Former U.S. Rep. Barbara-Rose Collins lists her colorful Detroit home for $500K

Barbara-Rose Collins has a home fitting of her pioneering political career. The first African-American woman from Michigan elected to Congress, Collins was also known her theatrics as a member of Detroit City Council—she once led a rendition of “Onward, Christian Soldier” on the floor of council to protest a veto. Her home is just as dramatic.

The 4,040-square-foot, five-bedroom home on Leland Street just east of Midtown is listed through Malikh Clark of ERA Reardon Realty for $500,000.

The first thing you notice about the house is the eye-catching purple carpet, accented by golden window curtains. The home also isn’t staged and is packed with colorful items and decorations. There’s a harp, piano, Asian buffet tables, shelves packed with antiques, paintings, carvings, and much much more.

We’re fascinated by the split level adjacent to the living room with a dramatic chandelier. The lower has a lounge with a gas fireplace, the upper has a wraparound library. The master bedroom has an impressively-tiled bathroom, huge walk-in closet (with clothes still hanging), and a sitting room.

The double-lot yard is also notable. It includes a pool, pergola, koi pond, large yard with stone benches and tables, covered deck, and a solarium that looks onto it all.

There’s much more we could write about this home. In some ways we’d almost prefer it preserved.