In 1975, almost ten years before Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he bought an 81-acre property in Berrien Springs, Michigan, insulated from city noise and crowds by the St. James River which surrounds the lush green fields. It was where he spent his summers and a portion of his retirement years until his Parkinson’s became more advanced. In 2016 Ali passed away and now his widow is selling the St. James River property.
Muhammad Ali’s farm in southwestern Michigan, near Indiana, was the place where he and his family could relax away from the fame. The path of the river, enclosing three sides of the property, ensured privacy from neighbors and onlookers as did the gated entry. By 1975, Ali could afford to design it exactly the way he wanted and he added buildings customized to his needs which also have universal appeal.
Structures on the property include the main house, carriage house, pool, gym, garages, barns, and office epicenter. The elaborate gym has the boxing ring in the center, exercise equipment, a steam room, baths, massage room, laundry, and spa. A few steps outside the gym’s French doors is a full-size basketball court. Next door to the gym is the office epicenter with his private office, conference area, private bath, mail room, vault, kitchen, loading dock, and several other offices and a basement.
There are two separate climate-controlled garages, each accommodating over five cars, RVs, and space for equipment. The two houses, main house and carriage house for guests, are on either side of the pool terrace, which includes a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, bath house, sound system, and pergola. The main house has four bedrooms, living and family rooms, a kitchen with large pantry, and a three-car, climate-controlled garage. The carriage guest house also has a sun room and deck overlooking the pond and fountain by the river. Grounds are lushly landscaped with a fire pit and a waterfall rock garden.
Muhammad Ali’s farm is listed at a very specific price. The last two numbers represent Ali’s 37 career knockouts – $2,895,037.
The listing agent is Tim Mitchell of Cressy & Everett Real Estate, Dowagiac, Michigan.
