Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
In 1929, the Ford family moved into 'Gaukler Point', their new home designed by Albert Kahn in 1929, on shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan. The estate's gardens were designed by landscape architect Jens Jensen with his traditional 'long view' giving visitors a glimpse of the residence down the long meadow before revealing the entire house at drive's end.
He also designed the gardens for Edsel and Eleanor's summer estate 'Skylands' in Seal Harbor on Mount Desert Island in Maine. (1922). Jensen designed work for their two other Michigan residences, one being 'Haven Hill,' between 1922 and 1935. 'Haven Hill', now within the Highland Recreation Area near White Lake Township in southeastern Michigan, is designated as both a Michigan State Historical Landmark and State Natural Preserve. Jensen's landscape elements, with the diversity of tree, plant and animal life, combine aesthetics, history and nature.
Edsel Ford died at 'Gaukler Point', the Grosse Pointe Shores house, in 1943. His wife Eleanor continued living there until her death in 1976. It was her wish that the property be used for "the benefit of the public." The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is now open to the public. Located on 87 ac (35 ha), the house has an excellent collection of the Fords' original antiques and art, and the historical landscape grounds on the lakefront. The museum currently hosts tours, classes, lectures, and special events. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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