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Beth | profile | all galleries >> Photography Gallery >> Fallingwater (Click photos to open in larger size) tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Fallingwater (Click photos to open in larger size)

Just as war was breaking out in Europe in the late 30's, a family in Western Pennsylvania was building a weekend house that would come to be the most famous private residence in the world. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this house over a waterfall at Bear Run, defies gravity and blends with its surrounds to become a harmonius part of the landscape. It cost $150,000 to build and incorporated many design features that have become a part of today's modern housing (skylights, open living space,flourescent lighting, double beds, etc.) Today it is owned and maintained by the Pennsylvania Conservancy, a gift to the world from the Kaufmann family.

It IS an amazing place. The house was built when the only 'child' in the family was 22 years old. It definately was NOT meant to be a family home in the usual sense of the phrase.

Wright designed not only the house, but all the furnishings as well and when he visited ( which I guess he frequently did) he would take it upon himself to rearrange things to his own liking. Can you imagine!!?? He tried to dictate what would and would not be brought into the house. The family respected his wishes MOST of the time. I guess when you live in a work of art you expect to treat it with due respect. (I think they realized they had a masterpiece even then!) Not too many houses after all, are the subject of a Time Magazine cover and are featured at the Museum of Modern Art!

The house was passed down to son Edgar, Jr., then from him to the Pennsylvania Conservancy. He gave it to the Conservancy knowing that they would not only care for the house, but also for the land around it. The Conservancy has since purchased 5000 additional acres of land around the house. (It originally sat on 1543 acres owned by the family.) There are walking trails and tent sites on the surrounding lands today.

Beginning in November, 2003, the house closed to undergo major renovation to shore up the sagging cantilevered decks.

Fallingwater:Giftshop items based on Wright designs may be purchased before beginning the tour. (Fallingwater)
Fallingwater:Giftshop items based on Wright designs may be purchased before beginning the tour. (Fallingwater)		 Fallingwater from above
Fallingwater from above		 Fallingwater: living space in house with open views to the forest. Windows open to bring the sound of the ever-present fall in.
Fallingwater: living space in house with open views to the forest. Windows open to bring the sound of the ever-present fall in.
Fallingwater: View of living area w/ exit to cantilevered patio. Stone for the house was quarried from the area.
Fallingwater: View of living area w/ exit to cantilevered patio. Stone for the house was quarried from the area.		 Fallingwater: Mr. Kaufmann's bathroom. Blending of wood and earth tones makes for a very peaceful retreat.
Fallingwater: Mr. Kaufmann's bathroom. Blending of wood and earth tones makes for a very peaceful retreat.		 Fallingwater: Utilitarian kitchen is the workspace of the house.
Fallingwater: Utilitarian kitchen is the workspace of the house.
Fallingwater: Cantilevered decks hang over the stream and falls. A stairway to the falls acts as natural air conditioning.
Fallingwater: Cantilevered decks hang over the stream and falls. A stairway to the falls acts as natural air conditioning.		 Fallingwater: Cantilevers from patio. Earth tones of Cheroke red and ocre run throughout the house.
Fallingwater: Cantilevers from patio. Earth tones of Cheroke red and ocre run throughout the house.		 Fallingwater: Windows that open from the corner or have no framing at the corners were signatures of Wright.
Fallingwater: Windows that open from the corner or have no framing at the corners were signatures of Wright.
Fallingwater: Themes running throughout the house include cascades of stone and water, rounds & half-rounds, and cantilevers.
Fallingwater: Themes running throughout the house include cascades of stone and water, rounds & half-rounds, and cantilevers.		 Fallingwater: This shot and the previous one are of an exit from the main house to the walkway to the guest quarters.
Fallingwater: This shot and the previous one are of an exit from the main house to the walkway to the guest quarters.		 Fallingwater: The canopy over the steps to the guest quarters...supported on one side by steel posts, an engineering marvel!
Fallingwater: The canopy over the steps to the guest quarters...supported on one side by steel posts, an engineering marvel!
Fallingwater:This house is literally built into a ledge. This ledge protrudes through the livingroom floor to become the hearth.
Fallingwater:This house is literally built into a ledge. This ledge protrudes through the livingroom floor to become the hearth.		 Fallingwater: Surrounded by trees, the house becomes a rock in its surroundings.
Fallingwater: Surrounded by trees, the house becomes a rock in its surroundings.		 Fallingwater: The family used the falls to cool off on hot summer days.
Fallingwater: The family used the falls to cool off on hot summer days.
Fallingwater: The sound of the falls is a constant, soothing presence throughout the house.
Fallingwater: The sound of the falls is a constant, soothing presence throughout the house.		 Ron, the tourist...this house is open to the public spring through fall. Don't miss a chance to see it when you're in PA!
Ron, the tourist...this house is open to the public spring through fall. Don't miss a chance to see it when you're in PA!

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Guest 25-Oct-2011 17:33
Wonderful snapshots
albert deland 17-Nov-2010 01:26
After driving from southern california,we landed in latrobe. First on the list....FALLINGWATER! We were led through,and felt compelled to join the conservancy at the end. It was my first trip(and my partners 31rst. Thank you for the walking stick and memories that will travel forever with us. Thank you for a wonderful day!
kanika kaushal 15-Aug-2009 16:17
really nice photos with nice explanation.. thanks!
Glenn Kalin 09-Apr-2007 18:15
These are great shots which I'm going to use to show my 3rd graders who have been studying Mr. Wright. Thanks for posting them.
mary anne 06-Sep-2005 13:23
forhet this web site and the photos
Guest 26-Sep-2004 13:31
This website has old and now inaccurate information. Fallingwater's structural repair was completed in 2002, and the shoring beneath the house that you see in these photos was removed late that year.
Dale 25-Sep-2004 13:44
I was at Fallingwater this past July. These photos are excellent and bring to life what I saw. My son found this website and am glad he did. This will be on Favorites for websites.
Brenda 24-Dec-2002 20:22
These are some beautiful pictures! I have been a big FLW fan for many years and these pictures are a perfect representation of the 'form follows function' essence that I love so much about his architecture. Thank you :)
linda 30-Jul-2002 13:44
this website is almost impossible to read it is so dark.
i wish the photos were larger . . .
Beth09-Nov-2001 22:56
Someday I hope to go back and not have to sneak photos...we weren't supposed to be taking pictures on this tour. When I do, I'll let you know.
Marcel-Etienne 07-Nov-2001 21:03
Thanks again, Beth. Although F.L. Wright is one of my favourite architects (and I am quite passionate about architecture), I had never had the opportunity to see as many excellent pictures of this masterpiece. If you ever go back, please take 200 or 300 other pics, just for me!
Beth01-Oct-2001 01:24
Thanks Hal & Marty,
I love this place and if I can share info with others about it, I'm happy. If you're ever in W. PA, don't miss it!
Hal 30-Sep-2001 14:09
Hi Beth,
Have always wanted to go-to/see Falling Waters. This has me halfway there!
Thanks!
Hal
P.S. Have been impressed by and learning from your other galleries
MartyB 29-Sep-2001 00:02
This is the most instructive set of photos I have seen of Wright's masterpiece. The angles show all of the buildings visual possibilities. I hope you can get them published.
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