The Winslow House, a River Forest estate designed by late architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is set to hit the market Dec. 16 for the first time in more than fifty years.
Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty will represent the Walker family when it lists their historic River Forest residence, The Winslow House, on the market Dec. 16 for $2.4 million.
The home, known as the William H. Winslow House, was built in 1893 and is prestigious architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s first independent commission, according to a recent press release.
Chris Feurer, CEO of Jameson Sotheby’s, said the company is ecstatic to be a part of history.
“The Winslow House exemplifies a truly exceptional living experience, and is so special because it is the type of landmark home that rarely comes on the market,” Feurer said. “We’re honored to be entrusted with the sale of this important piece of architectural history, which is as cherished today as it has been for generations.”
The home features an original, hand-carved front door and quarter-sewn white oak flooring, the release said. William H. Winslow, the initial owner of the estate, made some lasting changes to the home, much of which exists in ironwork that decorates the inside and outside of the home.
The Winslow House remains truer to Wright’s original design than many of his other homes, according to Pamela Tilton, the Jameson Sotheby’s broker representing the Walker family.
“While other Frank Lloyd Wright homes have endured decades of remodeling, the Winslow House is one of the best-preserved Wright homes,” Tilton said. “The seller has owned the home for more than 55 years, and there have only been five owners in its entire 120-year history.”
The four-bedroom, 5,036-square-foot home comes with a library, a fire place-equipped living room, 3.5 bathrooms and a servant’s quarters. The home’s hipped roof, Roman brick and wide eaves evoke Wright’s Prairie style, the release said.
Not everything about the house remained unchanged. Today, the back porch is enclosed and the kitchen is updated. The first floor features a powder room. The original floor plan is in tact, and, according to Tilton, one finds plenty of tiny, cozy spots to read. She says the home, with its few modern features, blends the charm of the late 1800s with a contemporary lifestyle.
The home is one of 17 Wright homes that the American Institute of Architects mandated be preserved forever. The National Register of Historic Places added The Winslow Home to its records in 1970.
Pete Walker, a member of the selling family, expressed respect for the historic place his family lived, and asked the next homeowners to follow suit.
“My family has cared for this home for more than 55 years, and it holds a special place for us and for all who admire Wright’s work,” Walker said. “My brothers and I grew up in this home and we hope that the next family will be good stewards and enjoy the home as much as we did for decades to come.”
Wright died in 1959.