Kathleen DuRoss Ford, widow of Henry Ford II, passed away this May. Now, her lakefront Palm Beach estate, which was built back in 2002, is up for sale. The seven-bedroom, two-story mansion, located at 300 North Lake Way, features a list price of $58 million.
The waterfront property spans nearly 27,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space and was originally designed by Palm Beach architect Jeffery Smith. Highlights of the property include a temperature-controlled wine room, four-car garage, an exercise room, and a library.
In total, the property encompasses more than 1.5 acres and features 251 feet of water frontage with a dock. Ford originally pieced together the land using ownership entities to purchase side-by-side lots back in 1990.
Kathleen DuRoss Ford and Henry Ford II
The property is currently owned by Ford’s friend and longtime confidante, L. Frank Chopin, who later became her caregiver and guardian when her health was failing. It joins a number of properties currently listed for sale in Palm Beach with a price tag north of $30 million.
An ugly court battle had ensued in recent years between Kathleen DuRoss Ford, her caretaker and Chopin, as well as her daughters, Kimberly DuRoss and Deborah DuRoss Guibord. DuRoss Ford’s daughters and other friends and relatives claimed in the suit that Chopin had cut them out of her life, and was abusive and controlling. Chopin claimed the suit was all about money, and a judge ruled in his favor back in March.
Kathleen DuRoss Ford and Frank Chopin
Kathleen DuRoss Ford was the daughter of a Chrysler factory worker who later became a model in Detroit. After her first husband died in a car crash, she wound up marrying Henry Ford II, the grandson of Henry Ford, in 1980. Ford II went on to become CEO of the automaker and has been credited with helping turn the company around during a difficult time. He passed away in 1987.
We’ll have much more news on all things Ford soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
No Comments yet