The five-bedroom residence at 25850 Romany Way in Franklin, Michigan, has entered the market for the first time since its completion in 1987. Designed by the late architect Ken Neumann as his family home, the 7,348-square-foot property carries the distinctive nickname “upside-down wedding cake” for its tiered form that follows the sloping terrain. Realtors Linda Hiller Novak and Frank Novak of the Novak team have placed the home at $3.25 million, giving the public its initial chance to view the interior of a structure long admired only from the street. ([1])
Timeline from Unbuildable Lot to Finished Residence
Neumann and his wife, artist Beverly Neumann, acquired the 1.24-acre parcel from another architect who considered the steep slope and dense tree cover unsuitable for construction. The couple spent 15 years studying the site before breaking ground, allowing the landscape itself to shape the final design. Construction finished in 1987, and the home remained in family hands for nearly four decades.
The extended planning period produced a structure that preserved every mature tree on the property. Horizontal lines in the architecture were chosen to contrast with the vertical trunks surrounding the site, a decision that reflects both the architect’s training and his wife’s artistic sensibility.
Exterior Form and Practical Adaptations
From the street the house reads as a single-story brick volume. Once inside, the design reveals its full height as the building steps down the hillside, with a broad wall of glass facing an artesian pond. The red-brick exterior replaced an earlier white finish, and a new EPDM roof was installed in 2025.
Modern systems support year-round comfort in Michigan’s climate. A full-home generator, heated driveway and patio, elevator serving three levels, and comprehensive security features were added over time. These updates address the needs of a growing household while maintaining the original architectural intent.
Interior Spaces and Family Legacy
The remodeled galley kitchen features Viking and Miele appliances and opens through a pass-through window to a living area lined with built-in Bird’s Eye maple shelving. An artist’s studio with bold checkered flooring connects directly to the primary suite, which includes heated floors and a recently updated bath. Four additional bedrooms each capture views of the wooded setting.
More than 10,000 books once housed in the residence were sold to a Detroit bookseller, yet the remaining art and photography collections still fill the custom shelving. The layout supports both large gatherings and private retreat, consistent with the creative professions of its original owners.
Key Features at a Glance
- Five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms across three levels
- 1.24-acre lot with pond and preserved trees
- Elevator, generator, and heated exterior surfaces
- Artist studio and extensive built-in storage
- Panoramic rear windows with no window treatments
The listing describes the property as more than a residence: a legacy of design that continues to stand apart in a suburb known for its preserved historic homes. Potential buyers now have the opportunity to evaluate how that legacy might serve new owners.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.