Remarks:
This exceptional mid-century brick and wood home was designed by renowned architect Alfred Browning Parker (1916 – 2011), the father of the "Tropical Modernist" school of design. Although Parker, the only architect that his friend and mentor Frank Lloyd Wright ever recommended as an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Fellow, completed over 6,000 commissions during his career, these were predominantly for residential homes in Florida where he practiced, making this Michigan home unique. The home was completed in 1968 and is being sold for the first time.
Like Wright’s houses, Parker's homes were designed to integrate into their environment, to draw the outside indoors, and to take advantage of each site's particular characteristics. The organically shaped Orchard Hill House nestles into the curved contours of a southerly-facing, wooded hillside on a 1+ acre double lot; every room looks out onto a valley of mature hardwoods.
The hallmark of the Orchard Hill House is the attention to detail which is evident in its materials and craftsmanship. As the building contractor, Joe O'Neal brought the best local craftsmen to the project and their skill is evidenced in everything from the precision of the curved brick exterior to the grace of the hand-built curved railing which leads down the interior staircase. Viewed from the street, the home is understated, appearing much smaller than its true size. A carport (enclosed on three sides) provides spacious parking for two vehicles while additional parking adjoins the driveway. Indoors, the main level features flowing public spaces, well suited to entertaining, with soaring, tent-like ceilings that follow the curved line of the roof’s ridge. The private areas on the lower level are more intimate. Throughout the home, curved walls help define the interior spaces and feature stunningly beautiful Magnolia and Cypress wood, well cared for and unblemished.
The formal entrance is through a brick-floored atrium which opens onto the main floor of the home. This upper level includes a living room, formal dining room (which easily seats 12), kitchen, library, and full bath; a large mudroom-workshop can be accessed from either the carport or the kitchen hallway. The kitchen features a 20 foot, multi-level island with two sinks, gas cook-top, and customized under-counter storage. The island looks out over the woods and is backed by an entire wall of easily accessed storage. In front of the island is space for a breakfast table as well as access to a deck overlooking the woods. Behind the kitchen is a large walk-in pantry with additional counter space, a deep sink and lovely built-in cabinetry. The library, shaped as a half circle on a 22 foot radius, has built in desks, shelving, and a sofa which swings open into two guest beds. The adjacent full bath makes this room perfect for occasional guests, or for use as a second master suite.
The private lower level is reached by a wide, gently curved staircase which sweeps along a dramatic two-story brick stairwell, opening into a family room with concealed bookshelves. To the left, the oversized master suite includes a beautiful "Tropical Modern" period bath, extensive closet space, and ample room for a sitting area by the windows. A “children’s wing” to the right of the family room contains 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths, as well as laundry and furnace rooms. Key to the appeal of this home is the flexibility which the size of the rooms and their placement offer. For example, any of the children's rooms could serve as play room, study, craft room, or dedicated guest room.
The grounds are beautifully planted and maintained, with slopes of flowering shrubs, ferns, perennial flowers and ground cover nestled under a canopy of mature trees; brick walkways and mulched paths wind through the property. A modestly sized lawn to one side of the home provides space to kick a ball – or hold an outdoor wedding. This quiet, sylvan setting is viewed from every room of the home, as well as from the deck and a lovely separate brick terrace to the side of the home.
The property is located in Ann Arbor's most beautiful woodland neighborhood, on arguably its finest residential road. Located in the Angell Elementary School district, the home offers the rare combination of a tranquil setting and an exceptionally convenient location -- only 2 miles and just minutes away from the University of Michigan Main and Medical Campuses. The University of Michigan Arboretum and connected string of parks and surfaced trails along the Huron River can be accessed from the property.
| 
