The Inn’s History
The old village of Commerce, originally platted in 1836, has parts that remain unchanged
very little by time midst all the unprecedented growth and development in Oakland
County. One of these old village sites is the 128-year old home located at 815 Sleeth Road.
The early year occupants of this beautiful Late Victorian, East Lake Style farmhouse reflect
much of the settlement history of the area. Carpenter Thomas Darling built the home on
John T. Sugden’s 240-acre Commerce Township farm in 1883-84. John’s father and
mother were farmers Henry and Elizabeth Crooks Sugden, who settled in the Bogie Lake
area about two miles to the north in the early 1830’s. Sugden Lake and Sugden Road are
named after the family. In 1908, Frank J. and Floy Sugden Malcom, John’s daughter
moved into the home, where they cared for him until his death in 1925. Frank Malcom’s
grandfather had come from Scotland and settled in West Bloomfield Township’s Green
Lake area.
In 1927 the Malcoms sold the farm part of the property, which included about ½ mile of
lake frontage. The land was subdivided into what is now Mount Royal Subdivision on the
north shore of Commerce Lake. In 1929 and 1930 they completely remodeled the house,
tearing down the front wing of a porch and two rooms and removing the back stairs. The
remodeled kitchen is one of the most interesting features of the home. It survives today as
an outstanding example of an art deco styled kitchen of the 1930’s.
The Malcom’s daughter, Sally Field occupied the home until 1977. Subsequent owners
were William and Karen Hickok, William J. Newbold and Shirley Kittle (Victorian Rose B
& B), and Everett F. (Beau) and Joyce E. Cartwright (Sugden House B & B). The current
owners are Phil and Ldonna Andres (Grand Commerce Inn B & B).