Grandeur of a 1920 Tudor Estate in Highland Park, Michigan With Private Chapel, Stained Glass, and Over Two Gated Acres
The Bishop Mansion is an extraordinary example of 1920s Tudor Revival architecture, situated on over two gated acres in the prestigious Palmer Woods neighborhood of Highland Park, Michigan. Built for Bishop Michael J. Gallagher, this nearly 40,000-square-foot estate boasts four levels and features such remarkable original details as a private chapel with soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass, and carved stonework, plus multiple limestone fireplaces and grand formal spaces. The carriage house and attached garage have been fully restored and renovated, while the main house has undergone strategic demolition with modern HVAC, plumbing, and electrical updates underway. Listed at $1,000,000, this iconic Detroit mansion presents a rare opportunity to restore and complete a true legacy property near Downtown and the Detroit Golf Club.
Front Exterior
A grand historic mansion displays a striking Tudor Revival architectural style with a symmetrical brick façade and multiple large chimneys rising from a steep slate roof. The central entrance features an arched stone doorway, flanked by tall, rectangular mullioned windows. Ornamental stonework and gables add visual interest to the roofline. The house is surrounded by manicured bushes and young trees lining a curved gravel driveway. The sprawling front yard is framed by mature trees, providing a secluded yet stately entrance. The combination of warm red brick, pale stone trim, and lush green landscaping showcases classic elegance and grandeur.
Front Exterior
A sprawling brick mansion immediately draws the eye, surrounded by lush green lawns and mature trees. A large, leafy tree dominates the circular drive, with a ring of manicured shrubs encircling its base. The architecture features intricate stone trim around tall, multipaned windows and doorways, and steeply pitched slate roofs with multiple chimneys. Ivy and well-kept bushes line the house’s grand entry, which is set off by a small covered porch supported by sturdy columns. The overall look exudes historic grandeur, with an inviting sense of classic American elegance and stately charm.
Estate Aerial View
A sprawling historic mansion sits at the center of a generous, manicured lot, surrounded by mature trees and lush greenery. The building is constructed of brick with elaborate gables, tall chimneys, and several large windows, reflecting classic Tudor or Gothic Revival architectural elements. A circular drive leads to the front entrance, with neat rows of small trees and hedges forming a structured landscape design. An extensive wooded area envelops the property, providing privacy and a sense of seclusion, while neighboring historic homes peek through the dense canopy, hinting at a prestigious, tree-lined avenue.
Entryway Columns
Grand entry hall featuring tall, fluted classical columns framing either side of a hallway. The space uses beige stone or marble for floors and walls, lending a stately, historic ambiance. Ahead, a wooden door with frosted, decorative glass is set beneath an arched transom window, allowing muted daylight into the foyer. The ceiling features ornate plasterwork with decorative moldings and a central hanging lantern-style light fixture, though parts of the paint are peeling. Flanking doors reveal unfinished areas with exposed brick, indicating portions of the renovation are still underway. The overall effect is elegant yet in transition.
Grand Entryway
Tall double doors with dark wood frames and intricate wrought iron panels open into a large foyer. The entry boasts a classic symmetrical layout with polished stone or marble floors and two imposing dark marble columns flanking the way toward a wide staircase. The foyer exudes elegance with light stone walls, delicate molding, and detailed ceiling reliefs that add historical charm. The space is flushed with natural light filtering through windows with horizontal muntins. The overall aesthetic is stately, combining classical architecture with refined decorative touches, creating an inviting and impressive first impression.
Grand Foyer Staircase
A spacious entry hall features two imposing black marble columns with ornate capitals, framing the view of a majestic wooden staircase that rises up and splits into dual flights at a landing. Light stone walls with detailed fluting and carved moldings give the space a stately, classical feel. The flooring is pale stone with a subtle dark border, creating an elegant contrast. Overhead, a single exposed bulb provides illumination, drawing attention to the clean, geometric lines. Large multi-pane windows at the staircase landing allow natural light to stream in, enhancing the airy and sophisticated atmosphere.
