Or close by anyway… I am a big
fan of mid-century modern architecture. So, when we moved to the
mid-Atlantic area, I was delighted to learn that Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous
Falling Water was only a short drive away! Falling Water is one of Wright’s most famous architectural
wonders. It was even nominated as a possible 8th wonder of the
world. It has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and is often listed as one of the places you should visit
before you die. So, if it’s as close to you as it is to me – go visit
this transcendent landmark.
It’s a very popular attraction, so it’s recommended that you buy your tickets well in advance. We went in May a couple of years ago – which was just a perfect time to go. The temperature was moderate, and as the house is tucked
in the woods, it was surrounded by lush greenery making for beautiful pictures
and hikes.
I struggled with
whether to write a post on this topic as it’s hard to put into words how sublime this experience was. I’m
not sure I can do its beauty justice. It is like walking through a work of art –
a masterpiece. Falling Water is like nothing else. It is innovative and awe-inspiring. It is at
both times magnificent and humble. It is a rush,
and it is meditative. It is a place of
contradictions.
Our guide was well-informed,
and we learned so much surrounding not just the mechanics and logistics of building
the structure – but also some of the interpersonal happenings at the time for
Frank Lloyd Wright and the owners (the Kauffman family). He also pointed
out the best spot for a photo opp. What
do you think?
On the tour, you walk
around the home, as well as through each room.
It is decorated with appropriate period furnishings (also designed
by Wright), and your guide will point out
where anything was changed from his
original design. It is stunning to witness Wright’s commitment to integrating the
house with its environs in nature. There
are windows everywhere - but the frames are
hidden within the stone, so they
appear natural. There are large balconies throughout the home too. There are
boulders coming up through the living room, and natural stone used in
the fireplace. But the piece de resistance for me was the stairway from the
living room down to the stream below. The home is in perfect harmony with the
surrounding landscape. The cantilevered shape of the house reflects the craggy
topography and waterfall. Even when you
are in the home, you feel like you are outside.
You can hear it, feel it and see it all around you. It truly is a wonder
of architecture – and one you are loath to leave. You just want to soak it all in. Luckily, after you finish the tour, you can hike around the surrounding area
and take lots of spectacular pictures.
What some may not realize is that Frank Lloyd Wright also
designed another home nearby, Kentuck Knob.
Kentuck Knob is not as well-known as Falling Water, but it possesses its
own magical beauty. It too is a National
Historic Landmark. Kentuck Knob is a different style than Falling Water, but it’s
still at one with nature as it was nestled directly into the hillside, blending
into the contours of the land. We ended
up spending much more time here as the property was so gorgeous. It has grand, sweeping views of the
Youghiogheny River Gorge and its
surrounding hills and farms. It was a beautiful
day, so we camped out on the hillside for
what felt like hours just committing it to our memory banks. It was relaxing
and restorative… which is probably just what Wright intended. On our
way out we were pleasantly surprised to find that the current owners had
created a diverse sculpture garden/walk that was a delight to walk through and
interact with. We especially enjoyed Ray Smith’s Red Army.
Even though this was just a day trip for us, I love
opportunities like this that highlight how many amazing experiences are all
around us. This one has stuck with me
for so many reasons. It’s unique and memorable for sure, but also quiet and
peaceful and allowed me to appreciate the beautiful simplicity of the Pennsylvania
hills. I love to travel on extended vacations, but I also love to discover new
things that make me treasure my home base even more.
No comments:
Post a Comment