Take a Peek Inside Aretha Franklin’s 1990s Detroit Mansion

In honor of what would have been her 83rd birthday, check out the palace that gave the Queen of Soul a beautiful view of the exclusive Detroit Golf Club

With nearly six decades in the music business, Aretha Franklin was a legendary singer and songwriter known for chart-topping hits like “Respect” and “Chain of Fools.” Franklin grew up singing in her father’s church and went on to become the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
That’s So Raven Dad Pleads For Donations From Hospital Bed

Born March 25, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, Franklin’s career took her all over the world, but Detroit was the place she called home until her 2018 death. Franklin owned many beautiful homes in the Motor City, including a stunning three-story mansion overlooking the Detroit Golf Club – the place she lived in while recording her 1998 album, “A Rose is Still A Rose.”

Franklin’s estate sold the mansion in October 2018 to a developer, who made major renovations. But we took a peek inside the home while it still had some of Franklin’s original details. In honor of what would have been her 83rd birthday, check out Aretha’s home for yourself here.

Detroit’s Queen

Photo: Getty Images Express Newspapers

Born March 25 in Memphis, Tennessee, Franklin moved to Detroit with her family as a young girl after her mother passed away and her father, Reverend Clarence La Vaughan “C. L.” Franklin, got a job at New Bethel Baptist Church.

Celebrated by the City

DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 29: The remains of Aretha Franklin arrive at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History where she will lie in repose for a second day of public viewing on August 29, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Franklin’s funeral will be held Friday at Greater Grace Temple. Photo: Getty Images Scott Olson

Franklin lived in Detroit until her passing in August of 2018 from complications related to pancreatic cancer. Thousands of mourners came to pay their respects to the music legend during a public viewing at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit,

A Detroit Mansion

Screenshot: YouTube

Built in 1927, this three-story brick home is fit for a queen. It has nearly 6,000 square feet of space inside and lots of beautiful features, including high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. Aretha Franklin purchased this home in 1993, according to Local 4 Detroit.

An Amazing View

Screenshot: YouTube

We don’t know if Aretha was a golfer, but if she ever wanted to get in a quick game, she had a beautiful golf course right in her backyard – the exclusive Detroit Golf Club.

High Ceilings

Screenshot: YouTube

Inside the home, you can’t help but be impressed by the wood beams and massive 30-foot ceilings. We can just imagine Ms. Franklin making a grand entrance down this staircase to great her guests!

A Sun-Lit Space

Screenshot: YouTube

This sitting area was made for relaxing, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in loads of light.

A Rose is Still A Rose

Screenshot: YouTube

Franklin lived in this home while working on her 34th studio album, 1998’s “A Rose is Still a Rose.” The house is full of tributes to her work, including this rose design in the carpet.

A Bedroom Fit for a Queen

Screenshot: YouTube

Aretha’s mansion had five bedrooms, including this master suite, with rose wallpaper and a four-poster bed.

En Suite Bathroom

Screenshot: YouTube

The rose detail goes into the en suite bathroom. We bet you’ve never seen a sink like this before!

Spa-Like Space

Screenshot: YouTube

One of the six bathrooms included this red claw foot tub, the perfect place for Aretha to relax and create.

Unique Decor

Screenshot: YouTube

Another bathroom in the home is uniquely decorated with colorful tiles throughout.

It’s All in the Details

Screenshot: YouTube

One of the best things about this home are all of the creative details throughout, including this rose-inspired door handle.

Open Dining Room

Screenshot: YouTube

The open floor plan provided plenty of space for entertaining, like this beautiful dining room. We can only imagine the dinner conversations that went down here!

Stunning Stone

Screenshot: YouTube

This sunroom looks out onto the seventh hole of the golf course. But you can’t enter the room without noticing the impressive stone archway – one of the most beautiful original details of the home.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Most Outrageous 'America's Next Top Model' Moments

The Most Outrageous ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Moments

A new documentary exploring “America’s Next Top Model” and its sad underbelly is dropping soon. Let’s take a look back on some of the show’s most controversial moments! …
The Most Shocking Scenes From the Minneapolis ICE Protests

The Most Shocking Scenes From the Minneapolis ICE Protests

Take a look at Minneapolis through the eyes of photographers and demonstrators on the ground …
Why Even Trump Likely Realizes Alex Pretti's Death Was Too Far

Why Even Trump Likely Realizes Alex Pretti’s Death Was Too Far

After the killing of Alex Pretti, Trump is reevaluating every aspect of his highly criticized ICE operation in Minneapolis …
Florida Politician’s Career Is Cooked After Being Caught Spewing Racist Slurs in Viral Video

Florida Politician’s Career Is Cooked After Being Caught Spewing Racist Slurs in Viral Video

A disability rights advocate is facing scrutiny after viral video shows him spewing racist language at a Black employee …
No Room for ICE: How Faith Leaders are Fighting Fascism