Grand Hallway
A spacious and elegant hallway features creamy beige stone floors and walls, accented with black lines that create a geometric border pattern. Large marble columns, one dark with white veining and another with fluted detailing, stand on either side, supporting an ornate coffered ceiling with decorative plaster medallions and intricate crown molding. Multiple doorways open to adjacent rooms, including a glimpse of a wood-paneled space with large, multi-paned windows. The overall atmosphere conveys opulence and grandeur, characterized by symmetry, classical motifs, and an abundance of natural light streaming in from the visible windows.
Grand Staircase Entry
A spacious entry hall centers on a grand, dark wood staircase that splits halfway up beneath a set of tall, multi-pane windows. The stairs lead to a landing beneath high ceilings accented with ornate white plasterwork. The walls and floor are clad in cream-toned stone, with classical molding and carved details above wide double doorways on either side. The surrounding rooms are visible through large, square doorframes; they feature tall windows with dark wood trim and abundant natural light. The overall aesthetic is stately and historic, mixing elegance with a sense of architectural grandeur and formality.
Grand Foyer and Parlor
A spacious grand foyer stands out with pale stone tile floors, high ceilings, and exquisite neoclassical detailing on the walls and crown molding. Two striking black marble columns, each topped with ornate capitals, add a sense of formality and grandeur. The foyer flows seamlessly into an adjoining parlor with a decorative plaster ceiling, dark wood paneling, and a dramatic carved stone fireplace. The parlor’s floors are aged wood, and its walls exude a rich, historic character. Large doorways enhance the sense of openness, and geometric trim gives an added elegance throughout both spaces.
Living Room Entry
This room features a stunning vintage aesthetic, with substantial wooden French doors leading into an adjoining space with a fireplace. The walls are decorated with large panels of deep magenta and plum wallpaper, featuring a repeating palm motif pattern, above classic dark wood wainscoting. The flooring is a light, natural hardwood that complements the rich tones of the woodwork. Above, an ornate white plaster ceiling boasts intricate floral and geometric patterns, centered around a vintage glass and brass lantern-style pendant light. The overall ambiance is both elegant and historic, combining bold color with period architectural details.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room features tall ceilings adorned with intricate white plasterwork, forming a geometric pattern with floral medallions. The walls are partially paneled in dark wood wainscoting and topped with pale wallpaper that displays the faded names of classical composers around the cornice. A grand, carved marble fireplace sits along the left wall, accented with a dark marble hearth, and is flanked by vintage brass sconces. Large, multi-paneled windows let in ample light, illuminating wood floors that currently hold a pile of wooden frames, boxes, and renovation materials, suggesting ongoing restoration.
Hallway Details
A narrow hallway with a high ceiling stretches into the distance, featuring large rectangular beige stone tiles running halfway up the wall, topped by cream-colored plaster above. The floor is paved with small square tiles in earth tones, arranged in a diamond pattern, which adds visual warmth. Dark wood trim frames a glass-paned door on the left and large windows on the right, bringing natural light into the corridor. Overhead, vintage bulbs hang from cords, and an ornate ceiling fixture adds a historic touch. At the far end, heavy wooden double doors and a secure-looking safe evoke a sense of age and security.
Living Room Fireplace
A spacious, historic living room with a large stone fireplace framed by dark wood accents forms the focal point of the space. The floor is covered with glossy patterned tiles in earthy tones, echoing the brickwork that skirts the lower section of the walls. Several tall windows with wooden frames allow abundant natural light to fill the room. The walls appear partially unfinished, with plaster and paint in progress, displaying a sense of restoration. A decorative, coffered white ceiling with ornate trim and an iron chandelier overhead gives the room a grand, old-world ambiance.
Great Room Details
A spacious great room with dark wood paneled walls and a floor of wide, weathered wood planks gives the space an elegant and historic feel. The ceiling is a striking feature, painted white and adorned with intricate plaster relief that forms swirling, decorative patterns. Large windows line one wall, framed by equally dark wood, letting in ample natural light. Ornate crystal wall sconces add a touch of sophistication and period charm. At the far end, double wooden doors lead to another room featuring a fireplace, hinting at the grand scale and openness of the home’s interior layout.
