A distinctive modern residence in Franklin, Michigan, designed by the late architect Ken Neumann as his personal home, has been listed for $3.25 million. This marks the first time the property, constructed in 1987, has been available on the market.
The five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom house is situated in an area known for its preserved 19th-century homes, standing out with its sleek, contemporary design. For nearly four decades, the glass-walled home has been a local point of interest, with its current listing offering the public a rare opportunity to view its interior.
Neumann, who primarily focused on commercial projects, incorporated Bauhaus design principles into his 7,348-square-foot residence. The home is described as a blend of his commercial and residential work, featuring clean lines and modern materials. It has been featured in publications such as Elle Decor and books like "Architects House Themselves" and "Dream Homes Michigan."
![Aerial view of the "upside down" house designed by Kenneth Neumann, nestled among lush trees next to a river.]( "Aerial view of the "upside down" house designed by Kenneth Neumann, nestled among lush trees next to a river.")
Architect Ken Neumann and his wife, Beverly Neumann, an artist, purchased the lot from another architect who deemed it "unbuildable" due to its sloping terrain and dense trees. It took 15 years from the purchase of the land to the completion of the house, a period during which the couple contemplated their design.
The home's design, characterized as an "upside-down wedding cake" by realtor Linda Hiller Novak, was conceived to integrate with the natural landscape, avoiding the removal of any trees. Neumann and his wife were inspired by the surrounding environment, with the house's horizontal lines intended to contrast with the verticality of the trees.
Initially painted white, the home was later updated to a natural red-brick color. Expansive windows across the rear of the structure offer panoramic views of an artesian pond on the 1.24-acre property and fill the interior with natural light. The design follows the land's slope, creating a cascading effect down the hillside, with large windows extending below the first floor.
Inside, the residence is designed for both entertaining and private relaxation. The remodeled galley kitchen features new Viking and Miele appliances. A pass-through window connects the kitchen to a living area that includes extensive built-in bookshelves crafted from Bird's Eye maple. An estimated 10,000 books from the Neumanns' collection were previously removed and sold.
An artist's studio, where Beverly Neumann worked, is connected to the primary suite and features bold black-and-white checkered floors and a large window overlooking the trees. The primary suite includes heated floors, an updated bathroom, and a spacious walk-in closet. The four additional bedrooms also feature ample windows with views of the surrounding landscape; the home notably has no window treatments.
Amenities include an elevator providing access to all three levels, a weather-resistant EPDM roof installed in 2025, a full-home generator, an intercom system, closed-circuit cameras, and exterior video surveillance. The property also has a heated patio and driveway.
The listing describes the property as "more than a home—it is a work of art, a legacy of design, and a living environment unlike any other in Franklin."