Sales comparison approach using recent high-end lakefront property sales in Ann Arbor area. Adjusted for unique eco-friendly features and new construction premium.
Contemporary Passive House Lakefront on 3.15 Acres in Ann Arbor
Wake to the slow, silver surface of Geddes Lake from a thoughtfully crafted contemporary home built to Passive House principles. Sunlight pours through expansive windows, pooling on cool marble floors and lighting the grain of warm wood siding. The open plan living spaces frame lake views at every turn: mornings feel hushed and private, afternoons fill with reflected waterlight, and evenings bring long, peaceful sunsets over the trees. The sense throughout is of refined calm — modern lines, natural materials, and deliberate daylighting that together create a serene lakeside retreat.
At the heart of the home, a gourmet kitchen appointed with premium appliances and luxe finishes becomes the place for everyday rituals and quiet entertaining. Countertops and surfaces in marble and other high-end materials meet efficient, human-scaled layouts; the result is a kitchen that is both beautiful and supremely useful. Large windows in the living and dining areas keep the lake just outside your sightline, while a well-placed fireplace provides a tactile, warming focal point for cool Michigan evenings.
Designed and completed in 2022 using Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) and durable rubber roofing, the residence emphasizes sustainability and long-term performance. Ductless heating and cooling systems, a well water supply, and septic service underline the property’s off-grid-friendly systems, while an attached 2.5-car garage is equipped with electric vehicle chargers for modern convenience. With no basement to maintain, the two stories feel immediate and accessible; careful detailing and quality construction give every room a finished, maintenance-conscious feel.
Set on a private 3.15-acre parcel with roughly 200 feet of frontage on Cherry Hill Road, the property offers direct access to Geddes Lake and expansive outdoor privacy. A short drive connects you to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (approximately 2.5 miles), the University of Michigan (about 5 miles), and downtown Ann Arbor (roughly 6 miles) for dining, culture, and campus life. In short: a rare combination of contemporary, energy-efficient design and true lakefront living — ideal for buyers seeking high-performance construction, premium finishes, and a peaceful natural setting close to Ann Arbor’s best amenities.
See the properties helping shape the valuation.
Comparable sales
- 19 SF larger
- Similar lot size
- 1 year older
- 152 SF larger
- 1 additional bedroom
- 0.5 additional bathrooms
- Similar lot size
- 2 years older
- 52 SF smaller
- 0.5 fewer bathrooms
- Similar lot size
- 3 years older
A 2022 contemporary on 3.15 acres.
Building
Site & utilities
Ann Arbor, MI
Researched nearby locations
Location
5980 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
This lakefront stretch of Cherry Hill Road offers a rare blend of privacy and proximity. Homes sit on generous parcels with mature trees and immediate access to Geddes Lake, while cultural and educational anchors are within easy reach — Matthaei Botanical Gardens is minutes away, the University of Michigan is around 5 miles, and downtown Ann Arbor’s restaurants and galleries are about 6 miles. The neighborhood feels quietly residential and affluent, supported by highly rated public schools and steady property-value appreciation. It’s an ideal setting for buyers seeking a natural escape without sacrificing city conveniences.
Excellent lake and garden access: direct Geddes Lake frontage, Matthaei Botanical Gardens 2.5 miles away, plus regional trails and parks within a short drive for hiking, biking, and outdoor leisure.
A factual market snapshot around 5980 Cherry Hill Road.
Ann Arbor’s luxury and eco-friendly segment remains active and competitive. Local market metrics show low available inventory (approximately 2.5 months), average days on market near 45, and a one-year appreciation signal of roughly 5% with five-year appreciation around 25%. While the broader area’s median sale price sits near $450,000, recent luxury lakefront comps in this immediate corridor have closed between $2.75M and $3.1M, with price-per-square-foot figures in the $700–$750 range — consistent with 5980 Cherry Hill Road’s quality, size, and Passive House construction. Given limited inventory and steady demand for high-efficiency, new-construction homes, well-appointed lakefront properties are moving with reasonable speed. For buyers, this is a good time to secure a distinctive product-level asset; for sellers, the market’s low month-supply and strong comp activity support premium positioning and value retention.
Residential
Zoning
Research-indicated uses
- Single Family Residential
Assessment data and recorded transactions.
Assessed value is kept visually separate from the CompCasa market-value estimate.
Tax assessment
Sale history
What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.
Key findings
- Assessed land value of $209,200 for tax year 2024
- Annual property taxes amount to $11,076
- Located within the highly rated Ann Arbor Public Schools district
- Comparable high-end lakefront properties in the area support current valuation estimates
- Strong market trends with a 5-year appreciation rate of 25% in the Ann Arbor area
Still worth verifying
Routine buyer due diligence items; these are not known defects.
- Confirm lot dimensions and boundaries
- Verify eco-friendly certifications and features
- Review maintenance requirements for unique construction materials
- Professional home inspection
- Confirm zoning and land use regulations
What stands out about this property.
Interior Features
- 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths
- 3,981 sq ft of contemporary living space
- Marble flooring and high-end finishes
- Gourmet kitchen with premium appliances
- Expansive windows that maximize natural light
- Fireplace
- Ductless heating and cooling systems
Exterior & Lot
- Direct private access to Geddes Lake (lakefront)
- 3.15-acre lot with approximately 200 ft frontage on Cherry Hill Road
- Wood siding with durable flat rubber roofing
- 2.5-car attached garage with electric vehicle chargers
- Level topography and strong site privacy
Location & Neighborhood
- Approximately 2.5 miles to Matthaei Botanical Gardens
- Approximately 5 miles to the University of Michigan
- Approximately 6 miles to downtown Ann Arbor
- Within Ann Arbor Public Schools district
- Serene, lakefront residential setting
Walkability & Recreation
- Walkability Rating: 30/100 — Car-Dependent
- On-site access to Geddes Lake for waterfront enjoyment
- Matthaei Botanical Gardens and natural areas nearby (≈2.5 miles)
- Proximity to regional trails, parks, and the University of Michigan for recreation
- Quiet neighborhood ideal for walking and lakeside activities
Sources & research confidence.
See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.