Ford Waterfront Estate

02/27/2025

Another Ford Estate - Lake Huron 🌅

Ford Cottage No. 12 in Harbor Beach
Ford Cottage No. 12 in Harbor Beach, Michigan, was a bit of reward to Henry Ford’s early success and love for rustic retreats. Built in 1914 along the shores of Lake Huron, this cottage was Ford’s first summer getaway, offering a tranquil escape from the demands of his booming automobile empire. The structure features a blend of stone and wood, embodying the Arts and Crafts style that was popular among wealthy industrialists seeking refuge in nature. Its expansive porch, sturdy chimneys, and shingled exterior reflect a design meant for relaxation while embracing the rugged beauty of Michigan’s Thumb region.

As Ford’s wealth and influence grew, he acquired multiple summer estates, including a private home at the exclusive Huron Mountain Club in Big Bay and a retreat on Grosse Ile. The family sold the cottage in 1929. However, this Harbor Beach cottage remains significant as the beginning of his affinity for secluded escapes. Whether used for quiet family gatherings or meetings with business associates we hope its still around today.

12/13/2024

What's that little white light flying overhead? (🎅?)

12/20/2023

Merry Christmas, everyone❣️🎄So interesting this time every year watching the Coast Guard taking in the buoys for the winter (Other photos are of Mr. Spock supervising the last of the window glass replacement in the Stables this week) 🐾

11/29/2023

We've had a snowy couple of days, so we are continuing with ceiling restoration down in the Boatwells (and warming up with a cozy fire❣️)

11/23/2023

UPDATE: Our homeowner's insurance will help to cover costs to replace the damage in the barn, yay! (we've never had a Claim in all these years)
We have had so much support from all of you wonderful friends and neighbors in this waterfront community, that we are truly baffled about this senseless destruction of our barn walls, ceilings,doors and smashing of all 36 windows, so we have decided to take it off the market for now and continue with restoration. As you know, we had the property up for sale, and passed inspections and bank appraisals. Yes we had it sold, but the Buyers would not tell the bank where about half of their down payment was coming from, so "the deal fell through". It took a long time for them to release us from the contract as well, but we again had lots of interest in the property w approx 2 acres and over 200 ft of water frontage, so now we are (literally) picking up the pieces.
We have filed a Police report so if anyone might have information please contact the GIPD. Thank you!

10/21/2023

Every year during Trenton's Somewhere in Time, the big boats sail upriver with their passengers from Elizabeth Park, and then Capt. Bob Moore turns it around in front of the Pagodahouse, so we can wave and send fair winds and good wishes to each other❣️