Frank Lloyd Wright Fallingwater Home & Surrounding Areas – Mill Run, PA
Our campsite for the week was Outflow Recreation Area in Confluence, PA. The sites were spacious, cozy, and a stone’s throw away from the dam. In the early morning, the mist on the river hovers over the water and emits an eerie glow. From the campground, one can hop on the Allegheny Highland Trail.
The trail runs from Pittsburg, PA, to Cumberland, Maryland, totaling 334 miles. Our ride was only 20 miles, but it took us among the beautiful tall forest trees, wooden bridges, and through a long, dark tunnel. It was a great morning to enjoy a bike ride.
We decided to travel over an hour to Mill Run, PA, to see the infamous Frank Lloyd Wright Fallingwater home. Upon arrival, we discovered all home tour tickets were sold out for the month. Much to our chagrin, we purchased the grounds ticket to tour the grounds and view the home. First stop – go to the visitor center to inquire about any no-shows. The universe smiled as we were booked on the next scheduled tour. We were ecstatic and, afterward, so glad we didn’t miss out on touring this wonderful home.
In 1935, the home was designed for the Kauffman family, who owned a department store in Pittsburg. It was a summer retreat to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and business demands. It was built in 18 months, and a year later, they added a guest house. The main house totaled 9,300 sq. ft with 4,400 sq. ft of outside terraces. Anywhere you are in the home, the calming music of the swiftly moving water cascading over the rocks can be heard. Imagine spending lazy summer days listening to the falling water surrounding acres of green, lush forestry with not another home in sight. The home’s natural air conditioning is provided by mother nature.
Everything in the home is original, right down to the two Picassos, Tiffany lamps, and other invaluable treasures throughout the house. The Kaufmann’s only son entrusted the home to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in 1963 for the rest of the world to experience a one-of-a-kind home.
Email: movebeyondordinary@gmail.com Instagram: movebeyondordinary