Gerald Ford Was a Regular Guest Here. The 1848 Imperial Mill Lists at $725,000.

The Imperial Mill at 4861 Chauncey Drive in Belmont, Michigan was established in 1848, rebuilt in 1881, converted into a private residence by Gerald Ford's campaign manager in the 1950s, and regularly hosted the future President of the United States as an intimate guest. It is listed at $725,000. A local Reddit commenter noted the mosquitoes are formidable and the Grand River crested at 21 feet in 2013. These are also facts worth knowing.

The History

The Imperial Mill was originally built where Bear Creek meets the Grand River — a historic convergence chosen specifically for its industrial water power. After being rebuilt in 1881, the mill operated as a working grist mill until the mid-20th century, when it was purchased by Jack Stiles, the West Michigan political operative who served as Gerald Ford's chief political advisor and campaign manager. Stiles transformed the mill into a private sanctuary, and throughout his ownership the expansive timbered rooms and wrap-around decks regularly welcomed Congressman — and eventual President — Gerald Ford as a guest. The property is currently a fully residential-zoned historic grist mill, a real estate classification the listing describes as "nearly non-existent." That assessment appears accurate.

What It Offers — and What Reddit Added

The 3,288-square-foot residence spans three stories with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, soaring exposed timber beams, hardwood floors, and two massive hand-laid fieldstone fireplaces. The primary suite has its own dedicated fieldstone fireplace. Wrap-around decks cantilever over Bear Creek — a designated trout and salmon stream — with views of a private roaring waterfall below. A 1,400-square-foot attached garage fits four-plus vehicles. The property comes with its historic deeded millpond flowage rights intact, which the listing correctly identifies as invaluable. A brand new septic system and fresh exterior paint in the mill's signature red have been completed ahead of the sale. Ten miles north of downtown Grand Rapids, the location balances seclusion with access. The Reddit commenter who grew up nearby added two details the listing omits: the mosquitoes along the creek are substantial, and the Grand River — approximately 1,000 feet away — crested at over 21 feet during the 2013 flood. Both are worth factoring into any offer.

The Internet Has Thoughts

Naturally, this listing caught the attention of Reddit's r/zillowgonewild community. See what people are saying about it here.

An 1848 grist mill, a private waterfall, presidential history, deeded millpond rights, and a mosquito situation to assess in person. $725,000. View the full listing here.