. The Recreation Building reflects their commitment to comfort, leisure, and creating spaces for social connection.

The recently restored Ford House pool and lagoon is a remarkable rejuvenation of one of the estate's most beautiful and historic features. Originally designed as part of the expansive outdoor spaces by architect James Inglis, the pool and lagoon had deteriorated over time. The revitalization project, completed in 2022, restored the iconic blue-tiled pool to its former glory, returning it to a more historically accurate state. Extensive landscaping efforts revived the natural beauty surrounding the area, using period drawings and family archives to guide the design.

The pool's revival also involved the careful restoration of the surrounding lagoon and pathways, preserving the tranquil atmosphere that Edsel and Eleanor Ford enjoyed. The lagoon's surrounding landscape, which had been altered in previous years, was returned to its original aesthetic. This not only brings back the elegance the Ford family envisioned but provides visitors today with a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing a retreat that embodies the family's appreciation for art, leisure, and nature. The project helps to solidify Ford House’s position as a national landmark for its historical significance, aesthetics, and commitment to preserving the estate's rich history.

Guests now have the opportunity to experience the splendor of the pool and lagoon as they were enjoyed by the Ford family in the mid-20th century, offering an unforgettable, immersive experience.

You can find more details in the link.

The Rose Garden at Ford House is a stunning homage to Eleanor Ford’s love of roses, her favorite flower. Featuring over 800 meticulously cultivated rose plants, the garden bursts into peak bloom each June and September, offering a breathtaking display of color and fragrance. Designed at Eleanor's request by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen, the Rose Garden combines the elegance of formal rose plantings with the naturalistic style of the estate. Framed by lilacs at its corners, a signature touch by Jensen, the garden reflects the Fords' appreciation for nature’s beauty and continues to enchant visitors with its timeless charm and vibrant blooms.

The Formal Garden at Ford House is a beautifully structured oasis that contrasts with the estate's naturalistic landscapes. Originally designed by Jens Jensen and later reimagined in 1939 by his son-in-law and assistant, Marshall Johnson, the garden reflects the symmetry and elegance of classic design. Unlike Jensen's organic style, this space features straight lines, trimmed yew hedges, and a central reflecting pool that captures the surrounding trees' beauty. Nestled on the shores of Lake St. Clair, the Formal Garden is part of the historic collaboration between Jensen and architect Albert Kahn, which shaped the Gaukler Point estate—one of the first abstract landscape designs in the U.S. Today, this National Historic Landmark continues to inspire guests with its timeless artistry and serene charm.

Flower Lane at Ford House is a charming pathway that celebrates the vibrant beauty of seasonal blooms. This picturesque garden feature, designed by Jens Jensen, reflects his philosophy of seamlessly blending natural landscapes with carefully curated plantings. Stretching alongside the estate, Flower Lane bursts into life with an ever-changing array of flowers, offering visitors a journey through colors, textures, and fragrances. The thoughtful layout ensures that the pathway is a dynamic experience year-round, with every curve inviting discovery and delight. Flower Lane stands as a testament to the Fords' love for nature, providing a welcoming retreat that inspires joy and reflection.

Bird Island at Ford House is a tranquil wildlife sanctuary and a testament to Jens Jensen's creative vision. Parallel to the north shoreline of Ford Cove, this protected inlet features a peninsula crafted by Jensen from a natural sandbar in Lake St. Clair. Once serving as a cove to protect Edsel Ford's numerous boats, Bird Island now offers a haven for migrating birds. Jensen planted the area with seed-bearing herbaceous shrubs that have been left to mature naturally, attracting the songbirds that Edsel and Eleanor loved to watch. Visitors can cross the bridge to stroll along wooded paths, enjoy breathtaking lake views, and explore the serene beauty of the cove. The island’s untouched charm makes it a prime location to discover wildflowers and observe a variety of bird species. Bird Island is a living reflection of the Fords' deep appreciation for nature and their commitment to wildlife conservation.