Highgate Garden

About

This Open Day is presented in partnership with Oudolf Garden Detroit.

Located in the heart of Bloomfield Hills, near the historic Cranbrook campus, this estate on Lone Pine has been in the same family for generations. Currently under the stewardship of the original owner’s grandson and family, their tenure has focused on preservation and a mindful effort towards converting a large portion of the grounds into a wildlife sanctuary.

Situated high above a river and lake ecosystem, the main home has a wondrous vista of the meadow and watershed. Boxed and manicured bedding plant gardens at the foot of the rear terrace add a decided formality, framing the entrance to the great wild beyond.

The meadow, now in its fourth season, has knitted together with a mix of native shrubs, grasses, and forbs. Rambling through the meadow are footpaths leading the curious through several biomes that host decidedly unique, site-specific plantings. Although aesthetically wild in nature, with a rambling feel, the meadow was methodically designed to simulate God’s painted brushstrokes.

An open oak savannah is hemmed in by borders of natural wood and wetlands. A historic gazebo has been fully restored and moved just beyond the beyond. Once a course is set, the arrival to this fanciful structure is a perfect perch to watch the butterflies and sip a cocktail while playing a game of bridge or mahjong.

Explore and be transported back in time when historic Bloomfield Hills hosted garden parties for the great scions of industry.

This garden's estimated size is 2 acres.

This Garden Host reports the following Terrain Notes about the garden: There are steps leading down to the formal gardens and sloping terrain to visit the meadow. There are gravel paths through the formal gardens and footpaths throughout the meadow.

2026 Open Day Date: Saturday, June 27

Open Day Hours: 10am–4pm