A Big and Bright Midcentury Home by Frank Lloyd Wright Apprentice Don Erickson Asks $595K
Located near Chicago, the 1950s-era house was designed by Erickson shortly after he left a fellowship with Wright at Taliesin East.
Recently listed in Inverness, Illinois, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home is attracting attention far and wide. "It has brought interested buyers from all over Chicago, several from California, and one who requested a virtual showing from London," says listing agent Valerie Campbell. Completed in 1954, the home was designed by celebrated local architect Don Erickson, who also worked as an apprentice for Frank Lloyd Wright from 1948–51.
Architect Don Erickson's father commissioned him to design the home in the early 1950s, leading to Erickson's departure from a fellowship with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin. As one of Erickson's first solo commissions, the property also kickstarted his decades-long career designing other homes and buildings near Chicago.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
Inside, an entry hall leads into the structure's most defining feature: a great room with a 15-foot-high pitched ceiling and full-height windows. Throughout the interior, redwood-clad ceilings accentuate the home's sharply angled roofline.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
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Erickson left the Wright fellowship and started his own practice when his father asked him to design this home in Inverness. "I had my own ideas to express," Erickson once said about the decision to leave Taliesin. "My father gave me a chance to build something that my mind had created. When I left, I told Mr. Wright that I’d be back, and I fully intended to be back."
But Erickson didn't return to Taliesin. Instead, the home's successful design led to numerous other commissions in the Chicago suburbs and eventually his most well-known project: the Indian Lakes Resort in nearby Bloomingdale, IL.
A skylight illuminates one corner of the living area, which also features radiant-heated tile floors and painted brick walls.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
The expansive great room offers an open living and dining area.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
Last sold in 2013, the property is now back on the market with an asking price of $594,500. Offering 3,700 square feet of interior space, including four bedrooms and three full bathrooms, the spacious home also comes with a newly renovated kitchen and two principal suites. Buyers will also be attracted to the 1.6-acre lot, which is forested and has an expansive lawn. Keep scrolling to see more.
Behind the dining area is a modern kitchen, recently renovated with all new cabinetry, appliances, and finishes.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
Another skylight hangs over a corner of the kitchen.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
A door in the kitchen also provides access to a large patio.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
One of two principal suites is tucked away in a separate wing of the home. The space offers a fireplace, as well as direct access to the yard via a sliding glass door.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
The adjoining bathroom comes with a floor-to-ceiling window and skylight.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
Two secondary bedrooms are located at the opposite end of the home.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
The second principal suite is currently set up as a home office but also comes with its own fireplace and adjoining bathroom.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
Outside, the home is surrounded by a large lawn. An outdoor area near the principal bedroom is separated by a semicircular brick wall that extends from both sides of the glass facade.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
The home's long and low-slung appearance is most visible from the street.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
An aerial view of the property shows its placement on the 1.63-acre lot.
Photo by Richard Bajjalieh of VHT Studios
871 Braeburn Road in Inverness, Illinois, is currently listed for $594,500 by Valerie Campbell of Baird & Warner.
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