The iconic Graycliff estate in Derby, New York that was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright has opened to the public following extensive renovation work.
Graycliff estate in Derby, New York. Image by Noah Kalina
Designed by Lloyd Wright between 1926 and 1931, the 9000-square-foot build was commissioned by industrialist Darwin Martin as a summer home on the bluffs above Lake Erie for his wife Isabelle and their family. The family enjoyed the property for many years before finally selling it in 1950 to the Piarist fathers, who used the site as a school and headquarters for mission work. In 1997 the Graycliff Conservancy purchased the property and began a project that would see it being restored for the public to enjoy.
A view from inside the living room. Image courtesy of the Graycliff Conservancy
Extensive restoration work began in 2000, with work being carried out on the exterior of the Graycliff houses and on the landscape of the property. The house has been furnished with specially selected pieces following the study of Martin family photographs and research into 1930s home furnishings. “Visitors have been overjoyed with the quality and scope of the restoration,” Graycliff Estate director, Bob Wooler, told Lonely Planet Travel News. The property now also contains a visitor centre, gift shop and a caretaker’s cottage that the conservancy currently uses as a rental property. Although work is still being carried out on the property, a variety of tours are now available to the public, including a basic package, a restoration tour and a master architectural tour. A series of educational programmes and special events are also due to take place at the site.
The exterior of Martin House near Buffalo, New York. Image by Biff Henrich
The news follows the recent reopening of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Barton House, located nearby in Buffalo, New York and also commissioned by Martin. Originally built in 1903, it is widely regarded as the design that helped propel the architect to national recognition. Created in the early Prairie style, it was one of six interconnected structures built for a unique residential complex known as the Darwin D. Martin house, and the final architectural piece of the estate to be restored. The completion allows visitors to get an in-depth look at the project as a whole, as well as one of the most pivotal moments of Lloyd Wright’s career.
The conservatory at Martin House. Image by Noah Kalina
Guests can take part in guided tours of the estate, including a two-hour Martin House Plus tour of the Barton House, Martin House and Gardener’s Cottage, as well as private group tours. The Barton House is also now available for private events, and sit-down dinners.
More information on visiting the Graycliff estate is available at the official website. More information on visiting the Martin House is also available online.
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