Sassafrass

After many canceled trips to Europe, DH and I decided to take short trips to places that have been on our "must see" lists for awhile.

The first one on my list was Falling Water, considered by many to be one of the greatest houses ever designed, certainly a modern masterpiece by a genius, architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. The house is in Western PA., and there is another, smaller Wright house, Kentuck Knob, only about 20 minutes from Falling water, so, of course, I wanted to include it. I studied American Architecture in college and have toured many unique houses and buildings by famous architects.

We left Baltimore mid-morning and drove (about 3 & 1/2 hours) straight to Kentuck Knob for a 3:30 tour. About 2 hours at the house and a short drive to Uniontown where we checked into our hotel, had dinner, and crashed for the night. Next morning, a leisurely breakfast and a 45 minute drive to Falling Water for our 12:30 tour. Departed about 3:30 and home in time for a late dinner.

Anyone can research these fabulous buildings and Frank Lloyd Wrigt, so I will go into minimal detail.
Wright believed houses should fit the land on which they were built and was, especially for the time, extremely inventive in design and materials. He believed spaces should be on a human scale and provide a sense of shelter and safety, while allowing the inhabitants to experience nature as part of their living environment. Falling Water is one of the few houses in the world actually built over waterfalls. It is now illegal in the US to build over a water fall. The house has multiple cantelievered terraces that spiral in space just as the water falls spiral beneath them - perfect harmony of structure and environment. The house is wood, stone and concrete. This very large house was originally designed as a retreat deep in the woods, for a wealthy family.

Believing everyone should have the opportunity to live in wonderful spaces, Wright designed a series of "Usonian" houses, or the house for the common man. Kentuck Knob, also in a rural setting, is a large home in the Usonian style. It is also wood and stone and concrete, much smaller and less grand than Falling Water, but with some features unique to Wright, clerestory windows with cutout wood inserts. They form beautiful shadow designs on floors and opposite walls during sunny days.

There is so much more to these amazing houses. Americans travel to Europe to see special architecture. IMHO, Wright's work is equal in importance and beauty to any work you will see anywhere else in the world. Visitors to our country should be encouraged to add architecture by Wright to their lists of "must sees" in the US. Falling Water is simply Spectacular!

Falling Water requires some walking through woods. Wear good walking shoes. I forgot and wore light sandals. Also, after the tour, do walk to the viewing sight. It is the best place to see the spiral of the house and the water.

There are many tours, some even including lunches or dinner on the terraces. They are booked weeks and even months ahead. The only one available for us was a one hour. Including the walks and time exploring afterward, it was fine.

Small children are not allowed except on special children's tours.

In the area, if you want a longer visit, there are rivers and lakes where you can boat or kayak.

There are cottages, BnBs and modern hotels, etc. all around. We stayed at a rather new Holiday Inn Express that had a pool and a full breakfast, including scrambled eggs and real biscuits that were actually excellent.

I highly recommend this trip for anyone interested in Architecture by an American master.

Also, near Mount Vernon, on the Woodlawn plantation property is one of Wright's smallest Usonian homes. It is very different than Falling Water, but well worth seeing if you are in Washington DC.

Hobbert

I love FLW's homes. I've been to Falling Water at all times of year and it's especially magical in the winter. One day, I'd like to go up to the Chicago area and just immerse myself in FLW homes. Thanks for the report!

jayne1973

We wanted to see Falling Water during our trip to Pittsburgh last year, but could not fit it in, so it's still on the list and another trip up there is in order.

Thanks so much for your post-- especially about walking in woods--I would have never thought of that.

We, too, love Frank Lloyd Wright houses, and enjoyed the tour of his home in Oak Park during a Chicago trip a couple of years ago.

I have no background in architecture, but find it so very fascinating, not just Wright's work but all the various styles throughout the U.S. as well as other places.

Gretchen

Interesting info.
You will want to read the new book about Wright and Johnson--reviewed in the Times today. Interesting.

SambaChula

We used to combine seeing the houses with some really good whitewater rafting in the area.