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Art Van Founder's $15.9M Waterfront Estate Up For Auction

GROSSE POINTE SHORES (WWJ) - "Welcome to one of the grandest homes in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in America!"

That's how Grande Estate Auction's website begins a listing for metro Detroit furniture magnate Art Van Elsander's 28,000-square-foot French Chateau in swanky Grosse Pointe Shores.

The estate, built by the founder of Art Van Furniture and his wife in 1991, went on the market about a year ago for $15,900,000 — but didn't sell.

At that time, the agent showing the home touted its rooms "designed with incredible detail; wonderful woodworking, incredible painting, eight-foot doors, soaring ceilings."

The home has both an indoor and an outdoor pool, a tennis court, swirling marble staircases, six bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and 29-foot tall great room with two-story glass windows looking over to Lake St. Clair.

Art Van Home
(credit: Higbie Maxon Agney)

According to the auction website, features and amenities include:

• 3.75 acres & 265 feet of Lake St. Clair shoreline
• Three levels with elevator access
• Lavish finishes throughout including custom murals, hand-painted wallpaper, plaster ceilings, upholstered walls, and carved millwork
• Private, gated entry
• Grand circular courtyard with water feature for koi
• Regal two-story foyer with curved floating staircase
• Six en-suite bedrooms each with limestone terraces
• Master suite with walk-in closet, dressing room, fireplace,
• Jacuzzi tub and room-size shower with 16 showerheads
• Children's nursery with millwork bookcase to replicate trees and loft with play boat
• Formal great room with 21-ft. ceiling
• Formal dining room with custom oak floor
• Gourmet kitchen, huge butler's pantry & wine cellar
• Library with carved oak paneling
• Indoor pool and spa
• Open plan family room with theater, full kitchen, bar and dining area
• Game room and exercise room
• Outdoor pool and spa with cabana, sauna, steam room and massage room
• Putting green, tennis and sports courts
• Carriage house with guest quarters
• Five car garage

It's located at 950 Lake Shore Road.

Art Van Home
(credit: Higbie Maxon Agney)
Art Van Home
(credit: Higbie Maxon Agney)
Art Van Home
(credit: Higbie Maxon Agney)
Art Van Home
(credit: Higbie Maxon Agney)
Art Van Home
(credit: Higbie Maxon Agney)
Art Van Home
(credit: Higbie Maxon Agney)
Art Van Home
(credit: Higbie Maxon Agney)
Art Van Home
(credit: Higbie Maxon Agney)
Art Van Home
(credit: Higbie Maxon Agney)

Interested? You have of weeks to think about it. Bids on the property will be accepted Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.  Learn more about the estate and how to participate in the auction at this link.

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