The Last House Frank Lloyd Wright Ever Designed Is Now For Sale
Attention, Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts: There’s an exciting historic home on the market! The Norman Lykes House in Phoenix, the last residence Wright designed before his death, is for sale for $3.25 million.
Keep reading to learn more about this unique home.
1. Frank Lloyd Wright Completed The Sketches Shortly Before He Died
The renowned architect sketched the home for Norman and Aimee Lykes in 1959 before he passed away later the same year at the age of 91. Wright’s apprentice John Rattenbury took over and finished the design. Rattenbury managed construction and completed the home on the original site in 1967.
2. It’s 1 Of 14 Circular Homes He Designed
The dwelling exemplifies Wright’s late-career design aesthetic. One of his 14 circular houses, the intersecting circles that comprise this home resemble the iconic curves of the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, which is also designed by Wright.
3. It’s Built For The Landscape Around It
Designed specifically for the uneven rocky site, the 2,900-square-foot home draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape.
4. The Views Are Incredible
Its rounded windows also offer unparalleled 180-degree views of the city of Phoenix and Palm Canyon below.
5. This Is No Ordinary Pool
On the backside of the home, there is a patio with a crescent-shaped pool lined with cactuses.
6. The Pool Wall Offers Privacy Without Blocking The View
While lounging poolside, you can marvel at views of the dwelling’s mountain muse.
7. The Curves Continue Inside
The Lykes home is equally spectacular inside with curves throughout.
8. The Home Was Originally A 5-Bedroom
Originally it included five bedrooms, some of which were very small.
9. In The ’90s, The Owners Built A Master Suite
But the Lykes sold the home to a second family in 1994, who hired Rattenbury to renovate the home, and he changed some of the bedrooms, according to Curbed. The Lykes house now includes a master suite and a total of three bedrooms.
10. The House Has A Home Theater
The owners also converted a workshop into a home theater in the ’90s.
11. Wright’s Original Handiwork Is Preserved
However, plenty of Wright’s original details still remain.
12. Wright Would Even Go So Far As To Design A Home’s Bookshelves
For example, extensive built-in bookshelves, desks and storage units make this home truly one-of-a-kind.
13. Of Course, Even The Shelves And Desk Are Curved
The original furniture and fixtures only add to the home’s historic appeal.
14. The Home’s Kitchen Is Like None You’ve Ever Seen
Another standout is the kitchen, which features a curved counter and circular wooden island.
15. The Home Still Has Its Original Kitchen Cabinets
The wooden cabinets also follow the contour of the rounded wall.
16. Surprisingly, The Home Isn’t Protected From Renovations
This Phoenix home is currently not on the National Register of Historic Places, so a new owner could make it their own by opting to preserve its integrity or with a creative renovation.
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