Dining Room Details
This room features an ornate white plaster ceiling with intricate patterns, adding a sense of elegance and history. The upper walls are painted a warm burnt orange, while the lower half is covered in dark wood paneling for a classic, stately feel. Large, divided-light windows framed in dark wood bring in abundant natural light and overlook the outdoors. The wooden floor continues the historic ambiance, with subtle wear adding character. A metal chandelier hangs centrally, emphasizing the room’s original grandeur. Double doors with carved details open into a spacious hallway with additional period architectural elements visible beyond.
Fireplace Room
A formal room centers on an ornate stone fireplace with intricate carved details, flanked by two black wall sconces. Dark, rich wood wainscoting runs halfway up the beige walls, lending a dignified, historic touch. The hardwood floor shows signs of gentle wear, deepening the sense of age. Three doorways feature classic, divided glass French doors with matching wood trim. Above, a striking white ceiling boasts elaborate geometric plasterwork and a wide decorative crown molding, adding elegance and grandeur to the space. The overall palette is warm and stately, reflecting early 20th-century American craftsmanship.
Basement Renovation
A spacious basement undergoing renovation with exposed wooden beams crossing the unfinished ceiling and construction lights strung overhead. Raw brick and partially demolished plaster walls line the perimeter, contrasting with the bare concrete floor, which is scattered with framing lumber, insulation, and building materials. Wooden studs are stacked and partially assembled along one side, hinting at plans for future partitioning. There are dark, paneled doors and small windows allowing limited natural light, creating an industrial, work-in-progress atmosphere. The overall color scheme is neutral and muted, dominated by earthy browns, greys, and exposed textures.
Grand Entry Hall
A stately entry hall with a classic and formal design, featuring four prominent fluted columns with ornate capitals, framing the passageway. The walls are adorned with dark, rich wood paneling in a grid pattern, adding depth and a sense of tradition to the space. The high-gloss wooden floorboards reflect light, enhancing the sense of space and elegance. Intricate white crown molding lines the ceiling, contrasting with the darker tones below. The back wall displays a central mirrored alcove flanked by matching woodwork, emphasizing symmetry and historic character in this refined architectural setting.
Grand Foyer Staircase
A spacious entryway features rich, paneled dark walnut walls framed by four striking fluted Corinthian columns that add classical grandeur. The floors are made of gleaming, polished hardwood, reflecting ample natural light from a bank of windows at the top of a wide staircase. The staircase itself splits into two symmetrical flights ascending around a central landing, with ornate balustrades. The ceiling is crisp white, accented by intricate crown molding. The overall ambiance is stately and formal, emphasizing symmetry, architectural detail, and the warmth of beautifully finished wood throughout the space.
Library Interior
Expansive room with floor-to-ceiling built-in wooden bookshelves occupying one wall, complemented by a central wooden table or desk. Natural light streams in through a large, multi-paned bay window with dark wooden trim, facing out from one side of the space. The walls feature a warm, golden tan finish with visible wear, contrasted by crown molding details near the white ceiling, which is adorned by an ornate black and white chandelier. The hardwood floors show signs of age and use. An open doorway leads into another large room with exposed beams, reminiscent of a historic mansion or estate in transition.
Living Room Fireplace
A grand living room features a striking dark wood fireplace with ornate paneling and intricate detailing, flanked by symmetrical bookshelves built into the wall. The room showcases rich wooden wall paneling running around most of the space, setting an elegant and historic tone. Stately wooden columns with carved capitals separate this area from the adjoining room, where exposed brickwork is visible. The floor displays swirling wood grain patterns infused with age and character. Subtle cream-colored wallpaper above the paneling and delicate crown molding add softness and a touch of refinement to the otherwise bold and dramatic space.
Great Hall Details
A spacious great hall features a dramatic vaulted ceiling with dark, carved wooden beams and ornate chandeliers suspended from above. The floor showcases a classic checkerboard pattern in black and white marble, adding an elegant, historic touch. Along the stone walls, paneling and decorative trim are partially removed, revealing a state of restoration or renovation. Stained glass windows with colorful accents let in light and provide a sense of old-world craftsmanship. The far end of the room includes a raised marble platform, bordered in gold, and the overall ambiance is grand with a blend of Gothic and Renaissance revival influences.
