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.
Unique Experiences at Frederick K. Stearns House
Historic Charm
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 a number of famed Detroit attractions including Eastern Market, Belle Isle, the Detroit Riverfront, and the Renaissance Center.
Romance
The Fredrick K Stearns House is the perfect place for a romantic Detroit getaway. Toast a special occasion in the modern speakeasy pub, be pampered with a soaking tub with bubbles or a rainforest shower, or have the inn’s innkeeper order special flowers or amenities.
Culture
Metro Detroit is home to the big three automakers, professional sports teams, and some of the best musical talents in the world. From Motown Records to the Model T, Detroit has produced some of the nation’s most culturally significant entertainers and manufactured products.
Weddings
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.
Cool City and History of the Stearns family
As quoted by Rachel Mitchel, the owner and current guardian of the Stearns House, "Detroit has many historic homes and grand architecture. Detroit is the city of Rome for Europe as it was for this country back in the day for its economic and cultural significance. It has gone through hard times but what made the city great is still here, that is the Detroit spirit that was embodied so well by Frederick K. Stearns. His father's entrepreneurial spirit brought the family from Buffalo, New York to Detroit. He was the president of Frederick Stearns & Company, a pharmaceutical manufacturing business, from 1887 to 1921. He was the organizer of the Detroit Orchestral Association, which later became the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, a trustee of the Detroit Museum of Art, and the owner of the Detroit Wolverines baseball team in the National League from 1885 to 1888.
In Ann Arbor, a collection of more than 2500 musical instruments, the basis of which is from the Stearn family, is kept at the University of Michigan's school of music. He was a world traveler and a learner. The basis of the Detroit Institute of Art's Egyptian collection was originally their private collection. On September 22, 1877, a bell telephone was installed on this site in the drugstore operated by Frederick Stearns. You can see Frederick Stearns is the man who has achieved a lot and given back a lot and left us later generations a great deal to appreciate and learn from."
Events
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.
Waterways
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.”
Winter Fun
The Detroit Lions, Red Wings, and Pistons all host professional sporting events during the wintertime in and near the Motor City. Here are some other ideas to consider getting away during the colder months:
If you are a fan of parades and early winter holidays, check out the annual Detroit Parade which is on par with the televised versions.
The Detroit Zoo is the largest in Michigan and is host to a wide range of exotic species and other animals. It is open 362 days a year, which makes it a great destination throughout the winter months.
Looking for a little romance during your winter trip to Detroit, consider checking out the annual Belle Isle Holiday Stroll- lots of fun with a holiday theme. You will find romantic holiday lights and decorations with usually a snowy backdrop.
