An impressive Macomb County estate featuring a stately four-bedroom home, a large fish-filled spring-fed pond, lush woods and hiking trails on 22.21 acres recently hit the market for $1.95 million.
For an additional $995,000, a buyer could purchase the adjacent 14.55-acre equestrian property, which includes a three-bedroom Cape Cod-style home, two Morton barns and a large fenced area for horses or dogs.
The two properties in Richmond Township, just west of I-94, are listed separately. Both listings are represented by Dylan Tent of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty in Northville.
The 90-acre property originally had a single owner. Erin Taylor, 55, and her husband bought three lots about 30 years ago when the area was still corn fields. Taylor, who used to show Arabian horses, built her house and later barns on the property in 1993.
“We have kept some of the most expensive Arabian horses in the country here,” Taylor said.
Taylor’s parents, who own an induction heating company, wanted to build their dream home, so the property was subdivided. Taylor said her father, who was also an electrical engineer, was meticulous about the details.
“He wanted everything to be perfect, so it took them three years to build,” she said of the country house on the property, which was completed in 2007.
“Rebuilding everything on the property would cost significantly more than the asking price,” noted agent Tent. He also mentioned that the sellers are willing to offer a discount if both properties are sold together.
Pond with perch, bass and other fish species
The newer home at 69978 Place Road is set back from the street. It is accessed via a winding paved driveway lit by LED light poles that leads to a long stretch lined with trees on one side and a large pond with an island on the other. The driveway leads to the 5,000 square foot home with four bedrooms, five full bathrooms, two half baths, an attached two-car garage and a detached three-car garage with an upper level. The home is surrounded by a manicured lawn and woods on three sides and has a large pond in front.
“My father was a fisherman,” Taylor said, pointing out that the spring-fed pond her father dug was stocked with perch, bass, catfish and other species of fish. An overflow system was installed to drain excess water during heavy rains.
“Even at the barn, all the downspouts lead to the pond so water never runs into the yard,” Taylor explained. “There are even manhole covers in the backyard so the water doesn’t sit there for long.”
As you approach the entrance via the brick paved walkway, you are greeted by double doors that open to a two-story foyer with a curved staircase to the second floor.
The main floor includes a master suite with walk-in closet, fireplace, and access to the private backyard; a great room with fireplace and two-story windows; a dining room; a breakfast nook; an office overlooking the pond; a laundry room; a three-season room; a mudroom with dog shower; and a kitchen with high-end appliances including two Wolf ovens, two Gaggenau fryers, two Sub-Zero refrigerators, a water distiller, water heater, and two Miele dishwashers, as well as Dacor and Monogram appliances, complemented by Amish-crafted cabinetry.
The second level has three bedrooms, two of which are suites, a game room with a bar and a movie theater. The backyard has a spacious brick paved patio with built-in grills.
Additional amenities include an elevator, 9-foot-tall doors, generous crown molding, travertine tile, heated floors, California closets, a 100-year-old roof, and more.
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Comfortable space for horses and more
For horse lovers, 69996 Place Road offers a 2,243 square foot home built in 1993 that sits at the front of the property. The home has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and an attached two-car garage.
The property features a Morton barn with eight 12′ x 12′ matted stalls, each equipped with an automatic water system and its own window. It also includes a Pyranha pest control system, carpeted walkway, wash area with hot and cold water, tack room, spacious observation room overlooking the 60′ x 120′ arena with built-in water system, guest bathroom, laundry facilities, large hayloft with trap doors above each stall and two paddocks with tensioned Centaur vinyl fencing. There is also another Morton branded structure that is 60′ x 96′, fully cemented and equipped with drains, electricity, six 14′ garage doors and running water. The listing suggests the storage building may be able to be rented out to generate income.
“I do agility in the barn with dogs,” said Taylor, who has a border collie. “I brought special sand from Ohio. The floor is orthopedically good for all animals – horses or dogs – so they have support and don’t get hurt.”
Taylor also mentioned that she receives a tax break on her property because she allows a farmer to plant soybeans on a small portion of the field behind her forest.
Brendel Hightower covers real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Reach her at [email protected]. Support local journalism: Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.
