Grand Michigan Mansion, Former ‘Czech Consulate’ Going Up For Auction

A grand estate in Michigan which claims to have hosted U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries is going up for auction soon. The starting bid is $3.4 million less than the listing price!

READ MORE: Private Island Paradise For Sale in Northern Michigan 

Built in 2000, the Classic European-style mansion, known as Castello Montebello, spans over 15,000 square feet.

Sitting on 2.1 gated acres, Castello Montebello has the highest elevation in Wayne and Washtenaw Counties. It's also with walking distance to Historic Downtown Northville.

Now, about those famous guests... according to the listing, the home has a "history as the former consulate of the Czech Republic and a prestigious guest list that includes U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries."

UP NEXT: Price Drop! Michigan Castle with Drawbridge Still up For Sale 

Curious, I did a little digging. According to Curbed Detroit the original owner is Dr. Thomas Prose, a former medical director of Cigna who then went on to run his own chain of nursing and acute care facilities. In 2004, Prose "willed [the estate] to the Czech government, got himself appointed 'honorary consul for Ohio and Michigan,' and asserted that he didn't need to pay property taxes because the estate was technically on foreign soil."

Curbed continues:

Prose failed in his attempt at diplomacy, and owed $200K on the property in 2005 when both the US and Czech governments called his bluff.

Well, that's pretty wild.

It does sound like this estate has security on lock, as the listing says, "discerning buyers will revel in the complete privacy and extensive security measures afforded by this estate".

In addition to seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms bathrooms, the residence also boasts:

• A guard house
• 4-floor floating circular stairway
• Elevator
• Two Diebold bank vault doors
• Wine cellar
• Staff quarters/guest suites
• Attached three-car garage
• Additional four-car garage
• Eight fireplaces

In checking out the photos, I have to say, what really stands out to me is the incredible woodwork and floor-to-ceiling windows!

And honestly it seems like there is a whole restaurant in the basement, complete with cozy booths and a bar.

Perhaps most impressive though is the 13-seat theater, which is a replica of New York's iconic "Paramount Movie Palace" theater.

The listing claims the new owner will "experience the epitome of luxury living in this extraordinary estate- a true masterpiece that combines history, security, and the highest level of craftsmanship to provide an unparalleled lifestyle."

Take a tour of Castello Montebello and get details on the online auction below.