A Usonian Masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright Is on the Market For $1.5M

One of Wright's Usonian homes in New York hits the market for the first time in 20 years.

Built in 1948 and named 'Toyhill' by Wright himself, this home is considered an artistic masterpiece and shows Wright's early interest in overlapping circular masonry, which would become an innovative and iconic treatment found in his later work—including the Guggenheim Museum

A Usonian Masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright Is on the Market For $1.5M - Photo 1 of 9 -
A Usonian Masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright Is on the Market For $1.5M - Photo 2 of 9 -

Located an hour outside of Manhattan in Pleasantville, New York, the Sol Friedman house (also called Toyhill) is one of a handful of homes that Wright personally designed as part of his Usonian homes project, which was intended to offer beautifully designed, affordable homes to middle-income buyers.  

A Usonian Masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright Is on the Market For $1.5M - Photo 3 of 9 -

The 2,164-square-foot midcentury home offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open layout that connects the living areas with a continuous, circular flow. 

A Usonian Masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright Is on the Market For $1.5M - Photo 4 of 9 -

The round, light-filled design is intended to create a visual connection between the interior space and the serene exterior environment. The home also features a large center fireplace, oak built-ins, and Wright-designed furniture. 

A Usonian Masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright Is on the Market For $1.5M - Photo 5 of 9 -

A winding staircase connects the main living areas with the bedrooms on the upper level.

A Usonian Masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright Is on the Market For $1.5M - Photo 6 of 9 -

The upstairs bedrooms feature clerestory windows, which were specially designed to allow optimal light and airflow into the higher stories while still maintaining privacy.

A Usonian Masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright Is on the Market For $1.5M - Photo 7 of 9 -

A unique feature of this Usonian home is the roof's upturned and cantilevered overhang (pictured above), which allows for passive solar heating and natural cooling without obstructing surrounding views. 

A Usonian Masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright Is on the Market For $1.5M - Photo 8 of 9 -

Adjacent to the house is a distinctive mushroom-like concrete-pedestal carport, which naturally echoes the circular construction of the main house. 

A Usonian Masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright Is on the Market For $1.5M - Photo 9 of 9 -

The home is currently listed through Houlihan Lawrence for $1.5 million.  

Julia Brenner
Dwell Contributor
Julia is a Chicago-based writer and photographer: art, architecture, design, and details. Recent clips at juliabrenner.com

Published

Last Updated

Get the Pro Newsletter

What’s new in the design world? Stay up to date with our essential dispatches for design professionals.