Last week we presented the history of some of Grosse Pointe’s turn-of-the-century summer cottages. Located in picturesque settings next to the lake many of these Queen Anne style structures have been demolished, however there are still a few that remain in the community.
This week we turn our attention to the history of carriage houses - with some fine examples in Grosse Pointe. Carriage houses played a key role in the grand estates that were built in Grosse Pointe (and throughout the world) during the early twentieth century.
From the beginning of the twentieth century Grosse Pointe became the prime location for wealthy businessmen to build grand estates. Many of these magnificent residences included a carriage house as part of the estate, designed by some of Detroit’s leading architects in a style that reflected the main residence.
Carriage houses in North America were generally created as an outbuilding originally for horse-drawn carriages and their related tack.An alternative name is a coach house, as they were (and are) commonly known as in England and Canada. Source: Wikipedia. Carriage houses were often two stories, with staff quarters on the second floor for the coachman or caretaker. It is acknowledged owning a carriage house, complete with carriages, horses, and staff, was a sign of wealth and social standing. Many carriage houses were designed at the same time as the main house, however, in some instances respected designers were hired years later to design a structure that would complement the home.
“Carriage houses - evoke memories of gentler, well-mannered days, when wealthy landowners-built estates that included separate buildings for their horses, electric buggies, or motor cars, complete with living quarters above for the servants, chauffeurs, or gardeners.” Courtesy of Heritage Magazine (April 1987).
As the twentieth century progressed the advent of the automobile led to the conversion of many carriage houses into garages, apartments or other uses. This was particularly prevalent in the 1940’s when many were rented as a separate dwelling by the homeowner (presumably for additional income during the war), while others were split from the main estate and sold as a separate property.
Our much-cherished Hugo Higbie (former owner and president of Higbie Maxon) was interviewed by Heritage Magazine (in April 1987) about his views on carriage houses, he said “garage apartments became fashionable in the Fifties and were renovated into coveted carriage houses.” Mr. Higbie went on to explain the attraction of carriage houses. "They're so appealing because they afford the privacy of estate living. The economics of it is that the carriage house makes it affordable to live in the best neighborhood. Before the Fifties, you could rent a garage apartment for $125 to $150 (around $2000 today), but as they became fashionable and people have renovated them, rents escalated from $500 on up, just because of the demand. Then there's always the lure of living on what was once, and may still be, a grand estate.”
As part of the article in Heritage Magazine it was reported at least two existing carriage houses in Grosse Pointe were used for horses and carriages. During the 1980’s the owners of a home in Grosse Pointe Park discovered an original stable area while renovating their carriage house - the upstairs was the once the stable master's quarters. The other house is believed to be 7 Woodland Place - the former estate of Mrs. Hazen Pingree. The widow of the 24th Governor of the State of Michigan commissioned one of Detroit’s most prominent architects at the time, William B. Stratton, to design a summer residence. It was completed in 1909. It was reported, during the 1980’s, “the owners of the home found a sculptured stone block in their front yard as evidence of its being a true carriage house. Horses would have been tethered to where a ring was once set into the stone, and the block would have been used as a steppingstone when descending from the carriage.” Source: Heritage Magazine (April 1987).
Below are a few of the carriage houses that can be found throughout Grosse Pointe, designed by some of the most prominent architects in Detroit during the first part of the twentieth century. Some are still part of the original estate, while others are now a separate residence.
24 McKinley was designed by James Macleod Watt & C. Howard Crane in 1908. It is believed a new carriage house was added in 1940 designed by Derrick and Gamber. Image courtesy of Realtor.com
12 Rathbone Place was designed by Alpheus Chittenden in 1909. The huge carriage house (described as a cottage when the property was listed during the 1930’s) was added in 1924, designed by Louis Kamper.
8 Rathbone Place – the former carriage house at 4 Rathbone Place - designed by Chittenden and Kotting in 1916-17.
277 Lincoln - This iconic Italian Renaissance style home was once the carriage house on the “Edgeroad” estate, located at 251 Lincoln designed by Louis Kamper, in 1918. The carriage house, along with the potting shed and a large, heated greenhouse (to the left of the carriage house) were located at the rear of the property facing Lincoln Road. Around November 1972, we understand the carriage house, now recognized as a separate property (277 Lincoln), was listed for sale for $39,500 (around $261,000 today). The former carriage house, now 3028 sq ft, has been transformed into a space for modern living, while retaining its original elegance and charm. It is currently for sale for $850,000.
15440 Windmill Pointe was a grand French Chateaux designed by esteemed architect Louis Kamper for Herbert Vivian Book in 1921. The grand estate had a stone carriage house with a four-car heated garage along with an upper apartment with a living room, kitchen, bath, and three bedrooms. The estate was razed in 1978.
745 Balfour was completed by local architect Leonard Willeke in 1927. The carriage house had living quarters on the second floor (for staff), a garage area on the first floor, and a basement with a work room; including a dumb waiter type hoist to the first floor, a wall incinerator; a furnace room; and two storage cellars, each measuring 20’ x 9’ sq ft. The main residence was connected to the carriage house by a large greenhouse (also designed by Willeke).
5 Woodland Place was designed by Hugh T. Keyes in 1928. The carriage house was accessible from the main house and from a separate stairway.
257 Ridge – designed by Albert Kahn in 1929, this is arguably one of the most impressive and larger carriage houses in the Grosse Pointe communities. The apartment above the 3-car garage now has two bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a custom kitchen. The current owner refers to it as the coach house. 257 Ridge is for sale. – please click here for full details.
234 Provencal was designed by Raymond Carey in 1929. There was originally a carriage house for the maids, with a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom.
976 Lake Shore is the former carriage of 980 Lake Shore.
17330 Maumee is the former carriage house of 372 Lakeland. Image courtesy of Realtor.com
43 Provencal is the former carriage house of 41 Provencal (designed by Albert Kahn). Image courtesy of GoogleEarth.
Today, carriage houses remain popular as guest suites, home offices, rental units, and standalone homes. Despite the many renovations, conversions, and separations the carriage houses around Grosse Pointe have retained their unique architectural charm and historic significance.
If anyone has an interesting carriage house, story, or photos we would love to hear from you.
* Photos courtesy of the Higbie Maxon Agney archives unless stated.
** Research, information, and data sources are deemed reliable, but accuracy cannot be fully guaranteed.
Written by Katie Doelle
Copyright © 2025 Higbie Maxon Agney & Katie Doelle
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