Willey Sunday Morning

In 1932 Nancy Willey wrote a letter to Frank Lloyd Wright, requesting that he design an affordable home for her and her husband Malcolm and their family.

This started a process that rejuvenated Wright’s career and left the world with a small house that (after restoration) remains great. We were offered a chance to tour it yesterday (after being on a mailing list for two years) and it was well worth the wait. Steve Sikora (wearing hat in image below) and his wife purchased the house in 2002; it had been abandoned for years. He put together a team of contractors and craftsmen and it was finished in 2008. The complete story is on The Willey House web site, and details of the restoration is on the Frank Lloyd Wright website. This is the living/dining area with one of FLW’s un-sittable chairs at the dinner table:

And this is the view at the same location looking outward:

No FLW garden would be complete without one of his “sprites”:

The bathroom even had a trippy infinity mirror (left). Stafford Norris III, the chief carpenter/contractor, was also on hand (right). He used copies of Wright’s original plans for the restoration and furniture construction:

Steve described the house as “lightly lived-in”, used for friends and family and events. It gives the house an organic feel, unlike a museum or re-creation. Wright touches are everywhere, and the feeling of being surrounded by a masterwork is palpable. Who knew Wright could do cozy so well? And the cypress throughout! This open house was just a teaser, a full guided tour is two hours and can be arranged through the Willey House site (restrictions apply.) There are a lot more photos at the links above.