1868 Italianate Estate South of Ann Arbor, MI

Just 25 minutes from Ann Arbor in the rolling hills of the village of Manchester, stands a notable historic property called the Corey House.  Just a few minutes walk from food, shopping, parks, and the idyllic River Raisin- this Historic property is a showstopper! Built in 1868 for Jeremiah D. Corey, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath is a stunning example of preservation, updates, and Italianate architecture. Situated on a curve entering the village with a grand setback from the road, the original house that was once featured in the 1874 Everts & Stewarts Combined Atlas Maps for Washtenaw County, still stands much like it did then! While it was later referred to as the Ann Arbor Hill Dairy with its depicted barn and 60 original acres, much of the exterior of the home remains the same thanks to thoughtful preservation work.

J.D. Corey Originally came to Washtenaw County in 1833 as a teacher but quickly found a calling in local government as an elected Town Clerk and School inspector in 1839. By 1845, he was elected as Township Supervisor of Manchester township, with re-election in 1854. By 1866 Corey’s ties and trust within the community of Manchester had strengthened, and he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, and as a Justice of the Peace in 1867. At this time, he assisted in the incorporation of Manchester Village. With the purchase of his 60 acres on Ann Arbor Street in 1868 , J. D. Corey built a grand home that speaks to the station of a man who had worked hard in being a major player in the starting years of Michigan’s founding decades. By 1874, Corey would go on to also have a seat in the State senate.

With the post civil war building boom and a fantastic supply of locally made bricks, Corey decided to build in the Italianate style. With an understated elegance, many details that he chose are still visible today. For example, the original 4 over 4 windows with curved upper sashes and brick hooded overhangs were typical for the era and build. But coupled with restored original shutters, hardware, and doors, the front of the property really is inviting from afar. Up close, the 2 front porches look very much like they did in the 1874 drawing! With original serpentine panel details, bracket supports, and multi-layered stacked wood porch columns, the amount of detail adds to the distinction this property holds.

Inside, the extra-large living room with almost floor-to-ceiling windows let in tremendous amounts of light. With added beveled glass accents, a gas fireplace with shelving and basket weave tile creates the perfect space for gatherings. The updated bright kitchen has newer appliances, a massive granite-topped island, and quick access to the huge deck and back yard with a smaller fenced-in area. With high ceilings on the lower level, each room continues to carry the feeling of understated opulence, including the formal entrance parlor. Little details like the wood flooring with a butt-joint pattern, original trim, exposed brick, and the extra office area leave one feeling captivated. Likely, Corey designed this area to serve as an office and receiving area for his constituents and fellow business people.

Not only does the home have MANY updates such as Wiring, Plumbing, Baths, and Kitchen, but it also has been updated after a full energy audit with Meadowlark Builders with a new HVAC, heat pump, and spray foam insulation in the attics and rim joists. It also has Storm and Indow windows systems for maximum heat retention throughout the house. With 2 sets of stairs, there is ample means of traversing the home. Should one want to create a grand staircase, or even put in a lift, the space is available. The house also has a walk-through butler’s panty area with a wet bar for your kitchen extras. With ample storage and a rolling ladder, you will have everything you need at hand.

The 2.36-acre grounds also feature several full beds of perennial flowers, bushes, and other thoughtfully placed plant life. An inviting pergola looks over a fenced veggy/herb garden and water feature to the side where the barn once stood. Inground sprinklers and paver paths through the gardens help make accessibility and maintenance that much easier.  A Large barn and small outbuildings at the back of the property beyond the mature trees are perfect for extra storage. Up to the house, a brick paver and circular driveways lead up to the 2 car garage that was built in the like 1920’s. As a newer addition, a 480sq foot brick studio with its own HVAC and entrance is located near the 2-car garage. With big picture windows showing the mature trees and private lot, it’s a space that inspires the imagination! The space can also be converted with proper permitting and work to an in-law suite as well.  With preservation work recently done to many parts of the home, it’s ready for YOU part of its next story.

Details

Property ID
526416

3
Bedrooms

3
Bathrooms

Square Footage
3414

Lot Size
2.36

Year Built
1868

Style
Italianate

Property Website