DECEMBER 29, 2021 UPDATE: This house finally sold in August of 2021 for a price of $625,000. You can read more about the sale of the house here.


If you've driven up and down Plainfield Avenue, there is no doubt that you have noticed this house. Everyone always asks to know more about it. Now we have pictures and you could call it "home" for $700,000.

The home is located on at 2615 Plainfield Avenue, between Aberdeen and Three Mile Roads. From what I can find, it looks like the house was built in 1939 or 1940 by John & Nellie VanderJagt. John was the president of Reliable Cartage Co., the principle hauler of goods for the A & P Food Stores. There is also a story of VanderJagt possibly being a bootlegger during prohibition, and that's actually where he got the money to build the house. John died in 1941 at age 51 shortly after the home was complete. His wife Nellie died in 1985 at age 92.

Many people say the home was owned by Guy Vander Jagt who was a Michign politician. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. He never lived in the house. It is believed that John VanderJagt may have been his uncle.

There have also been rumors of the house having a bowling alley, a pool and an elevator...but pictures don't indicate any of those things. However, the home does have a built in pipe organ.

The home sits on just over 1.5 acres. I've always been impressed with the brick posts with chain hanging between them, along with the lion head ornamental pieces in the center.

The lengthy description of the home on the real estate listing reads in part:

Welcome to an iconic landmark home of Grand Rapids. Built in 1940, this home has witnessed Grand Rapids grow from a small town to the metropolis that it is today. It boasts 5,300 square feet, 5 beds, 4 full baths, 2 half baths, a 3-stall attached garage, and stately lion emblems that frame the 1.65 acre estate! You will probably recognize it. It is one of those homes you drive by and wish you could take a peak inside. The opportunity has finally arrived. Loved for two generations of families, this home is now ready to have a third family call it their home. You know you are walking into a magical place when you stroll up the slate pathway, stand at the solid oak door, and look up to find engraved in stone above the threshold, 'God Bless This Home'.

The listing refers to the home as "a world caught in time, where contractors were not hired, but artisans did the work." 

The listing also says that all of the original light fixtures have been preserved.

 

Homes like this are timeless. Built at the top of their class back then, they still hold up today. This is when quality and craftsmanship never go out of style. Where slate roofs, plaster walls, and lions not only capture ones imagination, but also ones heart.

Here is the link to see the actual listing (there are additional photos with the listing).

Check out some of the pictures...

Iconic Grand Rapids Home for Sale

This iconic house located on Plainfield Ave. in Grand Rapids, Michigan has caught the eye of passers-by. Now that it's for sale, we can finally get a look at the inside.

SEE MORE: Take a Look Inside This Beautiful Victorian Home on Mackinac Island

 

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