‘One of a kind’: Historic Canton home, loaded with charm, hits market for $899K

A Canton home that blends historic charm with modern amenities, and that dates to 1844, is now on the market for $899,000.

This Greek Revival house at 6205 N. Ridge Road, known as the John and Eliza Barr Patterson House, was built in 1844 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2000. This historic property remained in the same family until 1999, enhancing its rich heritage. The property was sold to John Patterson, who built the home with log beams still visible in the Michigan basement. After his passing in 1856 at age 52, Patterson left the land to his wife, Eliza Barr, with the condition that it would pass to their son Charles after her death.

Located on 1.46 acres in western Canton, the home borders the 134-acre Zibiwés Nature Area, a protected nature reserve that offers open space, natural habitats and undeveloped woodlands off of Ford Road. The peaceful and private setting provides a sharp contrast to the nearby residential developments, as well as subdivisions and shopping centers found in other parts of the township.

“This is one of a kind. It's unique, it’s got a ton of charm, and the setting is really why we purchased the property,” said current owner Paul Mersino.

Andrea Kinney, co-listing agent with The Charles Reinhart Company in Ann Abor, describes the home as “a new house wrapped in a historic house.” She explains: “Everything has been redone. You walk in, and to the left is the new addition, while to the right is the original home.”

The home retains much of its historic charm with hardwood plank floors, whitewashed wood doors, exposed beamwork, and vintage tin ceilings in several rooms. Farm-style doors add to the rustic aesthetic. A second-floor window from the back of the original house remains intact and is visible from the inside of the family room. The home also features access to the original Michigan basement from the kitchen. 

The addition to the original house was built between 2000 and 2005, according to Mersino.

Elements such as windows, shelving, floors, doors, and beams have been carefully designed to appear vintage, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the home’s historic character.

The 1½-story home boasts four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a two-car garage with a loft, and 3,639 square feet of finished living space.

Upon entering through the front door (though the primary entrance is located on the side), you’ll find a living room, dining room, kitchen, family room, den/office, and the primary suite on the main floor.

The second floor includes three additional bedrooms, a bathroom, and a laundry room, while the basement offers a finished area with a hidden beverage fridge ideal for entertainment.

The backyard provides a serene, park-like setting with an in-ground swimming pool, surrounded by a brick-paved lounging area, and an outdoor fireplace. A barn on the property, a charming white picket fence, beautifully landscaped gardens and a covered wraparound porch further enhance the home’s countryside appeal.

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According to the Realcomp listing, the property has undergone $300,000 in recent upgrades.

These include a renovated primary suite with a custom-built closet, a new Trex deck off of the suite, custom moldings and beams and a fan/chandelier. The primary bathroom has been updated with Calacatta marble double shower, custom glass shower door and porcelain tile floors.

Other improvements include new Hardie board (fiber cement) siding on the rear of the original house, updated light fixtures and extensive landscaping, including 48 boxwoods around the pool, more than a dozen spruce trees for privacy along the front of the property, and several pear trees along the driveway. A new roof also has been installed on the house.

The kitchen has been modernized with a new tile backsplash, microwave, garbage disposal, double-drawer Fisher and Paykel dishwasher, refrigerator, and a 40-inch brass Italian gas range complete with a double oven, griddle, rotisserie, and warming drawer.

“My wife was always telling the kids, ‘You have to take care of this house, it's like living in a museum,’ ” Mersino shared.

Brendel Hightower writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at [email protected]. Support local journalism: Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.