No Room for ICE: How Faith Leaders are Fighting Fascism

OPINION: Trump’s ICE-led mass incarceration efforts are just the latest face of fascism that stains America’s history books. Here’s how we fight back …
Black Women Have a New Favorite Blush Color -- and It's Not Pink or Red

Black Women Have a New Favorite Blush Color — and It’s Not Pink or Red

Forget pinks and reds…Black women on TikTok are loving yellow blush! Here’s what you need to know! …
The Real Alleged Reason Why ‘Wicked’ Besties Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Received No 2026 Oscar Nominations

The Real Alleged Reason Why ‘Wicked’ Besties Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Received No 2026 Oscar Nominations

Oscars voters are sharing the real reasoning behind why “Wicked: For Good” didn’t get any nominations this year. And they didn’t mince words! …
Black Detroit Police Commissioner Already in Trouble After Less Than a Month in Office—But He Refuses to Resign!

Black Detroit Police Commissioner Already in Trouble After Less Than a Month in Office—But He Refuses to Resign!

Weeks after he assumed office as a Detroit police commissioner, Darius Morris is being called to resign after his past came back to haunt him …
Ray J Breaks His Silence on Some Scary Health News

Ray J Breaks His Silence on Some Scary Health News

Ray J’s candid Instagram update draws prayer, questions and a wave of advice as he faces a serious health challenge …
Why Cardi B Is Getting Dragged Online Over...a 4 Year Old?!

Why Cardi B Is Getting Dragged Online Over…a 4 Year Old?!

Cardi B is excited, like most fans, about the upcoming Super Bowl and the Patriots being a contender. But her video celebrating is getting met with backlash! …
Black New York Woman Makes a Home at Late Husband’s Gravesite After Losing Everything

Black New York Woman Makes a Home at Late Husband’s Gravesite After Losing Everything

After being evicted from her home, Rhea Holmes slept at her husband’s gravesite for months until a police officer stepped in to help …
Left Alone With His Infant for the First Time, a Maine Father Now Faces Unthinkable Accusations

Left Alone With His Infant for the First Time, a Maine Father Now Faces Unthinkable Accusations

A Maine’s father first solo playdate with his 12-week-old infant Lyla Samuels ended in tragedy two weeks ago. Now, he’s facing murder charges …
TikTok Star Khaby Lame Sells His Company For an Amount That'll Make Your Eyes Water

TikTok Star Khaby Lame Sells His Company For an Amount That’ll Make Your Eyes Water

TikToker Khaby Lame just secured a $900m E-Commerce deal. Here’s how he did it …
Exclusive: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Talks 'Fun' New Marvel Show, 'Wonder Man'

Exclusive: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Talks ‘Fun’ New Marvel Show, ‘Wonder Man’

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, as well as Sir Ben Kingsley and show co-creator Destin Daniel Cretton spoke to The Root about Marvel’s new show, ‘Wonder Man.’ …
Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan Reveal Backstory Behind Popular ‘Sinners’ Characters

Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan Reveal Backstory Behind Popular ‘Sinners’ Characters

‘Sinners’ director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan are sharing some little-known facts about the fictitious Smokestack Twins. You’ll want to hear this! …
Who Is Ronn Easton, the Viral Fur Coat-Wearing, Black Vietnam Vet Protesting ICE in Minnesota?

Who Is Ronn Easton, the Viral Fur Coat-Wearing, Black Vietnam Vet Protesting ICE in Minnesota?

Ronn Easton is going viral for showing up to anti-ICE protests in Minnesota dressed in a fur coat… But his personal story is far more compelling …
Shocking Health News for 'The Blind Side' Actor Quinton Aaron

Shocking Health News for ‘The Blind Side’ Actor Quinton Aaron

The actor who portrayed NFL played Michael Oher in the 2009 film, ‘The Blind Side’ is fighting for his life. And now, we’ve got details …
Don't Let iShowSpeed's 'Attack' in Africa Distract From the Important Lesson He's Teaching

Don’t Let iShowSpeed’s ‘Attack’ in Africa Distract From the Important Lesson He’s Teaching

Streamer iShowSpeed recently concluded his Africa tour. And while one moment is going viral, it shouldn’t overshadow the bigger picture of what he’s trying to do. Let’s talk about it! …
The Chilling Racist Words Hurled at a Black Florida Democrat Before He Was Assaulted at Sundance

The Chilling Racist Words Hurled at a Black Florida Democrat Before He Was Assaulted at Sundance

A night of celebrating at Sundance for history-making Democrat Maxwell Frost turned into a nightmare when he was reportedly punched in a racist attack …
How Charlie Brown’s Black Friend ‘Franklin’ Changed the Popular Comic for Generations

How Charlie Brown’s Black Friend ‘Franklin’ Changed the Popular Comic for Generations

In July 1968, the world met Franklin, the first Black character in a mainstream comic strip. We’re looking at the letter that inspired the creation of the Peanuts character …