The Fourth Largest Home in America

 “…a testament to an important family and a grand piece of architecture” (ix-x).

The Book 

Matilda Wilson’s Personal Guidebook to Meadow Brook Hall uses Wilson’s words to provide a written guided tour to readers. If you can’t visit for an in-person tour, this is the next best thing. 

Matilda’s first husband was John Dodge (co-founder of the Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company). They acquired Meadow Brook Farm, but John didn’t live long enough to see it transformed into Meadow Brook Hall. The work was done after Matilda married her second husband, Alfred Wilson (a lumber broker). Matilda was personally involved in the design and construction, making sure that all materials were made in America. While the materials are American, the design is Tudor. Today, the Hall and its grounds are owned and operated by Oakland University. The Wilsons generously donated them to create the university in 1957. 

Despite being a very brief book, readers still get a good idea of the history and grandeur of Meadow Brook Hall. The book is organized by rooms, beginning in the Great Hall and moving readers through rooms on the first floor, then on to the lower and second floors.

Images of the rooms, artwork, and features are highlighted, just like on an actual tour of the Hall. Wilson’s words are interspersed with Editor’s notes that provide additional context. Of course, it is no substitute for a tour. Visitors to the Hall will learn more about the family who used the Hall, as well as the architecture and design.

The Place 

Nestled in the rolling hills of Rochester, Michigan sits Meadow Brook Hall. It can’t be seen from the highway and it’s 1500 acres allow visitors to be immersed in the feel of the country, despite being a northern suburb of Detroit. From all angles, the Hall is impressive and it is easy to imagine what it would have been like to drive up the driveway for a party in middle of the twentieth century.

Some highlights are learning about the charitable and civic work of Matilda Wilson, the significance of the décor in each room, seeing the two chairs used by the Dodge brothers in their office, the 1919 Aeolian organ (which can be heard throughout the house), and the closet specifically designed for wrapping presents (the picture to the right).

Visitors can choose a self-guided or guided tour. I would recommend the guided tour, because you always learn more from the seasoned tour guides. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, taking you through all levels of the house. Before or after your tour, you can roam the grounds. Tickets must be purchased online, in advance. In between Thanksgiving and Christmas, visitors can also enjoy a self-guided holiday tour or the Winter Wonder Lights light displays and show.