Grand Hallway
A long, expansive hallway with a soaring vaulted ceiling constructed from dark wood beams, featuring detailed carvings along the trim. The floor is a striking mix of black marble and black-and-white checkered tiles, creating a dramatic, old-world effect. Walls are lined with pale, stone-like masonry, and the space is illuminated by wrought iron wall sconces and a grand, multi-tiered chandelier suspended from the center of the arched ceiling. Large, leaded glass windows at one end cast light over stacked and leaning wood panels, hinting at restoration work and historic craftsmanship throughout the architectural details.
Living Room Fireplace
A spacious living room with an elegant white fireplace centered against a deep plum-colored accent wall. Rich, polished wood floors catch the light, but portions of the floor and wall show signs of renovation and disrepair. Tall windows with classic grilles let in daylight, flanked by exposed brick and plaster. Ornate crown molding runs along the ceiling’s edge, framing light damage and peeled paint overhead. Wall sconces and a modest chandelier add historical charm. Large built-in wood bookshelves occupy the right corner, suggesting a space once full of warmth and character, now awaiting restoration.
Staircase Landing
The space features a grand staircase landing with intricately carved wooden railings and dark wood paneling that covers all the surrounding walls, lending a rich, historic feel. At the end of the landing, a large multi-pane window allows natural light to filter in, framed by heavy woodwork and topped with a dramatic, ornate hanging lantern. Beneath the window, a simple wooden bench or console sits, further emphasizing the historic character. The overall color scheme is deep, warm brown tones with subtle variations in the grain of the wood, creating a stately and inviting atmosphere.
Garage Exterior
A stately brick garage with Tudor Revival architectural features stands against a backdrop of mature evergreens and a bright blue sky. The structure displays classic red brickwork with elegant limestone trim around the four arched, dark slate-gray garage doors, and matching stone window surrounds. Each of the four garages is crowned with a gable roofline, covered in multi-toned slate tiles. The upper story has symmetrical windows set in pairs above each garage bay, framed by detailed masonry work, and complemented by antique-style wrought iron lanterns and prominent downspouts, giving the building a refined, historic charm.
Kitchen Details
Spacious open kitchen area with a modern yet classic feel, featuring dark hardwood flooring that anchors the room. A large central island with a marble countertop stands at the heart, accompanied by two pendant lights with gold hardware, providing warm illumination. The cabinetry is a matte gray, both on the floor and as a tall pantry unit, complementing the neutral, soft beige walls. Windows with black trim let in natural light and offer architectural interest, while steeply pitched ceilings with sharp angles and inset lighting contribute to an airy, expansive atmosphere that bridges historic charm and contemporary design.
Kitchen Island
A contemporary kitchen space with dark hardwood floors and a prominent gray island topped with white marble counters occupies the center. The cabinetry, also in a matte gray, reaches up to a high, sloped ceiling, lending an airy and open feel. Light streams in through a set of multi-pane, black-framed windows on the right. Two elegant pendant lights with gold fixtures hang above the island, adding a touch of classic charm. Architectural interest is created by the peaked ceiling on the right and the clean, neutral palette of light taupe walls that highlights the refined, understated design.
Kitchen Island
A spacious kitchen area features a large, elegant island with a white marble countertop and built-in deep farmhouse sink. The cabinetry below the island is a sleek dark gray with gold hardware, complemented by a modern built-in microwave. Two pendant lights with warm, cream-colored glass shades hang overhead, casting soft illumination across the space. The flooring is a rich, dark hardwood that contrasts beautifully with the white walls and ceiling. Geometric angles in the vaulted ceiling create architectural interest, while black-framed windows and a distinctive black door add a contemporary touch. A decorative black metal railing leads to a lower level.
Bathroom Vanity and Shower
A spacious bathroom features a large glass-enclosed shower with striking gray patterned tile walls and a coordinating geometric tile floor. The shower includes dual rainfall and handheld showerheads, with a built-in niche for toiletries. Outside the shower, double sinks are set in white countertops atop rich, dark wood cabinetry, providing elegant storage. Modern chrome fixtures and rectangular vessel sinks complement the look. Wall-mounted sconces with glass shades offer soft lighting on either side of a central window, framed in black, that adds natural light. The sloped ceiling and crisp, neutral wall color enhance the airy, contemporary atmosphere.
Listing Agent: Alexander Chapman of @properties Christie’s Int’l R.E. Birmingham via Zillow
