Explore the Charm of Applewood Estate: A Hidden Gem in Flint Michigan

Nestled in the heart of Flint Michigan, the Applewood Estate is a testament to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. Applewood offers a unique blend of history, beauty, and community spirit, making it a must-visit destination in Flint.

The magnificent estate, once the residence of automotive pioneer Charles Stewart Mott, offers visitors a unique glimpse into early 20th-century American life, coupled with lush gardens and an array of community events that celebrate Flint’s vibrant spirit.

The Legacy of Charles Stewart Mott

C.S. Mott is synonymous with Flint, but his legacy of community building and philanthropy can be found everywhere from Mott Community College to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor to the C.S. Mott Nature Preserve at Arcadia Dunes.

Mott was also an influential figure in the automotive industry and one of the founders of General Motors. He built Applewood Estate in 1916 on a 64-acre plot of land to accommodate a hobby farm, that included the main house, a gardener’s cottage, and a chicken coop.

While other estates of the time may have been bigger and more imposing, Applewood was designed and built to be a family home, a model of progressive farming, and a hub for agricultural innovation.

The estate, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, takes its name from the property’s orchard and also recognizes Mott’s father. Today, the estate continues to embody Mott’s vision, serving as a center for educational programs and community engagement.

Applewood’s Architectural Splendor

Applewood Estate is characterized by its elegant architecture and Jacobethan Revival structure, a staple of early 20th-century design. The brick home is characterized by its symmetrical front facade, classical detailing, and use of traditional design elements like columns and pediments.

Inside, the house is a treasure trove of photographs, diaries, videos, and other historical artifacts, original furnishings, and personal items of the Mott family, preserved impeccably to give visitors an authentic look at the history of C.S. Mott and his family, the estate, and the city of Flint.

A Stroll Through Colorful Gardens

One of the most enchanting features of Applewood Estate is its expansive gardens. Spanning over 34 acres, the gardens are a flourish of colors and fragrances throughout the year.

From the delicate blossoms of spring to the rich hues of autumn, the gardens offer a serene escape into nature and include…

The Apple Orchard

Applewood has 71 trees representing 29 heirloom varieties. C.S. Mott moved the orchard to the front of the house and one tree remains from his original plantings.

The Rose Garden

Surrounded by gravel walks and grass strips, the colorful garden features annuals, perennials, and 23 varieties of roses.

The Perennial Garden

Located on the south side of the house, this colorful garden includes roughly 20 beds of annuals and 90 varieties of perennials.

The Cut Flower Garden

This garden features a variety of colorful flowers that are used to create the main home’s colorful arrangements.

The Demonstration Garden

This garden provides ideas and inspiration to visitors with a variety of colorful flowers, herbs, and vegetables. It also includes a statue known as La Brezza.

Fascinating Garden Art at Applewood

Applewood Estate’s gardens are meticulously maintained to showcase a variety of flowers, shrubs, and old-growth trees, some of which were planted by the Mott family themselves.

Complimenting the vibrant gardens are colorful and unique art installations that add to the charm of this historic estate, which include:

• Risky Intentions — Installed at Applewood in 2007
• Marble Wellhead — Installed at Applewood in 1918
• Columnar Construction — Installed at Applewood in 2011
• La Brezza — Installed at Applewood in 1996
• Birdbath — Installed at Applewood in 1918/1992
• Friendly Frog — Installed at Applewood in 2004
• Anvil’s Reach — Installed at Applewood in 2007

Community and Education at the Forefront

Applewood Estate is more than just a historical site; it is a vibrant part of the Flint community that visitors of all ages enjoy exploring.

The estate hosts a variety of events and workshops that focus on gardening, sustainable agriculture, and the history of Flint and its role in the automotive industry. These programs are designed to educate and inspire visitors — from school children to gardening enthusiasts and history buffs.

Applewood’s ongoing programs and events include: 

Storytime at Applewood

Each Friday, children and their guardians are invited for outdoor storytime that’s always free with no reservation required. All visitors need to bring is a chair or a blanket.

Bring Your Lunch and Learn

Visitors are invited to bring a sack lunch and engage in discussions related to civic engagement — a passion of both Charles Stewart Mott and Ruth Mott.

In The Gardens

Visitors can learn gardening secrets from the expert horticulturists who maintain Applewood’s grounds.

Fall Harvest Festival

This celebration highlights everything that makes Applewood special with live music, locally grown food, and programs related to the Mott family’s legacy and local history.

The estate also offers special events throughout the year, such as concerts, holiday celebrations, and educational programs, all set against the backdrop of Flint’s historical charm.

Visiting Applewood

The Applewood Estate is maintained by the Ruth Mott Foundation, and visitors can enjoy free, seasonal guided tours of the grounds. The property includes the main house, the gardens, a barn, a chicken coop, and a garage showcasing vintage automobiles from the Mott family collection.

Applewood is open seasonally from May through October, Thursday through Saturday. Virtual tours are also available.

The main entrance to Applewood is at 1400 E Kearsley St. in Flint with parking close by. The entrance is the same one the Mott family used when they lived there and a friendly greeter is available to answer questions.

While there are no restaurants or food service on-site, guests are encouraged to bring food and drink (no glass) to enjoy at benches and tables around the estate.

A Beacon of Resilience

In recent years, the city of Flint has faced significant challenges, but places like Applewood Estate continue to serve as beacons of community strength and resilience. The estate not only preserves the past but also fosters a sense of unity and hope for the future through its ongoing community engagement and educational initiatives.

Visit Applewood, a Unique Blend of History, Community, and Beauty

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply in search of a peaceful retreat, Applewood Estate promises an enriching and delightful experience. As a symbol of Flint’s enduring spirit, Applewood continues to inspire and educate visitors, honoring the legacy of Charles Stewart Mott, the Mott family, and the vibrant community he cherished.