Historic Ann Arbor Home Near University Michigan Hospital and Campuses

Description

Steps from Umich’s Central, North, and Hospital Campuses, this beautifully maintained historic home offers a rare combination of old-world character and modern comfort—an ideal home base for visiting faculty, researchers, or writers seeking inspiration and convenience in equal measure. A Home with a Literary Past This house has a story of its own as well as a name: The Blunderstone Rookery. Over the decades, it's been home to several U-M professors, one of whom hosted frequent gatherings featuring readings by some of the 20th century's most celebrated poets—including Seamus Heaney and Allen Ginsberg. That literary legacy still lingers in the character of the house: high ceilings, original woodwork, and light-filled rooms seem built for reading, writing, and conversation. Thoughtfully Updated for Modern Living While the house retains its historic charm—wood floors, built-in cabinets, radiator heat, and a covered front porch—it is loaded with contemporary conveniences: modern cabinets and appliances, updated bathrooms, outdoor furnishings and grill, an extensive library, Sonos sound, Apple home automation, and cable TV. A dedicated home office is equipped for serious academic or creative work, with a wrap-around desk supporting two people, external displays, excellent natural light, high-speed Internet, and a laser printer. Whether you're finishing a book, writing a dissertation, or preparing a semester's worth of lectures, this space is perfect for sustained, uninterrupted work. Unbeatable Location The Blunderstone Rookery is an easy walk from the University of Michigan campuses, as well as downtown Ann Arbor. Lecture halls, offices, restaurants, shops, theaters, parks, schools, and clinics are all within a 20-minute walk. The main entrance to the magnificent Nichols Arboretum lies a few hundred yards from our front door—providing a convenient escape into nature no matter the season. For researchers, the university's extraordinary library system—one of the largest academic collections in the country—is just a short walk away. And when you need a change of venue, the area is full of quiet cafés and secluded nooks perfect for reading, editing, or simply people-watching before heading back to your desk. Families will appreciate the local elementary school down the street, as well as excellent middle and high schools within an easy bike ride. Ann Arbor’s municipal library is also walkable. There you will find an impressive collection of books for every age and in multiple languages. The local library also presents a host of programs each week, from story time for toddlers, to arts and crafts workshops, fairs and competitions, and visiting speakers. A Small Furry Roommate The Blunderstone Rookery also comes with a small permanent resident: a friendly senior cat who splits her time between the yard and sunny spots indoors. Residents will need to feed and care for Meetons, our black kit-kat with four white paws who was too unique to take on the prevalent name of Mittens. Ideal For - Visiting professors and faculty on sabbatical - Graduate students or postdocs conducting research - Writers and academics seeking a quiet, inspiring place to work - Families who want walkable access to good schools In Short - Three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms - Office, library, living and dining rooms, and small bonus room - Fully furnished, including grand piano - Fully equipped kitchen with many modern appliances - Easy walking distance to U-M campuses, downtown, and local parks - Elementary school within 5-minute walk - Middle and high schools a short bike ride away - Resident cat requiring feeding and basic care If you're looking for a home where history, quiet productivity, and Ann Arbor's academic energy all come together—with a bit of creative magic thrown in—you’ve come to the right place.