A unique Usonian house in Weston, Connecticut is hoping somebody who loves Frank Lloyd Wright and his work will be its next occupant. It was just made available for purchase for only $1.45 million.
The property is a two-bedroom structure and was built in 1963 by no less than Allan Gelbin who was apprentice to Wright during those times. According to realtor.com, "Usonian" is what Wright's post-Depression era home designs were referred to. Inger Stringfellow described Wright's vision as simple and straightforward with all elements targeted at bringing affordable homes to American families. This particular house was made to house Gelbin himself plus it was also his work studio. Up until today, it still has the Usonian feel and even the original furniture.
Stringfellow said many of these Usonian homes are single-story and had just enough storage space. They do not come with a garage and, like the one listed, is made from native materials. "They're sort of like collector items now," Stringfellow said.
Time and age has taken the life out of many Usonian structures but for Gelbin's abode, the place was kept in pristine condition and going inside is like traveling in the past when the original owner stood over the wooden floors.
Current owners Mark Parrota and Kim Hunter bought the property in February 2004 from people who bought it straight from Gelbin himself. The second owners did not do any renovations so the home practically remained the same. Hunter and Parrota decided to restore everything to its original appearance and kept everything according to its original plan and design. The bathroom were even sealed using the same grout mixture used back in the first days of its construction. According to Stringfellow, this Usonian is different because it's located at the end of a shared driveway on top of a knoll. "You feel like you're in a very personal space," Stringfellow said.
