Capture the mansions’ original splendor while basking in the comfort of your elegant suite. Feel pampered in marble bathrooms adorned soaking tubs, rainforest showerheads, and luxurious amenities. Your stay is complete with a personalized breakfast menu from the onsite Chef and a modern speakeasy pub offering artful cocktails in the evening. Located in the trendy West Village of Detroit.
Welcome to the Frederick K. Stearns House, an upscale and recently updated ten-room bed and breakfast and event center in Detroit, Michigan. The historic landmark recently underwent an elaborate four-year renovation and boasts a trendy West Village neighborhood, offering easy access to all the culture and foodie experiences in the beloved motor city.
The 16,000-plus-square-foot mansion was built in 1902 for Frederick K. Stearns, who was a respected pharmaceutical businessman in Detroit. The elaborate home was designed by William Stratton with a rich architectural palette of fine medieval design and structure. In 1985, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Stearns House has now been thoughtfully restored and renovated as a historic inn and dance studio providing a glorious getaway for locals and world travelers. Capture the mansion’s original splendor while basking in the comfort of your elegant suite. From glimmering chandeliers and the beauty of the grand staircase and ballroom to the millwork in the foyer and the original Moravian hearth oven to the painted glasswork on the leaded glass European windows and the tasteful art and beautiful antiques that adorn the inn, you will take a journey back in time. Not to be missed is the Modern Speak Easy Pub and Lady’s Lounge where you can relax with an artful cocktail or glass of wine.
The inn’s original namesake was a patron of the arts, playing a role in the early days of the Detroit Institute of the Arts, the Detroit Athletic Club, and the Symphony Orchestra, even owning the Detroit Wolverines Baseball Company. The inn’s new owners, Rachel and Eric Mitchell have embraced this passion to revitalize and share such an important historical area and building.
Guests enjoy luxurious guestrooms, cozy reading nooks, and elegantly appointed bathrooms. Dining at the Frederick K. Stearns house is a special event. The in-house chef uses the freshest ingredients possible, and with advance notice can accommodate special dietary needs.
Rachel Mitchell, owner/innkeeper invites you to stay and be her guest at the memorable Frederick K. Stearns House.
Detroit, known for its ingenuity and resilience, has transformed its historic architecture into some of the coolest spots in the city. While other Rust Belt cities demolished classic buildings, Detroit preserved them. Artists and forward-thinkers moved into these beautiful, dilapidated spaces, revitalizing them. Notable places include the Heidelberg Project, The Belt (an alley-turned-trendy art space), and the Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney, where you can sleep in a former office building. If you’re a leisure traveler seeking a balance between work, wellness, and exploration, Detroit is a dream destination.
A Rich History and Culture with intriguing stories are what you will find in many of the renovated historic Detroit B&Bs. Don’t hesitate to ask the innkeeper about the property’s background.
A few must see places while in Detroit:
Belle Isle Island: Situated in the Detroit River, Belle Isle is a picturesque island with stunning parkland. Enjoy long walks, visit the island aquarium, or explore the Great Lakes Museum to learn about commercial shipping history.
Detroit Masonic Temple: Marvel at the world’s largest Masonic Temple, a Gothic architectural gem. It hosts concerts and events.
Detroit Public Library: Immerse yourself in knowledge at the Detroit Public Library, which dates back to 1865.
Fort Wayne: Dive into history by visiting Fort Wayne, a historic military site with preserved buildings and exhibits.
Henry Ford Museum: Witness the rise of technology at this museum, which showcases innovations, including Henry Ford’s contributions.
After admiring the extensive renovation and design of the inn, take a stroll through the revitalized West Village and nearby Indian Village. The Frederick K. Stearns House is close to many famed Detroit attractions including Eastern Market, Belle Isle, the Detroit Riverfront, and the Renaissance Center.
Our beloved motor city has some of the best and largest districts for music and live theater. Detroit’s crown jewel is the Fox Theatre, located in the downtown area.
The large 5,000-seat venue features Victorian styling with gilded balconies and exceptional natural sound quality. Some of the world’s best touring acts and off-Broadway shows routinely come to the Fox Theatre. Know you will leave feeling impressed with the sound quality along with experiencing some extraordinary history.
Looking for a little old-fashion nightlife? A short drive up Woodward Avenue brings you to a wide range of nightclubs and small theaters.
Detroit has many great venues to learn about history and culture including the Detroit Institute of Arts where you can enjoy a museum, arthouse film theater, and sometimes, live performances
The Lincoln Street Art Park includes a repurposed former industrial area into a local artists’ showcase. You can view murals, sculptures, and even live artists and musicians year-round. The Lincoln Street Art Park is a free and collaborative project that is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Detroit Recreation Department. This unique outdoor art site is open every day of the year, including rainy or snowy winter days in Detroit.
Detroit has the perfect kayaking opportunities. Rent some kayaks and paddle along Detroit’s eastside canals and explore Harbor Island, Klenk Island, Fox Creek, and the historic Fisher Mansion. For a romantic experience, explore the beautiful channels at sunset. Interesting to note- in French, Détroit means strait, as in a river- what a perfect way to explore the fascinating “Car City.”
If you are looking for a grand and intimate venue for your wedding or vow renewal talk with the expert event planner at the Frederick K. Stearns House. From the elegant Grand Ballroom to the intimate Ladies’ Lounge and the many beautiful common areas, you will have a memory of a lifetime.
This Detroit historical mansion can accommodate a wedding party of up to 100.
Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association
6757 Cascade Road SE, Ste 241
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
