Frank Lloyd Wright and Fallingwater — when reality exceeds expectations but not as expected!

Expectations and reality often have little in common and more often than not, the sense of letdown can be overwhelming. Remember as a small child waiting for that one toy that was going to be so special only to have it smaller and less impressive? But have you ever been wonderfully surprised when reality exceeded expectations? That happened for me at Fallingwater, a house designed by world renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

When I heard people talk about the house everyone spoke about how wonderful it was, how magnificent and what a wonderful and inspirational architect Wright was. I was prepared to be awed and impressed.

When you arrive, leave lots of time to explore the grounds and the Visitors’ Centre. Both offer insight into the property and the grounds themselves are wonderful. Your ticket purchase is linked to a house tour time so make sure you are arrive with extra time to get checked in. Each group meets at the Centre and heads down to the house together. Your first guide provides a brief history and then sends you down the path towards the house. Our guide told us to look towards the sound of the water and the house would be revealed. It was said with so much reverence that one could easily expect the house to be unveiled by a choir of angels. Once again my expectations were increased.

My first sighting of the house was definitely less than the life altering experience expected. The house is beautiful but not in the over-the-top mansion or manor house way. It does not scream ‘I was designed by a famous architect’ nor does it say ‘My owners spent a lot of money on me’ but it was designed by a famous architect and it did cost a lot of money. The true beauty of the house is created through the use of stone, concrete and a unified colour palette of light ochre and Cherokee Red.  This combination blends the house into the environment rather than makes it stand out against the landscape. And, therein lies the brilliance of Frank Lloyd Wright and Fallingwater.

Bear Run

The house itself is situated on top of Bear Run, a river that runs through the property, in fact the house sits on top of the waterfall in Bear Run. Rather than use the falls as a focal point and locate the house across the stream with a view of the falls, Wright built into the hill and cantilevered the rooms out over the falls. The stream and falls provides the amazing background sounds of running and falling water.

In the living room, Wright built the ‘hatchway’, a series of glass doors and a glass ledge that can be opened and lifted up and out to reveal an open space and a staircase that descends down into Bear Run. The hatchways allows extra light and air to enter and circulate the room as well as providing immediate access to the water that runs below the house. Upon first sight it is reminiscent of something that could be found in a child’s tree house or secret fort. It is an element that seems so cool and innovative that it is surprising that an adult thought of it.

Bringing the outside in

As he designed the house, Wright identified large outcroppings of rocks and boulders that he incorporated into the design of the house. One large outcropping became part of the kitchen wall as well as a ledge inside the kitchen. Another large rock takes pride of place as the hearth for the fireplace. This vision ensured that the house fit into the environment around it and seems to embrace the outdoor elements.

Every main room, including the bedrooms have walk out balconies ensuring ample natural light. Since the balconies are also all over the waterfall the sound of running water becomes a symphony of sound that embraces each room. One minute on a balcony, listening to the water, reveals to you why Wright chose to build the house over the waterfall rather than across the stream. The open space, cool water and abundance of windows ensures ample air flow in the house which is essential as there is no air conditioning.

Wright uses light and darkness to encourage people to move through the house, hallways are dark and narrow while rooms are filled with windows and light. The house seems simple and informal but each room was designed with a keen eye and with a purpose. Many windows are hinged and fold back removing whole corners in rooms and creating unique openings to the outside.

Recommendation

The house didn’t live up to expectations because the expectations were so wrong. The true beauty of this house is how it fits into the environment and seems to belong there. Fallingwater left a lasting impression and it made me a Wright fan.

If you are in Pennsylvania, see it, even if you have to drive out of your way.  It is well worth it.

Tickets

There are a number of different tour options available so visit the site and if possible, purchase your house tour tickets online or by phone (1-724-329-8501) as they can sell out. The website can be finicky when you are trying to book your tour times but be patient and scroll down.

Photography

Photography isn’t allowed in the house but you are allowed to take picture on the grounds. Visit the scenic photography area across the stream if you want a great view of the house and the falls.

 Location

1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, PA  15464