I have blogged on several occasions about Frank Lloyd Wright homes that I have visited. Last week I made a trip to revisit a home here in Bloomfield Hills. The last time I was there it was completely empty and was being 'repaired'. The home is owned by Lawrence Technological University. When it comes to repairs, it is 'the gift that keeps on taking'. Nothing like a leaky roof and windows to drown you in bills.
The Affleck House (no relation to Ben) was built in the Usonian style in 1941. At the time, it was way out in the country away from the noise of the city. Now, the land abuts Telegraph Road and the noise from traffic was very distracting. Here are some of the pics I took. Somehow, I totally missed taking pictures in the master bedroom. Duh!
The entry where we stood in the damp cold and wind, listening to the traffic while the docent rattled on with interesting information. But why couldn't we have listened to it inside???
This is the outside light fixture that was designed later by
Alden B. Dow. His home is on my to-see list this summer.
The view to the cantilevered deck. All I could think about was the folks who live in the very pricey condos around the property having to listen to traffic.
In the entryway of the home, looking up.
The house has no A/C, but there is a cleverly designed bank of windows in the floor that draw cool air up from the outside covered area.
The powder room in the entry.
The designed office that was later a bedroom for a 'surprise' family addition, a young daughter. Nice, but no privacy at all.
Family areas.
Those two wood rails in the bottom left above and lower right below hide the floor windows I mentioned above. Below is the view looking back into the foyer from the family areas..
The kitchen, obviously updated. The maid slid the lower counter next to the stove and stairs led to the lower level. Mrs Affleck insisted on a partition being build to shield the messy kitchen from her guests. I'm with her.
There are windows set in the high wall near the ceiling that would be opened to let the heat out.
Here are some outside views.
That corner window above is in the master bedroom. It opens in such a way that the corner disappears completely. Mrs. Affleck did insist on curtains, even though they originally owned eleven acres. Yes, that kid walked around the entire time with his nose stuck in his phone. Not sure why his parents brought him.
Hope you enjoyed the view. I sure did.
