Former Elmore Leonard residence in Birmingham lists for $1.95M

Elmore Leonard, most well-known for his crime novels, was raised in Detroit and went to college at the University of Detroit in the 1940s. But he raised his own family in this pleasant Birmingham home, now for sale.

This 5,025-square-foot country-style home built in 1928 has a cedar roof, brick and plastered white cement exterior, and a cool custom-built front door.

The realtor says that almost everything in the four-bed, four-bath home is new or updated, and that’s especially evident on the inside. The house was gutted and a totally new floor plan devised that added over 1,000 square feet of space and nearly that much over the newly-finished garage. The first floor still has the original leaded-glass windows.

The remodel is nice, if conservative. Almost everything is white, but that also means it will be easy to custom paint or design if you want to add color.

With its 14-foot marble island, eight-range gas stove, giant fireplace (one of four), it’s clear the kitchen was designed for entertaining. There’s also two beverage cellars in the basement and some nice cabinets in the butler’s pantry.

We’re also impressed by the master bathroom, which has a heated marble floor and walk-in shower.

420 Suffield Avenue in Birmingham is listed through Sotheby’s International Realty for $1,950,000.