Historic Walter Reuther Estate--a rare opportunity to own two separate 3BR/2BA homes on approximately two private acres with nearly 1,000 feet of frontage along the crystal-clear waters of Paint Creek. Offering exceptional flexibility for multigenerational living, guests, rental income, a private office, artist retreat, or wellness retreat, this extraordinary property combines architectural significance, natural beauty, and American history. At the heart of the estate stands one of Michigan's rare authentic Mid-Century Modern homes. Originally built as a cabin in 1912 and expanded in the early 1950s as the private retreat of Walter Reuther--president of the UAW and civil rights advocate--the home features walls of glass, original stonework, custom built-ins, Walter Reuther's private office, bullet-resistant windows, an original milk delivery cubby, and a distinctive rain channel that transforms rainfall into a soothing natural soundtrack. The second residence, originally built to host visiting diplomats and world leaders during peace negotiations, offers approximately 1,500 SF of additional living space with dramatic 12-foot floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Paint Creek. The grounds feature a private swimming hole, an orchard with apple, peach, pear, plum, and cherry trees, blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry plantings, a thriving organic garden with twelve cedar raised beds, a koi pond, firepit gathering areas, New York bluestone walkways, and a Japanese arboretum honoring the estate's original gardens. Direct access to the Paint Creek Trail further enhances this remarkable setting. Extensive updates include major mechanical systems, water systems, air conditioning, appliances, and roofing. A private sanctuary, architectural treasure, and irreplaceable piece of Michigan history
Single-familyProperty Type
1953Year Built
1.95 acresLot Size
$375Price/Sq.Ft.
Listed by Kyle Matta• @properties Christie's Int'l R E Rochester
•248-218-0234 (broker)
Listed by Leslie Doran• @properties Christie's Int'l R E Rochester
Est. $3,274 per month, based on comparable rentals
Sale and tax history for 3954 N Ellamae Rd
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
REALSOURCE #61015003
Jul 30, 2026
Rental Removed
$3,500
$1/sq ft
Jul 27, 2026
Listed for Rent
$3,500
$1/sq ft
REALCOMP #20261041689
Jul 24, 2026
Sold
$1,399,350
$375/sq ft
Jun 19, 2026
Pending
—
Jun 19, 2026
Listing Removed
—
Jun 11, 2026
Listed
$1,450,000
$388/sq ft
Historic Walter Reuther Estate—a rare opportunity to own two separate 3BR/2BA homes on approximately two private acres with nearly 1,000 feet of frontage along the crystal-clear waters of Paint Creek. Offering exceptional flexibility for multigenerational living, guests, rental income, a private office, artist retreat, or wellness retreat, this extraordinary property combines architectural significance, natural beauty, and American history. At the heart of the estate stands one of Michigan's rare authentic Mid-Century Modern homes. Originally built as a cabin in 1912 and expanded in the early 1950s as the private retreat of Walter Reuther—president of the UAW and civil rights advocate—the home features walls of glass, original stonework, custom built-ins, Walter Reuther's private office, bullet-resistant windows, an original milk delivery cubby, and a distinctive rain channel that transforms rainfall into a soothing natural soundtrack. The second residence, originally built to host visiting diplomats and world leaders during peace negotiations, offers approximately 1,500 SF of additional living space with dramatic 12-foot floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Paint Creek. The grounds feature a private swimming hole, an orchard with apple, peach, pear, plum, and cherry trees, blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry plantings, a thriving organic garden with twelve cedar raised beds, a koi pond, firepit gathering areas, New York bluestone walkways, and a Japanese arboretum honoring the estate's original gardens. Direct access to the Paint Creek Trail further enhances this remarkable setting. Extensive updates include major mechanical systems, water systems, air conditioning, appliances, and roofing. A private sanctuary, architectural treasure, and irreplaceable piece of Michigan history
MiRealSource-MiMLS #60999555
Jul 24, 2026
Sold
$1,399,350
$375/sq ft
Jun 19, 2026
Pending
—
Jun 11, 2026
Listed
$1,450,000
$388/sq ft
Jun 5, 2026
Coming Soon
$1,450,000
$388/sq ft
Public Records
Dec 3, 2021
Sold
$1,150,000
$308/sq ft
MiRealSource-MiMLS #40233783
Nov 13, 2021
Pending
—
Nov 10, 2021
Sold
$1,150,000
$308/sq ft
Sep 25, 2021
Contingent
—
Sep 11, 2021
Listed
$1,150,000
$308/sq ft
This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise, and also a piece of history! This is the former estate of the UAW founder, Walter Reuther! This secluded 2 acre property boasts two Mid-Century Modern homes, totaling 3,735 sf. Paint Creek meanders through the property with hundreds of feet of river frontage. The 2400 sf main home has 3 br/2 baths and views of Paint Creek from every window! Located on a small island it is surrounded by PC. This gem features a spacious atrium-style screened porch, and an incredible kitchen designed to entertain. There is stunning use of transom windows t/o the home and two wonderful stone fireplaces! The floating staircase leads to a loft, which could be office space, a playroom or a fourth bedroom. The 1,500 sf guest home has 12' floor to ceiling windows with stunning views of Paint Creek! This second home has an open concept and would make a great mother-in-law home, or a rental to offset the mortgage. This unique property is waiting to be yours!