Barton Hills is Washtenaw County's most exclusive residential enclave — an incorporated village of roughly 300 homes set in the wooded hills above Barton Pond and the Huron River, just north of Ann Arbor. Winding lanes follow the terrain, homes sit on large private lots, and the Barton Hills Country Club, with its historic golf course, sits at the community's center. Estates here come to market only a handful of times each year.
The village has its own governance and water system and a character all its own: quiet, green, and genuinely private, yet minutes from downtown Ann Arbor and the University.
- —Incorporated village of ~300 homes — the county's most private enclave
- —Barton Hills Country Club with historic golf course at its center
- —Barton Pond and Huron River frontage; Bird Hills trails adjacent
- —Legacy estates that come to market only a few times a year
The homes
Barton Hills offers a range of significant homes, from architect-designed mid-century moderns to grand traditional estates, most on multi-acre wooded lots that follow the natural contours of the hills. Development began in the 1920s and has continued selectively ever since, so the housing stock blends historic character with substantial custom homes of more recent vintage. Many properties enjoy views of Barton Pond, frontage on the river, or the seclusion of deep woods.
Because the village is small and tightly held, listings are rare and closely watched. These are legacy properties — homes that change hands infrequently and reward buyers looking for privacy, land, and architectural distinction.
Community and lifestyle
The Barton Hills Country Club is the social heart of the village, with a golf course, tennis, and swimming that give residents a built-in community. Beyond the club, life here is defined by nature and quiet: winding roads, mature forest, and the pond and river at the doorstep. It's a place for those who want genuine seclusion without isolation — downtown Ann Arbor is only minutes away.
Parks and recreation
Water and woods define recreation in Barton Hills. Barton Pond and the Huron River offer paddling and long shoreline views, and Bird Hills Nature Area — one of Ann Arbor's largest natural areas, with miles of wooded trails — sits just to the south. Barton Nature Area and the river trail add still more open space within easy reach.
Schools
Barton Hills is served by the Ann Arbor Public Schools, alongside the privacy of the village.
Getting around
Despite its secluded feel, Barton Hills is remarkably convenient: downtown Ann Arbor and the University are only minutes away, and M-14 and US-23 are close for regional trips and the run to Detroit Metro Airport. It's genuine privacy without the penalty of distance.
Community details reflect public records and local knowledge and can change — always verify what matters to your purchase. Explore more of Ann Arbor's neighborhoods, or browse active listings.