About Applewood

Applewood: The Charles Stewart Mott Estate is operated by the Ruth Mott Foundation. The enduring legacy of C.S. and Ruth Mott is their extraordinary commitment to civic participation, and we work to embody this spirit in our work at Applewood.

Automotive pioneer Charles Stewart Mott built Applewood in 1916 as a family home and gentleman’s farm. Today, it’s open to the public as a community resource, place of beauty and tranquility, and a tribute to the legacy of C.S. Mott.

Celebrating Applewood

We celebrated Applewood’s 100th year in 2016 by establishing regular visitor hours, new tours, and programs to continue C.S. and Ruth Mott’s tradition of giving back to the community that gave them so much.

Applewood was transferred to the Ruth Mott Foundation upon Ruth’s death and became an essential part of the Foundation’s philanthropic work, where we strive to make history, nature, and the spirit of giving back to community fun and familiar.

In addition to the home and attached greenhouse, the 34-acre estate includes an apple orchard with 29 heirloom varieties, extensive gardens, a gatehouse, barn, and chicken coop. Applewood Estate is a Michigan Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.