423 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms isn’t just an address—it’s a 20,000-square-foot waterfront masterpiece that showcases the journey of a Michigan business icon. The Tony Soave House pairs neoclassical grandeur with personalized touches, like a sprawling wedding field built by demolishing a neighboring estate.
Tony Soave House
The Soave Residence commands attention from both land and lake. Located at coordinates 42°24′42″ N, 82°53′10″ W, this lakefront manor (along Lake St. Clair) offers sweeping views of Lake St. Clair from nearly every east-facing room.
What sets this mansion apart isn’t just its size or location but how it balances grandeur with livability. Anthony Soave’s business acumen and meticulous attention to detail shaped every inch of this property.
From the moment you approach the gated entrance, the home’s impressive scale becomes clear. The limestone facade features soaring columns and perfectly symmetrical windows that create a sense of balance. This isn’t just another luxury home—it’s become a landmark in Grosse Pointe’s architectural landscape.
Real Estate Developer
The man behind the mansion, Anthony Soave, built his fortune from the ground up. As President, CEO, and Founder of Soave Enterprises LLC, he oversees a diverse portfolio spanning real estate, automotive dealerships, beverage distribution, and industrial services. Before his current business empire, Soave founded City Management Corporation, which grew into one of the Midwest’s largest waste management companies.
With a net worth estimated between $2-7 billion, Tony Soave brought both substantial resources and refined taste to creating his residence. Unlike many wealthy homeowners who simply hire contractors and step back, Soave applied his developer’s expertise to every aspect of the project.
Soave’s rise from entrepreneur to tycoon echoes in the home’s blend of old-world craftsmanship and modern amenities, creating spaces that feel both timeless and contemporary.
Location & Setting
Few addresses carry the prestige of Grosse Pointe Farms’ Lake Shore Road. This stretch of shoreline has long attracted Detroit’s business leaders and old-money families, creating a neighborhood filled with architectural treasures.
The Soave Estate enjoys both privacy and prominence here. Tall hedges and thoughtful landscaping shield the property from street view, while the lake-facing sections maximize the stunning water vistas. Despite feeling secluded, the mansion sits just minutes from downtown Grosse Pointe and about 30 minutes from Detroit’s city center.
The spot balances lakeside charm with upscale privacy. Grosse Pointe Farms maintains strict zoning regulations that preserve the area’s character, ensuring that the Soave villa remains surrounded by equally impressive properties. Nearby landmarks include the Country Club of Detroit, Grosse Pointe Hunt Club, and the historic Henry Ford II Residence.
Architectural Design & Style
The Tony Soave House masterfully blends classical elements with modern functionality. Designed by respected firm McIntosh Poris Associates, the residence features a neoclassical exterior while incorporating contemporary comforts throughout its interior spaces.
The symmetrical facade immediately impresses visitors with its limestone details, decorative pilasters, and carefully balanced windows. Multiple gables and dormers break up the roofline, adding visual interest while helping the massive structure feel appropriately scaled to its surroundings.
McIntosh Poris Associates brought their expertise in both residential and commercial design to tackle a challenging brief: create a home that feels cohesive despite its enormous footprint. They succeeded by establishing natural transitions between spaces and considering sightlines that showcase both interior features and water views.
Materials throughout were chosen for both beauty and longevity—Italian marble, hand-crafted millwork, custom ironwork, and other premium elements create a sense of substance. These choices reflect Soave’s appreciation for craftsmanship and his intention to build a legacy property that would stand for generations.
Interior Highlights
How Big Is the Mansion?
At 20,000 square feet, the Soave Estate provides ample space for both grand entertaining and family living. The layout separates public and private areas while maintaining a logical flow throughout.
The main level welcomes guests with a grand foyer featuring a sweeping staircase, then leads to formal living and dining rooms with 14-foot ceilings. A chef’s kitchen connects to a comfortable family room, while a wood-paneled library offers a more intimate gathering space. Custom moldings and architectural details enhance the sense of craftsmanship throughout.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom suite includes separate dressing areas, spa-inspired bathrooms, and a private sitting room with a fireplace. Additional bedroom suites occupy this level, each with unique character and an ensuite bathroom.
The lower levels house recreational spaces, including a home theater, wine cellar, fitness center, and indoor swimming pool. Practical considerations weren’t overlooked—staff quarters, laundry facilities, and extensive storage ensure the massive home remains functional and manageable.
Who Designed the Mansion?
Michigan-based firm McIntosh Poris Associates created the architectural vision for the Soave Residence. Known for their thoughtful approach to residential, commercial, and cultural projects, they ensured that despite its scale, the home maintains human proportions and livability.
The interior design flows seamlessly from the architecture, creating spaces that feel both impressive and comfortable. Many furnishings were commissioned specifically for the residence, giving it a unique character impossible to replicate.
