Name a more influential architect than Frank Lloyd Wright. It's an impossible task. We did, however, think the prospect of spending a night in one of his structures was equally unlikely – but these listings have suddenly made our pipe dream feasible.
Internationally renowned as the most influential architect of the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright is famed for designing Usonian and Prairie Style homes that look as though they have risen naturally from the ground.
The Wisconsin-born pioneer created homes across the US – from a beach house on the shores of Lake Michigan to a desert retreat amid the Phoenix's cacti. And, while his most famous residence, Fallingwater, is not available for rent (sorry), there are some stand-out properties that we can all call home – for a few days, at least. Here are five notable listings to inspire our next trips.
1. Eppstein House, Michigan
Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Eppstein House for research scientist Samuel and his wife Dorothy Eppstein in 1953, but it has undergone extensive renovations in recent years.
The unmistakable mid-century property is in the same region as the architect's Meyer May House in Grand Rapids – so it may be worth taking a tour of that home while in the area. After all, the only thing better than one Frank Lloyd Wright home is two.
Alongside the architecturally great interiors, the home has three terraces, offering room to unwind while surrounded by the forest and greenery that envelopes the property. It's available via Airbnb here.
2. The Elam House, Minnesota
The Elam House, one of the largest Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian homes, was completed in 1951. Based in Austin, Minnesota, the residence is a trove of architectural splendor – boasting 3 floors to ceiling fireplaces, two living rooms with soaring ceilings, a cantilevered balcony, and terrazzo and slate flooring.
In true Lloyd Wright style, the home is a celebration of light – comprising 100 windows and 100 light fixtures (all set in the ceiling). Its exterior stonework is said to be comparable to that of Taliesin East – famously the home of an architect. Discover more on Vrbo here.
3. Emil Bach House, Illinois
Situated on the fringe of Lake Michigan in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, Emil Bach House is one of the only Prairie-style homes open for guests. Frank Lloyd Wright completed the structure in 1915 for Emil Bach, the co-owner of the Bach Brick Company, and an early admirer of his work.
Lloyd Wright designed the entrance into the home and the main floor as a 'journey' for those who pass through the residence – from the front walkway – through the living space – to the dining area – where contemporary fans of his work can dine the way the architect intended. You can book via Airbnb now.
4. Norman Lykes House, Arizona
We already penned a love letter to Frank Lloyd Wright's Circular Sun House (also known as Norman Lykes House) when it entered the market – however, we don't all have a cool $8.5 million to make the structure our home. That's where rental sites come into play.
Shipping magnate Norman Lykes and his wife Aimee commissioned the residence in 1959 – the year of the architect s death. It was one of only 14 circular homes created by the architect – and the last structure of Lloyd Wright's life and career.
The property pays tribute to Lloyd Wright's quintessential architectural style through its abundance of wood and uniquely shaped windows and even has a pool, for the ultimate Arizona vacation experience. It's listed on both Airbnb and Vrbo currently.
5. The Bernard Schwartz House, Wisconsin
The Bernard Schwartz House, also known as Still Bend, is considered to be Wright's Life magazine 'Dream House' – and we can see its fantastical appeal. Nestled in Two Rivers, Wisconsin (his home state), the property is a rare example of a two-story Usonian house, designed for Life in 1938.
'American...family life is unlike any other in the world and I think this plan recognizes it for pretty much what it is – a little private club – with special privacies, ultra conveniences, and style all the while,' the architect shared with the magazine. Today, we can still enjoy his vision for American family life, if albeit for only a few nights. Take advantage of this iconic listing on Airbnb here.
And, to fill the void between your inevitable reservation, we recommend enjoying Lloyd Wright's works in this beautifully illustrated book below.
