Aretha Franklin’s Former Detroit Home Listed For $3.15 Million

The former Bloomfield Hills home of legendary singer Aretha Franklin has been listed for $3.15 million.

The “Queen of Soul” purchased the western-facing property in 1997, and it remained one of several residences she owned throughout the Detroit area.

Following Franklin’s death in 2018, ownership of the home became part of a widely publicized estate dispute before ultimately being awarded to her youngest son, Kecalf Cunningham, after a judge ruled on competing wills from 2010 and 2014.

The property was valued at approximately $1.1 million during the 2023 proceedings and has since undergone an extensive transformation to give the home a more modern look.

Property Highlights

Price: $3.15 Million
Location: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Size: 7,148 square feet
Lot Size: Nearly 3/4 acre
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 6
Notable Features: Gated community, resort-style pool, first-floor primary suite, Taj Mahal quartzite kitchen, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, private library, home office, walkout lower level, custom bar, sunset views

For more information about this listing, reach out to Brett Schwartz of Max Brook Realtors at Bschwartz@maxbroock.com.

Inside The Great Room

Stepping inside Aretha Franklin’s former Detroit home, the great room opens beneath soaring 18-foot ceilings and a double-height wall of windows that flood the space with light.

In the center of the room, a sleek linear fireplace is framed by built-in cabinetry and floating display shelves that stretch across the feature wall.

Kitchen

Just behind the great room, the kitchen has been completely reimagined with a clean, contemporary design centered around a large waterfall-edge island topped with Taj Mahal quartzite.

Light wood cabinetry stretches from floor to ceiling, while oversized pendant lights and integrated storage keep the space both functional and visually streamlined.

The space includes professional-grade Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, including double-wall ovens, a gas cooktop, and refrigeration concealed within the custom cabinetry.

A secondary prep sink, generous counter space, and direct access to the outdoor deck make the kitchen suited for everyday cooking and larger gatherings, while expansive windows bring in views of the surrounding property.

Primary Suite

Also on the first floor is the primary suite, which combines generous proportions with direct outdoor access.

Bedroom

Entering the suite, the bedroom features vaulted ceilings, oversized windows, and French doors that open directly onto a private deck.

The spacious layout can easily accommodate a full sleeping and sitting area, while the arched doorway leading to the deck creates a focal point that draws attention toward the outdoor scenery.

Spa-Style Bathroom

On the other end of the bedroom, the suite’s connected bathroom is finished with large-format marble surfaces, creating a bright and polished atmosphere.

At the back of the space, dark wood cabinetry is paired with brass hardware and decorative sconces at the double vanity.

Off to one side, a freestanding soaking tub sits beneath expansive windows and a crystal chandelier, while a glass-enclosed shower on the other side features full-height stone walls, built-in bench seating, and multiple shower fixtures.

Walk-In Closet

The suite is completed by a large walk-in closet where custom-built-ins line both sides of the room, offering extensive hanging racks, drawer storage, and countertops for displaying your favorite items.

Lower Level Enertainment Wing

The home’s walkout lower level adds more than 3,000 square feet of additional living space, functioning almost as a second residence.

Finished in the same clean, contemporary style found throughout the rest of the home, the level begins with a spacious lounge gathered around a modern fireplace with vertically stacked tile.

Just steps away, the space transitions into a full wet bar designed to support the entertainment-focused layout.

Dark cabinetry contrasts against bright stone countertops, while extensive prep space, open shelving, integrated refrigeration, and a sink allow the area to function like a secondary kitchen.

Spa Area

Down the hall, the lower level also includes a dedicated wellness area which combines a custom sauna, oversized steam-style shower, and built-in storage designed to support post-workout recovery and everyday relaxation.

The sauna is enclosed in warm wood paneling and features tiered bench seating, while next to it, a large glass-enclosed shower offers multiple fixtures and a built-in bench.

Custom cabinetry, integrated storage, and a built-in changing area can help organize towels, workout gear, and personal items while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance.

Backyard

Stepping outside, the home’s rear elevation opens onto an expansive elevated deck that overlooks the property.

Framed by floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple access points from the main living spaces, the deck functions as an outdoor extension of the home’s interior while providing views across the lawn and surrounding landscape.

Below, a covered walkout patio sits directly beneath the deck. This two-tiered design allows each floor of the home to maintain its own connection to the outdoors, making the backyard feel integrated into the overall layout.

Beyond the house, the property unfolds into a broad stretch of lawn bordered by trees and established landscaping that leads to the newly completed resort-style pool complex.

Surrounded by an expansive sun deck with multiple seating areas, the pool is complemented by a dedicated pool house and space for lounging, entertaining, and hosting larger gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Franklin owned this home during an important chapter of her life, making it part of the legacy she left in Detroit, a city she proudly called home throughout her career.

Following the resolution of her estate, the property has entered a new era through an extensive renovation that carefully balances its history with modern living.

For its future buyer, the home offers an opportunity to own a piece of Franklin’s story, paired with contemporary upgrades, resort-style amenities, and a coveted location within one of Detroit’s most established luxury communities.