A stunning contemporary home in Bloomfield Township has hit the market for $4.2 million, featuring a unique architectural story that connects modern luxury living with Michigan's rich design heritage. The 6,643-square-foot residence, completed in 2022, sits on 2.5 acres of beautifully wooded landscape and offers four bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and one half bath.
The home's distinctive U-shaped design and rear entrance placement serve as a thoughtful tribute to a two-bedroom Albert Kahn-designed house from 1917 that once occupied the same site. A winding driveway leads visitors to this architectural homage, which represents a creative solution to preserving design legacy while meeting modern living needs.
Albert Kahn, the Detroit-based architect behind this inspiring design, earned his reputation through groundbreaking industrial projects like the Ford Rouge Plant, as well as iconic office buildings and cultural institutions that helped shape Detroit's skyline. Beyond his industrial achievements, Kahn also created numerous private residences that are still celebrated today for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative layouts.
The current homeowners initially hoped to restore and preserve the original Albert Kahn structure, but faced significant challenges that made restoration impractical. Environmental concerns, structural issues, and the substantial cost of restoration ultimately led them to pursue a different approach. Instead, they decided to create a modern interpretation that honors Kahn's design philosophy while expanding the living space by approximately 50 percent compared to the original home.
"This is a newer version, created with their vision," explained listing agent Lora Kazanjian of Max Broock Realtors in Birmingham. She noted that the updated design successfully captures a mid-century modern aesthetic that feels both timeless and contemporary. The homeowners collaborated with designer Patrick Dyke, who brings valuable experience working with Albert Kahn Associates, to bring their vision to life at 4890 Charing Cross.
The resulting home masterfully blends historic architectural inspiration with cutting-edge contemporary amenities and luxury features. The interior design prioritizes natural light and showcases stunning views of the surrounding grounds, beginning with an entrance that opens directly into a great room overlooking a serene pond complete with water features.
The main floor impresses with soaring ceilings, custom lighting installations, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that seamlessly connect the indoor living spaces with the natural outdoor environment. Additional main floor highlights include a fully enclosed sunroom featuring spalted maple wood paneling and a built-in Wolf grill that vents outdoors for seamless entertaining.
The home's practical amenities are equally impressive, featuring a well-appointed butler's pantry with a second refrigerator and sink for entertaining convenience. A thoughtfully designed mud room and locker area includes built-in seating benches, multiple closets, and numerous drawers, providing direct access to the attached two-car garage. The main floor is completed with extensive built-in cabinetry throughout and a convenient first-floor laundry room.
The primary suite occupies one wing of the house and serves as a true luxury retreat. It includes a spacious walk-in closet with a central island dresser, a private office that opens onto a patio for outdoor workspace options, and a spa-like bathroom featuring two separate vanity areas, a freestanding soaking tub, and a modern zero-entry shower. All bedrooms throughout the home are designed as en suites with custom cabinetry and high-end tile finishes.
The lower level maximizes the home's living potential with 10-foot ceilings and abundant daylight windows. This level houses a fully equipped fitness room with a complete bathroom, an elegant wine cellar for collectors, two additional en suite bedrooms for guests, a second laundry room for convenience, a cedar closet for storage, and a large general storage area.
The property's amenities extend well beyond the main residence, including a separate two-car garage for additional vehicle storage. Modern conveniences include a whole-house generator for uninterrupted power, a sophisticated Crestron smart home system for integrated technology control, Lutron lighting systems throughout, and solar panels for sustainable energy. Outdoor recreational features include a private putting green and walking paths that wind around the entire property, while well-fed sprinkler systems maintain the lush landscaping.
The landscape design required significant investment and planning, with approximately 100 trees and 100 tons of boulders brought to the site to create natural privacy barriers and enhance the property's secluded feel. This extensive landscaping effort successfully blends luxury living with architectural inspiration drawn from one of Michigan's most celebrated and influential designers, creating a unique residential experience that honors the past while embracing contemporary lifestyle needs.
