Have you ever dreamed of vacationing in a house designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright? Well, you can make that dream a reality. Several of his historic architectural gems are available for short-term rental on popular websites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. Out of the 300 buildings he designed, around seven of them can be found listed on these platforms.
Read more:
Regrettably, some of Frank Lloyd Wright's designed houses were destroyed, while others have been preserved and opened to the public. However, the majority are privately owned, and only a few are occasionally rented for short stays. These houses are architectural wonders, but their complex design makes maintenance challenging. Nevertheless, they serve as tourist attractions, especially for enthusiasts of organic modern architecture, a style pioneered by Wright. Here are seven of these houses available for a unique stay experience:
Circular Sun House
Incidentally, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic houses, the Circular Sun House in Phoenix, Arizona, is currently for sale at a staggering price of $8.95 million. The distinctive rounded house, resembling a concrete fortress, features a curved pool and impeccably preserved interiors. While on the market, the owners rent it out for short stays, vacations, and small events. Known as the Norman Lykes House, it was the last creation of the architect before his passing and one of only 14 round houses he designed. Its futuristic design is captivating, harmonizing seamlessly with the stunning landscape visible from its windows. The house boasts three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a home office, a library, and inviting communal spaces like a spacious living room and a kitchen with a rounded island. Interested parties can experience this architectural marvel starting at $1,495 per night.
The Eppstein House
Another notable house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is the Eppstein House in Galesburg, Michigan. Originally intended to be part of a broader housing project for a group of scientist friends, only four houses were ultimately built, one of which being the Eppstein House. Constructed in 1953 for Samuel and Dorothy Eppstein, the house features three bedrooms and, in keeping with Wright's signature style, seamlessly blends into the surrounding landscape, with multiple levels. Although the house suffered neglect for about two decades, a devoted couple purchased it and undertook extensive restoration efforts. In 2017, they opened the house for short-term rentals, leading to its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Several original items remain, including a collection of vinyl records and a record player, adding to its nostalgic charm. Guests can experience this architectural gem for the night, with rentals starting from $550.
Still Bend / Schwartz House
Located in Wright's home state of Wisconsin, the Schwartz House, also known as Steel Band, carries a rich history. Originally designed in 1938 as a dream house for the Blackburn family, it was never built due to complications. However, Wright adapted the design for Bernard Schwartz's family, and the house was completed in 1940. About a three-hour drive from Wright's Taliesin home, the Schwartz House is now referred to as Still Bend and the Bernard and Fern Schwartz House. It has gained recognition on the National Register of Historic Places and has been featured on Netflix's The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals series. The spacious living room boasts a wall of windows, a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, and a built-in library. Preserving the period's essence, the current owner has furnished the house, down to the bar's glassware. It is available for rent, providing a captivating experience, with rates starting from approximately $600 per night.
Palmer House
Nestled in Michigan, the Palmer House boasts a unique design, featuring reddish brick walls and a wood-paneled interior based on an equilateral triangle. Completed in 1950 for William and Mary Palmer, the house showcases Wright's signature cantilevered roof, extending over the porch. Staying in this historic house offers a genuine immersion into Wright's world, with many furniture pieces, including four origami chairs, designed by the architect himself. For writers seeking inspiration, there's even a typewriter in one of the bedrooms, complementing the tranquil ambiance that induces creativity. This remarkable experience comes at a rate starting from $736 per night.
Emil Bach House
Built in 1915 for a devoted Wright enthusiast, the Emil Bach House in Chicago showcases Wright's distinctive compression and release style. Throughout its history, the house has undergone various changes and renovations under different owners. However, the current owner meticulously restored it to its original glory and began renting it out in 2014. Among the recent additions is a charming Japanese-style tea house in the backyard.
Guests can relish breathtaking views from the marble balconies in each bedroom, as the house sits just a block away from Lake Michigan, offering a perfect summer retreat. When not rented, the house offers guided tours by Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation experts. For an unforgettable experience in this architectural gem, the price per night is around $580.
Elam House
Elam House, situated in Austin, southern Minnesota, was completed in 1951 and named after its original owner, S.P. Elam. This spacious residence is one of Wright's largest, boasting high ceilings, a striking cantilevered porch, and three floor-to-ceiling fireplaces - reminiscent of Wright's own Taliesin East home in Wisconsin. For a delightful two-night stay, guests can reserve two out of the house's five bedrooms.
Waimea, Hawaii Cornwell House
Wright's magnificent three-bedroom vacation home in Hawaii was specially designed for the Cornwell family. It stands as the architect's sole project in Hawaii, featuring extraordinary elements such as an outdoor lava hot tub with ocean vistas, breathtaking views of the Big Island's volcanoes, and a unique semi-solar wheel design, all beautifully accentuating its exclusive location. With its rounded lines showcased in both the structure and interior design, this house reflects Wright's signature approach of harmonizing with the surrounding environment. Organic architecture, conceived over a century ago, finds its essence in this remarkable dwelling. A stay at the Cornwell House starts at $950 per night, providing an unforgettable experience of Wright's visionary craftsmanship.