Graycliff was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright between 1926-1931 for Isabelle R Martin, wife of industrialist Darwin Martin, as a summer home for their family. It is a complex of three buildings on 8.5-acre site on the bluffs overlooking Lake Erie in Derby, New York. Graycliff was the second of two projects designed for the couple by Wright, the first being the their city residence,Martin House Complex.
This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!
The main house surrounded by the landscape.
As you approach the main house
The home is defined by bands of clear glass windows allowing for light and to frame the view of the lake through the home.
Steps leading from the rear facade
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The house is set on eight and a half acres of rolling lawns and gardens.
Built in Wright’s Organic Architecture style, high on a bluff with views of Lake Erie and across to Ontario.
The gardens were designed by landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman along with Wright.
The water feature at the entrance to the main house.
The house exterior blends with its surroundings
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The living room
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Looking toward the library from the living room.
Here in the library, Wright brings the outdoors in
The sunroom
The stairway to the second floor in the entrance area
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The windows at the top of the stairs on the second floor making the indoor blend with the outdoors.
The second floor hall, with many windows, runs across the front of the house.
A second floor bedroom set up as an office
Second floor bedrooms and bath
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In the second floor servants area
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Back on the first floor in the servant area
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In the kitchen
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The estate complex consists of three buildings that includes the small Heat Hut, the 3,100 square-foot Foster House and the 5,800 square-foot Main House.
Inside the Foster house which is on the second floor over the garages.
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A few more of the rear facade facing Lake Erie.
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What you should know:
There are a few options for guided house and grounds tours.
You could spend a couple of hours here.
You can purchase admission over the phone, online or in person.
Resrooms are available.
Off the street parking is available.
Check website for days and hours of operation.
Location: 6472 Lake Shore Rd., Derby, NY. 14047
For more information: Graycliff