The landscape design deserves special mention. Carefully planned gardens, water features, and outdoor living spaces extend the home’s usable area into the grounds. These outdoor rooms function as extensions of the interior spaces, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
Stories Behind the Stone
The most famous story about the Soave Estate involves an extraordinary gesture for family. When planning his daughter’s wedding, Tony Soave purchased a neighboring Victorian mansion and had it demolished to create an open field where a spectacular wedding tent could be erected.
This anecdote speaks volumes about Soave’s priorities and resources. Rather than choosing an outside venue, he transformed his property to create the perfect celebration space—a gesture that became a local legend and showcased his dedication to creating memorable family experiences.
While the current mansion is relatively new by Grosse Pointe standards, the land itself has a rich history. Previous structures in this area housed some of Detroit’s most prominent families, creating a lineage of luxury that continues with the Soave property.
During construction, Soave flew in European artisans to hand-carve unique features throughout the home. These artisans applied traditional techniques to create one-of-a-kind features—hand-carved woodwork, decorative plasterwork, and custom stonework that would be difficult to replicate today.
Property Details & Specifications
The Tony Soave Manor isn’t just impressive in size—it’s packed with luxurious features that make it one of Michigan’s most remarkable residences:
- Property Size: Spanning 3 acres of prime lakefront land in Grosse Pointe Farms
- Living Space: 20,000 square feet spread across multiple levels
- Room Count: Approximately 15 main rooms, including 6 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms
- Waterfront Features: Private dock extending into Lake St. Clair with boat slip facilities
Outdoor Amenities
- Resort-style swimming pool with dedicated cabana and pool house
- Professional-grade tennis court with viewing area
- Multiple terraces designed for outdoor entertaining
- Formal gardens with mature landscaping and water features
Parking & Storage
- Attached five-car garage with climate control
- Separate carriage house providing additional vehicle storage
- Motor court with space for event parking
Interior Features
- Home theater with professional-grade audio and projection
- Wine cellar with temperature and humidity control
- Fitness center equipped with commercial-quality equipment
- Indoor swimming pool and spa area
- Chef’s kitchen with professional appliances and catering capabilities
Technology Integration
- Whole-house automation system controlling climate, lighting, and security
- Sophisticated audio distribution throughout interior and exterior spaces
- State-of-the-art security monitoring and access control
Practical Amenities
- Staff quarters with separate entrance
- Multiple laundry facilities strategically placed throughout the home
- Extensive storage spaces designed for specific purposes
- The generator system is capable of powering essential home functions
Energy Efficiency
- High-performance insulation throughout the structure
- Energy-efficient windows with UV protection for art and furnishings
- Modern HVAC systems with zoned climate control
- Smart home features to optimize resource consumption
Each element of the property has been designed to be as practical as it is luxurious—creating an estate that works as well as it impresses.
Life in Grosse Pointe Farms
Lakeshore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms ranks among Michigan’s most prestigious addresses. Neighboring properties include historic estates once owned by automotive dynasties, including members of the Ford family. The Henry Ford II Residence stands nearby, creating a neighborhood steeped in Detroit’s industrial heritage.
Living at the Soave Estate means access to exceptional community amenities. The Country Club of Detroit offers world-class golf, tennis, and social opportunities minutes away. The Grosse Pointe Hunt Club provides equestrian facilities for riding enthusiasts. Beautiful lakefront parks complete the neighborhood’s appeal.
Grosse Pointe Farms maintains its exclusive character through careful zoning and development oversight. Tree-lined streets, well-maintained public spaces, and architectural review processes ensure that the area remains one of Metro Detroit’s most coveted residential districts.
While private and secluded, the location provides easy access to metropolitan amenities. Downtown Detroit’s cultural institutions, sports venues, and dining lie just 30 minutes away. Meanwhile, excellent private schools, boutique shopping, and gourmet restaurants in Grosse Pointe ensure that daily conveniences are never far from home.
Why Tony Soave House Matters
Beyond statistics and luxury features, the Soave Residence represents an important piece of contemporary architectural heritage. In an era when many high-end homes embrace minimalist or ultramodern design, this estate demonstrates the enduring appeal of traditional architecture executed with exceptional materials and craftsmanship.
The property reflects today’s definition of upscale living in the 21st century. While maintaining formal spaces for entertaining, it incorporates casual living areas, wellness facilities, and technology integration that previous generations of mansion builders couldn’t have imagined. This mix of classic style and modern comforts redefines luxury living.
Economically, the Soave Mansion contributes significantly to local property values and tax revenue. High-value properties like this help fund exceptional public services throughout Grosse Pointe while setting standards for maintenance that benefit the entire neighborhood.
Perhaps most meaningfully, the estate stands as a physical embodiment of the American dream—representing one entrepreneur’s journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary success. Through hard work, business savvy, and determination, Tony Soave built both a business empire and a personal residence that will likely stand for generations as a testament to his accomplishments.
This 20,000-square-foot masterpiece on Lake Shore Road isn’t just a house—it’s a landmark that tells a story about both its owner and the community around it. From thoughtful architectural choices to that famous wedding field anecdote, the Tony Soave House has earned its place among Michigan’s most notable residential properties.
