Fallingwater

On Thursday, Bob and I visited Fallingwater, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most acclaimed works. I've been wanting to visit Fallingwater for years, so this was a thrill.

Fallingwater was designed in 1935 for the Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh. Completed in 1937, it had a budget of $25/30K but ended up costing $158,000 by the time it was finished. The Kauffmanns wanted a vacation home set in the woods by a waterfall. Wright built the house over the waterfall, creating a home that is a part of the landscape.

The house is approached by walking along a wide gravel path through the woods.

These photos above are mine. However, once we entered the house, no photos were allowed. I have found some pictures on the Internet that will give you an idea of the interior of the house:

The main living area is large and airy. Stone floors with a lacquered coating give the impression of water, and you hear the roar of the waterfall below.

Off the living room is a set of steps leading down to the water, with glass panels that can be opened or closed depending upon the weather. The house has no air conditioning and relies on cool breezes from the river to moderate summer temperatures inside.

Hallways and stairs are purposely closed-in and small, to provide contrast to the rooms.

Almost all of the furniture is built-in and cannot be rearranged.

The pool off the guest quarters is filled with water diverted from the rive. It required frequent draining and scrubbing by the servants.

Fallingwater, its contents, and grounds were entrusted to the Western Pennsylvania Conservency in 1963 by Edgar Kauffmann, Jr. It is the only major Wright work to come into the public domain with its setting, original furnishing, and artwork intact.

We were hoping to also visit Kentuck Knob, another of Wright's houses, but were unable to get passes for the same day. A good reason to return! Today we head west to Lancaster, OH, then on to Indiana, Illinois, and then Iowa. We'll be doing some one-night stays so there won't be any time to sight-see until Iowa.