A whisky wall and a home to die for

Michael Kelter, a retired insurance executive, built his dream modern house in Birmingham, Michigan, with an uncompromising vision and willingness to spend "whatever it took." He provided precise and extensive instructions to architects Robert Schultz and Vrinda Khanna, including requirements for perfect symmetry, no handles or doorknobs (favoring sliders), integral material colors (no paint), and an aversion to white. He also demanded a 22-month construction timeline, half the usual duration.

The resulting 8,800-square-foot, C-shaped glass-and-steel home, spanning two lots, is designed to accommodate Kelter's passions: collecting sports cars and rare bourbons.

A million dollar whisky wall - a true game changer

It features a $1 million "whiskey wall" with seven hidden, pivoting shelves holding around 200 bottles, which Kelter buys for consumption rather than investment. The house also includes a dedicated "football heaven" area for watching games, replacing a former clubhouse on the property.

Constructed largely from pre-fabricated components of weathering steel, precast concrete, and blackened steel, the house features a double-height great room, a central theater in the basement, and two gyms, including a "ninja training gym." Despite costing "many millions of dollars" (a sum Kelter avoids calculating), the project was completed on time due to his determination, teamwork, and financial incentives for the contractors, resulting in a flawless finish. The unique and expensive design, however, means the house is unlikely to sell for its construction cost, a fact Kelter acknowledges, prioritizing his personal desires over financial return.