Day Trip

to the Wright House at Cedar Rock in Quasequeton, Iowa.

Ever heard of it?

Neither had we.

So we took a little trip to see it. I love Frank Lloyd Wright designs. Ed can appreciate a lot of the details, but will admit that Wright had some flaws in his designs.

This home was built in the 1930s. Average house cost was $7000 for a house. This home cost $150,000.

I love the contemporary lines of the home and when you think this was built in the 1930s and it looks as if it was built mid century.

Wright believed that the front of the home should not have windows. He did not believe in attics, garages or basements, he thought they were spaces for more clutter. (My kinda guy!)

He was also the one to coin the phrase "car port."

The back of the home had all the windows.

The living room or garden room is all windows.

On the left are maid quarters.

These are photos of the living room/garden area. He even designed the furniture.

Wright was such a control freak that the Steinway piano had to be taken off its casters so that the 'view' was not blocked by the piano. Also he even chose the stoneware/glasses/pans to be used in the home. In fact the home owners had been given a housewarming gift and Wright did not approve of it. Can you imagine? The homeowners did keep the gift, but placed it in a new location and up higher, where maybe Wright could not see it.

All the wood used in the house was walnut. A very expensive wood, but it made the house so dark. At least each bedroom had all windows and open door exits for light.

In the master bedroom the homeowners wanted a full sized bed, but Wright said no at the end of the day you just want to rest. So they got twins.

This was the Master Bathroom. A combination sink (box on top) tub (to the back) and toilet (underneath the box sink. Really unique feature. I would have much preferred a regular tub and potty.

This is a hallway. So dark, but maximizing space with cabinetry and shelves lining one wall for storage.

There was also a boathouse, with a 1930's man cave, fitted with bed, chair, desk, restroom and screened porch.

We had a lovely tour and I thoroughly enjoyed the visit. It's fun to imagine the life of such a creative icon and to be able to appreciate his talents in today's world.

However his personal life did remind me a little of Hemingway's. Wife 1, wife 2, wife 3, wife 4...what was it with this time period and creative men and lots of women?