By Joe Berk
Fallingwater, a famous Frank Lloyd Wright structure in southwestern Pennsylvania, is a place we have long wanted to visit. We finally checked that box late last year and it was well worth the trip. It’s one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous architectural accomplishments, designed in 1935 and completed in 1939 for the wealthy Kaufman family. The Kaufmans owned a large department store empire in nearby Pittsburgh, and Fallingwater was their vacation home. The Kaufman family turned the estate over to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and it now operates as an area open to the public.
The Kaufman family’s request to Wright was straightforward: They wanted something unique, something that merged the mountains’ natural beauty with the architecture, and they wanted the local stream to run through the home. The resulting home became one of Wright’s best known accomplishments. Frank Lloyd Wright had a distinguished career and he is arguably one of the most famous architects who ever lived. Fallingwater is the only Wright home open to the public.
The Kaufmans asked Wright to use natural materials from the area and he did. Much of the home is constructed of local sandstone. They also asked Wright to design the interior furnishings and decor. It all works well together.
In 2019, Fallingwater was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is also a National Historic Landmark, it is a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Treasure, the American Institute of Architects named it the best all time work of American Architecture. All that’s great, but take it from us, the ride and the place are awesome. As a destination, Fallingwater is tough to beat.
Fallingwater is in the Laurel Highlands area about 70 miles outside of Pittsburgh. It’s a mountainous area, and because of that, the roads are perfect for great riding. The scenery, the roads, and the riding in this area are pretty much what good motorcycle riding is all about in all but the winter months. Fall is one of the best times to take it in as the leave turning colors add a further visual treat to what is already a delight to the senses. The trick is to do it late enough in the year that the leaves are turning, but not so late that the temps are too low or the roads are too icy. We were lucky; our timing was perfect.
You can’t just show up at Fallingwater. You have to make a reservation and pay for your tickets online. Trust me on this: The tour is money well spent.
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It is indeed a beautiful house but it’s a maintenance nightmare. I’ve been there a couple of times. Looking up at some long narrow skylights set into the roof over a staircase, I mentioned to my guide that they looked like they would leak in the rain and with the accumulation of snow. She told me they did. Then I said that I believed Wright’s designs placed aesthetics over practicality. She said I was correct and went on to say they spend over one million dollars a year in upkeep to keep that property looking the way it does. Seeing it though, is worth the effort. And the surrounding roads are great. Unfortunately for me it rained the day I had my motorcycle there.
Good observations, Marcus, and something I did not notice. Thanks for commenting.
Beautiful.
These homes were designed for rich people and in an era where home maintenance was cheap .
Wright or wrong , what can they do ?
Wright or wrong…I love it!
Here’s a partial list of additional FLLW designed homes open to the public. Glad you enjoyed the most famous home, designed by the most famous architect in the USA 👍https://franklloydwrightsites.com/tours/
Thanks, James.
Great article and pics. I’ve always loved Fallingwater. Perhaps one day I’ll get there.