Inglis House

The Inglis Estate’s Eclectic Architecture & Extensive Gardens: A Representation of James and Elizabeth Inglis’ Marriage

by Abby Bloink

The Inglis House stands as a testament to life in Ann Arbor a century ago, perched on eight acres overlooking what is now Nichols Arboretum. James and Elizabeth Inglis built the estate in 1927; it later became property of the University of Michigan. Currently, it is a private residence once more. This luxurious house featured innovative amenities, from Michigan’s first walk-in shower to some of the town’s most notable gardens. The Inglis House has more than just curb appeal; it reveals a compelling story of architectural innovation, ties to the University of Michigan, and represents the Inglis’ marriage.

Ignoring their Scottish roots, James and Elizabeth Inglis built “an elegant English-style mansion,” reflecting an ironic adoption of English architecture (Shackman). The name Inglis “is believed to have come from the old English for ‘Englishman’” (“Inglis Clan History”). This architectural decision reflects the couple's admiration for English culture.

Natural materials like “irregular brick and stone” define the house’s structure (Duderstadt 13). The Inglis House embraces “harmony with the landscape and a reliance on local, often natural, materials,” reflecting the unity and innateness of James and Elizabeth's marriage (Dunford) while celebrating their individual identities. The physical structure serves as an armored front, signified James' business success as the owner of the American Blower Company (“American Blower Co.”).

Photo of Inglis House (1947), courtesy of Anne Duderstadt

Gardening was Elizabeth’s passion, and her “gardening skills were widely recognized” as she created what is now known as “Inglis boxwood” (Duderstadt 6). In many traditional relationships, the man often served as the ‘face’ of the couple. Still, Elizabeth cultivated her gardens behind the scenes. While the house’s striking irregular brick may be the first thing you see, Elizabeth’s gardening contributions were equally significant in shaping the Inglis legacy (8).

Photo of Inglis House Gardens (n.d.), courtesy of Anne Duderstadt

Luxury amenities were a privilege that the Inglis family was used to. This home has many unique features, including the state of Michigan’s first walk-in shower. “The estate grounds also had a greenhouse, workshop, a tennis court, a three-hole golf course, and at one time a peacock house with peacocks” (Duderstadt 5).

In order to contribute to their community after James’ passing, the “Inglis House was given to the University of Michigan in 1951 by Mrs. Elizabeth H. Inglis” (Duderstadt 9). The University of Michigan owned the home for 67 years, during which it underwent several renovations, including replanting the gardens (42).

Selling the Inglis house eventually became necessary due to costly maintenance. In 2017, UM sold the property to a Michigan family. The university president at the time stated, “The university can't afford to keep the property [but] … officials have also said that any proceeds from the sale would go into a fund for student scholarships” (Baldas 5). Although the house is no longer university-owned, its rich history endures through the Inglis name.

Photo of James and Elizabeth Inglis (1947), courtesy of Anne Duderstadt

Works Cited

"American Blower Co." Sturtevant, bfsturtevant.com/abc.html. Accessed 23 October 2024.

Baldas, Tresa. "Grand Hotel Owners to Buy Ann Arbor Mansion to Live with Their 6 Children." Detroit Free

Press, 6 Dec. 2017, freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2017/12/06/grand-hotel-ann-arbor-ma nsion-

inglis-house/928279001/. Accessed 23 October 2024.

Duderstadt, Anne. “The Inglis House Estate at the University of Michigan.” University of Michigan, 1996, http://milproj.dc.umich.edu/pdfs/Inglis_House.pdf. Accessed 23 October

2024.

Duderstadt, Anne. Photo of Inglis House 1947. “The Inglis House Estate at the University of Michigan.” University of Michigan, 1996, http://milproj.dc.umich.edu/pdfs/Inglis_House.pdf. Accessed 23 October 2024.

Duderstadt, Anne. Photo of Inglis House Gardens (n.d.). “The Inglis House Estate at the University of Michigan.” University of Michigan, 1996, http://milproj.dc.umich.edu/pdfs/Inglis_House.pdf. Accessed 23 October 2024.

Duderstadt, Anne. Photo of James and Elizabeth Inglis (n.d.). “The Inglis House Estate at the University of Michigan.” University of Michigan, 1996, http://milproj.dc.umich.edu/pdfs/Inglis_House.pdf. Accessed 23 October 2024.

Dunford, Charlotte. "Architectural Styles: A Guide to Period Homes." The English Home, 1 May 2023,

theenglishhome.co.uk/architectural-styles-guide-period-homes/. Accessed 23 October 2024.

"Englishman." Dictionary.com, www.dictionary.com/browse/englishman. Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.

"Inglis Clan History." Scotclans,

scotclans.com/blogs/clans-h/inglis-clan-history#:~:text=The%20name%20In glis%20is%20believed,David%20I%20to%20Melrose%20Abbey. Accessed 23 October 2024.

Shackman, Grace. "Inglis House." Ann Arbor District Library,

aadl.org/aaobserver/15256. Accessed 23 October 2024.

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