This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. To celebrate, fans of his work from around the world have been visiting some of his most unique and well-known homes.
Wright was one of the most prolific and renowned architects of the 20th century. He embraced new technologies and truly pioneered do-it-yourself construction systems. He experimented with avant-garde design and developed original theories with regards to nature, urban planning and social politics.
Wright designed more than 1,000 homes and buildings in the U.S. While many of the residences still remain privately owned, there are a handful of homes that have been transformed into museums, and which are open for tours.
Even more exciting for Wright fans, six of these homes can be booked for an overnight stay.
1. The Palmer House: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Palmer House was built for Bill and Mary Palmer in the 1950s, and is one of the famous architect’s last residential masterpieces.
The 2,000-square-foot home is complete with a collection of Wright-designed furniture, and doesn’t have a single 90-degree angle. Sitting on 2 acres of land, overnight guests are welcome.
Wisconsin business man Bernard Schwartz was ready to build a house for his family, so he gave Wright the opportunity to build his Life Magazine “Dream House.” Wright refined the design Schwartz had in mind, adding a stunning second floor balcony that overlooks the 65-foot-long recreation room. Wright also designed tables, chairs, beds, lamps and even a couch with built-in bookshelves for the home.
The Martin House is known as one of Wright’s greatest works of Prairie architecture. He designed the complex of six buildings between 1903 and 1905 for businessman Darwin Martin. Though the house fell into disrepair for some time, a $50 million renovation has it looking just as grand as when it was first built.
In addition to the renovations, a new visitor center was added, assisting visitors in navigating their ways around the architectural complex.
Because tours are in such high demand, the Martin House Complex website suggests you make reservations prior to visiting and touring.
For a period of time, Frank Lloyd Wright was known for building “Usonian Homes,” which are known for having large, cantilevered roofs and are often L-shaped to fit within the natural landscape of properties.
This home, which rests on giant limestone pieces, is a great example of a Usonian home. Built in 1951, the design features over 100 windows throughout, which makes for spectacular views from just about every room in the house.
This estate is known as Wright’s “Natural House” for its use of indigenous rocks from Lake Erie’s eastern shore. The abundance of windows incorporated into the design of the home allows for plenty of natural light.
Built between 1926-31, the Graycliff is now part of the Graycliff Conservatory, a non-profit that was founded specifically to acquire, preserve and restore the property.
Though it’s not an option to stay overnight at this estate, there are a variety of tours one can take.
Known as the last Wright home built, this house—constructed in 1955—sits on a rise overlooking the Chagrin river. What makes this home unique is that he catered to the owner, who stood 6-feet-eight-inches tall. You’ll find extra tall doorways and long, thin ribbon windows, which deliberately accentuated Penfield’s physique.
If you’re interested in staying overnight at this home, you can invite up to four guests to accompany you for $275 a night.
Built between 1919 and 1921, the Hollyhock home was Wright’s first Los Angeles project. He took advantage of southern California’s dry and temperate climate by combining the home with beautiful gardens. The rooftop terraces incorporated into the home provide for stunning views of the Los Angeles basin and Hollywood Hills.
Visitors have the option to tour the Hollyhock House for $7. It’s located within the Barnsdall Art Park.
8. The Seth Peterson Cottage: Lake Delton, Wisconsin
This small cottage was one of Wright’s last commissioned homes. Built high on a wooded hill that overlooks a lake, guests are welcome to spend the night in the little cozy cottage for $300 a night, a cost that includes firewood and canoes.
