FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

In Western Pennsylvania in the Bear Run Mountains near Ohiopyle State Park there are two Frank Lloyd Wright houses.  The most famous, Fallingwater was built by the Kaufmans, department store owners in Pittsburgh in the 30's.  By the 50's, their friends the Hagans, who owned a local dairy co-op and manufactured Hagan's Ice Cream, wanted a retreat nearby.  That became Kentuck Knob.

Dave and I began our day at Kentuck Knob.  It is a "double Unsonian" and is much cozier than Fallingwater, and it was easier to envision someone actually living in it.  At just over 2000 square feet, it has 3 bedrooms and is built into the "brow" of the hill rather than on top as a Wright statement of how our a house should compliment the site, rather than dominate it. They would not let us take pictures on the inside, but if you're interested, we bought picture books of both houses and we will be glad to share them when you visit us.  Dave's favorite feature was a "disappearing" window, that was placed in the living room with planters on either side and the glass disappearing into the rock facade so that you felt you really were outside.  Deb was delighted that we got to actually go into the kitchen and loved the Kitchenaide stove that had hinged burners and the stainless steel counter tops. She was intrigued by the concessions Wright made to Mrs. Hagan to have a basement, larger kitchen and dining room, and cork floor.  Outside, David loved the hexagon "holes" or skylights in the overhang to provide light.

The house is currently owned by a member of the House of Lords in London, and his art and influence was evident throughout the house.  Outside he has created a sculpture garden surrounding the house and in an adjoining meadow.  When the Hagans built the house in the 50's they had a view of the valley  over farm fields.  Mrs. Hagan planted over 9000 trees and now the house is in the woods.  David and I had fun exploring the sculptures and views through the woods and meadow.

Deb as part of the Red Army sculpture made of over 900 figures

An historic French public bathroom... it is a hole !!

Deb and David pretending to talk on the K-6 pay phones from London and Scotland

Part of the Berlin Wall... the 3rd piece we've seen this trip!

Deb trying to bite the apple sculpture

Fallingwater was Wrights iconic piece and was nominated as the 8th Wonder of the World, losing out to Macchu Picchu!!  Proposing that the house be built on top of the waterfall was a surprise to the Kaufman's but secured Wrights place as a master architect.  It is well known that the building after 75+ years has structural and water issues, but the docents all explained them away as "upkeep" and maintenance.  The stairway down to the stream in the living room was extremely impressive.  But since the house is built on top of the waterfall, it has limited views of it, only on certain terraces.  However, it can be heard and felt throughout the house.  It truly is the epitome of organic architecture with the house blending in, complimenting, and reflecting its natural environment.

Later in Ohiopyle, we enjoyed the waterfall