USA. Mike and Linda Starling Grosse Ile mansion to be sold at auction

Saturday, 22 July 2006

When tour boats pass along the shoreline of Grosse Ile, the guides point to Mike and Linda Starling's mansion next to the historic lighthouse with the simple comment, "We're coming up to the Starling residence.", but soon, the Starling house will have new owners. The owners have decided to sell the home at auction and have hired luxury property specialist J.P. King Auction Company to handle the sale. Bidders will gather at the home for the auction, on Thursday, Aug. 17, each presenting a cashier's check for $50,000 just to register as bidders.

Built to be a showplace even by the standards of the island that has long been the retreat of Detroit's auto industry moguls, the home has played host to social events with up to 250 guests and become one of the most prominent landmarks on the shore where Lake Erie meets the Detroit River.

The estate includes such unique touches as a full-service English pub with a waterfall just outside the picture window, a tennis center with its own house and shower facilities, steam showers, a sauna, and a dock big enough for a 57-foot yacht, according to Craig King, president of the auction company. The master suite even has a 50-inch Plasma television that lowers itself from the mirrored ceiling above the bed at the touch of a button.

"We've sold homes for millionaires and celebrities all over the country, but this mansion sets new standards in almost every category," said King.

Last Updated ( Saturday, 22 July 2006 )