Step Back in Time Exploring Henry Ford's Michigan Summer Home

A little piece of Michigan history that automotive legend Henry Ford owned at one time is in Clinton, Michigan. Far from some of his other more stately homes, this quaint farm looks into the simpler life the Ford family once enjoyed during the summer months in Michigan.

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It's crazy to think that Ford himself spent time using the farmland to conduct experiments on soybeans and other projects. The 3400 square foot home sits on just over 6 acres that house not only the farmhouse but 5 outbuildings including a huge woodworking shop. There are 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms along with a 962 unfinished sq. ft. space above the garage.

The History

The home is a true piece of history. Originally built in the 1840s by John and Hannah Pennington, it was designated as a Michigan Historic Site on September 17, 1974, and later added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 31, 1974. The couple lived in the home until John died in 1883 and Hannah's not long after. Their son then lived in the home until his passing in 1929, and it was then that Henry Ford purchased the property.

Ford did some renovations on the home, which he later sold. As described in the recent listing,

"The house is a symmetric two-story Greek Revival farmhouse with single-story wings extending to each side of the main section on a fieldstone foundation."

It is easy to see in the photos that much of the home's original style and integrity has been preserved, keeping the historic charm intact.

Known as the John Pennington- Henry Ford House, the home surprisingly sold at the beginning of 2023 for under $1 million. The new owners picked up a virtual time capsule for just $600,000.

Take a look inside below.

Inside Henry Ford's Michigan Summer Home

Built in 1840's and once known as the John Pennington House, Henry Ford renovated the home in the 1930's for his summer home and a place to work on inventions and projects.

Gallery Credit: Zillow

$18M Historic Randall's Point Walloon Lake Homestead

Currently offered for $18 million, making it one of the most expensive properties in the state, the compound comes with four cabins. Three of the cabins were built in the 1920s and the main log home was built in the 1970s. The original boathouse and barn remain. The homestead was founded by Bo Randall who was the founder of Randall Made Knives and a good friend of Ernest Hemingway who frequented the property for hunting. With over 5700 square feet of living space amongst the cabins, the compound is perfect for large families. A mix of modern and timeless history, this is truly a slice of Michigan history.

Gallery Credit: Zillow