News Summary
A remarkable Usonian-style home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is now on the market in Charleston Township, Michigan, available for the second time in 74 years. This property, priced just under $2.3 million, features two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, showcasing beautiful renovations that maintain the home’s original charm while enhancing modern functionality. Nestled in a scenic wooded community, this architectural gem connects deeply with nature, offering potential buyers a unique investment for personal retreat or short-term rental opportunities.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian Gem Hits the Market in Michigan
For those with a love of architecture and history, an exciting opportunity has just popped up! A stunning home designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright is now on the market for just under $2.3 million. Located in the picturesque Charleston Township, Michigan, this property has an impressive legacy, making it available for purchase for only the second time in a whopping 74 years.
A Glimpse into Usonian Style
This charming Usonian-style home boasts two cozy bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, offering a perfect blend of comfort and functional design. Commissioned in the 1950s by the Weisblat family, this residence encapsulates Wright’s visionary ethos of harmonizing architecture with nature. The home is crafted with utmost care to promote a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, showcasing stunning views of a lush landscape.
Restorations That Enhance, Not Detract
The current owner has put a lot of heart and soul into the home since purchasing it for $511,000 in 2017. Following multiple renovations, the kitchen has been updated with sleek new countertops, cabinets, and appliances, bringing a modern touch to the classic design. Also noteworthy is the expansion of the primary suite’s bathroom, which now offers functionality and spaciousness while retaining the home’s original charm.
Nurturing Nature’s Essence
One of the standout features of this home is its deep connection to nature. The current owner has beautifully improved the frog pond that Wright originally designed and successfully cleared out deadwood trees, ensuring that the outdoor spaces not only look fantastic but serve a purpose too. This connection to the natural world is a hallmark of Wright’s designs and is something this home exudes beautifully.
A Community Rich in History
The property is situated within a unique 70-acre wooded subdivision known as The Acres, which features 21 other Usonian-style homes. This community is rich with signature Wright elements—think flat roofs, overhangs, carports, hearths, and even radiant floor heating. Furthermore, being part of this enclave allows residents access to natural beauty and architectural significance, all of which is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.
A Smart Investment for Buyers
Adding even more appeal to this property is a conservation easement from the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, which opens up opportunities for short-term vacation rentals. Recent trends indicate that property enthusiasts are showing keen interest in Usonian homes, and this particular listing is set to attract a mix of national and international buyers.
The Market is Heating Up
With other Usonian properties also making waves in the market, like the Eric and Pat Pratt House priced at $1.8 million and the Samuel and Dorothy Eppstein House at $2.1 million, buyers have a choice to make. However, this property stands out due to its deeper immersion in nature as compared to other Usonians, making it an attractive option for those looking to add a true architectural treasure to their collection. It is expected that serious buyers will likely be cash purchasers from outside of Michigan, either looking for a personal retreat or a smart income-generating investment.
What’s Next for the Current Owner?
The current owner is embarking on another adventure, relocating to Pennsylvania for yet another midcentury modern home project, leaving this extraordinary piece of history waiting for its next steward. As the market continues to buzz regarding properties like this, there’s no doubt that this Usonian masterpiece won’t stay on the market for long!
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Additional Resources
- Realtor.com
- Wikipedia: Frank Lloyd Wright
- Architectural Digest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Frank Lloyd Wright
- Google Search: Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian architecture
