Fallingwater

Welcome to the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, an area defined by deep valleys, verdant forests, and rushing streams. Here, hidden within the rugged Appalachian Mountains, sits a house that permanently altered the…

We begin our exploration at the most famous vantage point on the estate, looking upstream from the banks of Bear Run. This is the iconic view of Fallingwater, an image so powerful and pervasive that it reignited Frank Lloyd…

Leaving the spectacular downstream viewpoint, we trace our way up the old wooded driveway to approach the main entrance of Fallingwater. As we draw closer, the house slowly reveals itself from behind the dense curtain of…

Stepping through the front corridor, we are immediately released into the breathtaking expanse of the Great Living Room. This massive, open-concept space is the vibrant heart of Fallingwater. …

Perhaps the most thrilling, and initially misunderstood, feature of the Great Living Room lies quietly off to the side, set flush into the floor. This is the glass hatch. …

Stepping through the massive glass doors from the living room, we emerge onto the vast expanse of the cantilevered terraces. It is only out here, suspended high above the plunging valley, that one truly comprehends the sheer…

Retreating from the dramatic terraces, we navigate through a subtle wooden doorway at the rear of the living room and step into a surprisingly different atmosphere. Welcome to the kitchen of Fallingwater. …

We now ascend the rough-hewn stone staircase to the second floor, arriving at the private quarters of the Kaufmann family. The journey up these stairs is a quintessential Frank Lloyd Wright experience. …

Continuing our ascent, we arrive at the third and final level of the main house. This secluded, elevated sanctuary was the primary domain of Edgar Kaufmann Junior. …

Exiting the main house, we venture back toward the hillside to explore the later additions to the Fallingwater estate. Arching gracefully over the stone driveway is a beautifully detailed covered bridge. …

As our journey through Fallingwater comes to a close, we return to the quiet, wooded pathway leading back into the dense Laurel Highlands. The roar of Bear Run slowly fades into a gentle murmur behind us, but the psychological…