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The Winslow House in River Forest, Illinois, holds a significant place in the life of Frank Lloyd Wright as it was his first major commission as an independent architect and was the forerunner to his highly popular prairie style. And now, the heritage-listed home is on the market after a complete refurbishment. Wright designed the historic property for ironworks manufacturer William Winslow in 1893. It’s experimental in style, mixing and matching elements from his time with mentor Louis Sullivan and his own emerging design ideas, such as its low roofline with wide eaves, both of which became a signature of his work, inspired by the flat prairie terrain. Winslow House is listed for $1.98m after having undergone an extensive, million-dollar renovation by architect couple Arthur and Susan Vogt—self-confessed Wright fans—who purchased the home for $1.3m in 2016. The five-bedroom home spans 5,000 square feet and features ornate original woodwork and original stained glass throughout. A large Inglenook fireplace is featured in the foyer and the layout is a bit of an open-plan—a visionary concept for the period. The limestone and brick exterior showcases Wright's signature style, complete with a Porte-cochère and oversized windows that bring in abundant natural light. As you step inside, you're welcomed by a thoughtfully designed floor plan that flows seamlessly from room to room. The entryway features a large inglenook, one of three wood-burning fireplaces, and stunning woodwork that exemplifies the craftsmanship of the era. The large eat-in kitchen is perfect for modern living, while the formal dining room, with its second fireplace, offers a grand space for entertaining. The adjoining conservatory features round seating, providing a cozy spot to enjoy the views of the serene backyard while the first-floor family room offers additional living space, perfect for relaxing or hosting guests. The beautiful woodwork continues up the main staircase, leading to a landing with built-in seating. The second level features five bedrooms, including a stunning primary suite with bathroom and walk-in closet. There is also a fully renovated second bath with custom tile, double vanities, walk-in showers, heated floors, and custom lighting; a second-floor laundry was added for convenience. The fully finished third floor offers a versatile recreational room or office space, a full bath, and ample storage. This level provides a private retreat within the home, perfect for work or play. Set on an expansive lot, the property offers a true prairie setting with beautifully updated landscaping and hardscape. The rear of the home is just as stunning as the front, providing a serene and private oasis and also includes a large coach house featuring two bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths, a fully updated kitchen, and a 3-car garage. The Vogts have fully modernized the home, overhauling its electricals, adding air conditioning, temperature control, a generator and a tankless water heater. A gorgeous piece of history, updated yet still retaining the FLW charm and design.                                          |
Swoon, I wouldn't change anything, as long as my knees and hips hold up to the stairs.
ReplyDeleteI think there's a spot for an elevator, but other than that, yes, please.
DeleteYes to this one and it isn't too far from me. My Aunt and Uncle lived in River Forest but their home was MUCH smaller.
ReplyDeleteI really like this house, though it's very large. I love that inglenook and would sit their reading all winter long in front of a fire!
DeleteI hate the front, it looks more like you're entering a mausoleum rather than a house. Other than that, it's quite nice.
ReplyDeleteI think the landscape out front does a disservice to the house because it fits with Wright's Prairie style designs.
DeleteI love the layout of the home---I could live in the second floor carriage house and be content----I have never been a huge fan of Frank Lloyd Wright----But I appreciate a few of the aspects of the home---I welcome all the light that enters the home---The landscape looks inviting for the golden hour----And yes--We have to hit them in the wallet to wake them up and for them to realize that we are the customers and have a say in the transaction of selling their goods----What's that term----Yes, corporate responsibility---I have never been a huge Amazon fan---
ReplyDeleteI, too, love the enormous windows in the house.
DeleteResistance is boycotting those who are concerned only with their wallets and not those of their customers OR their employees.
I have NEVER used Amazon for anything.
Stunning restoration without compromising the FLW aesthetic.
ReplyDeleteI agree; I'm not a fan of the kitchen so much as it seems so small in comparison with the other rooms, but that was kitchen design at the turn of the 20th century!
Deletethe dog's mother
ReplyDeletexoxo :-)
😱 Yah, I saw FLW and I was ready to run for the exits...politically I am a Never-Wrighter! And the first 8 photos were just what I expected. The man always wants me to LIVE at the public library instead of just visiting twice a week! But I will admit that as the photos began to show a sort of FLW-lite with lighter walls and lots of bright window areas, I softened up a bit. 😃 I do wonder about the skills of the Vogts at house-flipper math. $1.3M purchase for a huge house, $1M renovation, and 9 years later asking only $1.98M asking price? Seems like they are taking a million dollar loss...am I missing something? 🤷♀️
ReplyDeleteThis was very early in his career and so he opted to create very light-filled spaces with big windows; as his style progressed, he put windows higher up to catch winter sun and so on.
DeletePerhaps the market shifted and the price is a reflection or sometimes people over renovate and the market doesn't bear the extra coins.
I'm imagining some Venture Capital vermin thing that the home looks "dated" and they start painting over the friezes with gray paint.
ReplyDeleteWill Jay
Or, as many of THOSE people call that color: "griege."
DeleteMy thought is similar to Cleora - they seem to be taking a big loss on the sale. But, I suppose, if they lived in it for several years they did get to enjoy the renovation.
ReplyDeleteThe house itself, isn't something I'd want to live in. Too big, of course, and it seems rather impersonal. Though I suspect just living in one of Wright's homes would be considered an achievement.
I love the house, though it is too big. Buty I admire the style and the woodwork so much.
DeleteBeautiful inside and out.
ReplyDeleteI like the way the house opens itself to the eye. The wood and the tics you come to expect from Loyd Wright are there, but they are not as marked as in other constructions (FallingWater is adorable, but the windows give me claustrophobia).
You do need to like wood though. And the carriage house?
Want.
XOXO
I do like all that wood in the inglenook in the foyer, and the arches and the giant windows. You can see where Wright started and then how he shifted as he became better.
Deletexoxo
I think I would be quite happy in the carriage house.
ReplyDeleteI'm just bougie enough to want the big house!
DeleteI love it. All that wood is gorgeous. It has some drawbacks, however. 1. It's in Illinois. I lived there for six years and was miserable. 2. The first photo with a fireplace -- yes, that would be a great place to read or take a nap, but I need a recliner. I know it's inappropriate with a Wright house, but I can't sit on that furniture. I have to be able to lean back with a pillow behind my lower back and my feet up. 3. The people who lived in my house before me remodeled the kitchen and put in white cabinets. I don't like white cabinets. They always look dirty and have fingerprints even though I'm the only one using the kitchen. I wipe them off constantly. Give me solid wood cabinets that go with the rest of the house. Other than those three issues, I'll take it.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Hmm, I'm not sure about that house. It looks a bit "sterile" to me, but then I'm sure you could easily add colour. Mind you, what the heck is that office space???
ReplyDelete