News

Sep 22, 2023

$2.3M Oakland County home has private pond, beach and waterfall

A stunning Oakland Township home once featured in Better Homes & Gardens on expansive grounds with its own private pond, beach and waterfall is listed for sale at $2.3 million. About 10 minutes from

A stunning Oakland Township home once featured in Better Homes & Gardens on expansive grounds with its own private pond, beach and waterfall is listed for sale at $2.3 million.

About 10 minutes from downtown Rochester near the end of a cul-de-sac sits 920 Pine Needle Trail, listed by Douglas Rahaim and Lauren Rahaim of DOBI Real Estate in Birmingham.

A gated entrance alongside a rock wall at the front of the property gives way to a driveway that leads past a 22-feet-deep pond stocked with trout and bass in turquoise-colored water. There's also a beach, and an 11-foot grotto with a stunning waterfall that cycles more than 2,500 gallons of water per minute.

The current owners are the second family to occupy this three-story home on four acres, built in 1999.

“They put over $1 million into this property. They added the pond. … It's more like a glorified lake,” said Lauren Rahaim, who also mentioned more than 100 trees and large rocks were added to the lush landscape.

A covered porch that spans the width of the house welcomes guests to this 7,000-square-foot home that has five fireplaces, five bedrooms, five full baths, two half baths and a three-car attached garage.

“The house is kind of sectioned off into two different areas,” Lauren said. “One area is kind of like the main living area and the other is more formal and has offices.”

Inside the front entrance, to the left, is a formal sitting room, with custom trim, crown moulding and a limestone fireplace, that leads to an attached walkthrough library space with a custom window seat. Next are two offices, one with custom walnut paneling, a coffered ceiling, a gas fireplace with leathered granite surround and a Séura-framed TV (included in the sale).

More:Oakland County's top 10 most expensive houses sold in February

More:For $198,500, you could own an old Michigan railroad depot and save some Up North history

Toward the back of the house is a two-story-tall custom kitchen that makes a dramatic statement with its custom clean look overlooking a private backyard and attached sunroom. The kitchen was featured in Better Homes & Gardens magazine in 2003.

“The design is a blend of traditional in the form of farmhouse-style sinks and European faucets – with modern touches,” the magazine article read.

There are copious windows in the adjoining dining room with washed woods and soft colors. Tumbled-marble flooring sets the tone for the space that has beaded-board finishes on the cabinets, white cabinetry, transom windows atop solid core doors that line the ceiling, a custom desk hutch, a second sink in the island and a two-story stone fireplace. The space also includes Viking dual ovens, a warming drawer, an oversized Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, a new dishwasher and a pantry.

An upper balcony holds a library that overlooks the kitchen, adding another layer of architectural interest.

The main floor also includes a family room with custom built-ins and surround sound system, leading to an attached covered patio, a large laundry room and a formal dining room.

Dual staircases lead to the second level, which offers a primary suite with high ceilings, two separate bathrooms with shower TVs and separate closets, along with a lounge area that includes a fireplace with limestone surround and another Séura-framed TV. A guest suite and two additional bedrooms are also on the second level.

Another guest suite on the third level includes a built-in desk and storage.

The basement has a full kitchenette with a wine cooler and beer tap, and is plumbed for a beverage station. A custom alder wood entertainment unit, TV projector and screen, gym and a full bath with a steam shower are also included.

Additional upgrades since the current owners purchased the home 10 years ago include 3,000 square feet of walnut flooring, updates to bathrooms, lighting, plantation shutters, a custom closet in the primary suite, a driveway, a cement patio, a raised flower bed next to a secondary water feature, a carriage house with 11-foot ceilings for multiple car storage and a second floor space ready to be finished.

Brendel Hightower is an assistant editor at the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at [email protected].