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Today, this National Historic Landmark stands as a compelling symbol of civic identity and cultural pride. Martin House is characterized by its spatial openness, horizontal planes, pier and cantilever construction, and palette of natural colors and materials. It is considered one of the great achievements of Wright’s career, resulting from a remarkable partnership between client and architect. Explore the six buildings on the Martin House estate with ample time for a personalized, one-of-a-kind experience. This is the perfect gift for the Frank Lloyd Wright aficionado who has everything, for that once-in-a-lifetime visit, or to thank someone for something special. Other Buffalo commissions included the now demolished Larkin Administration Building, a new headquarters for Martin’s employer that revolutionized American office space with its elaborate, multi-floor central court illuminated by skylights.
The experiences of Wright’s upbringing were crucial in forming Wright’s unique aesthetic. The house was built in 1815 and the city did not become incorporated until 1932. Their company according to Jessica “focuses on unique properties.” The Coit House certainly qualifies. The Buffalo Main Light, also known as The Buffalo Lighthouse, is Buffalo’s oldest building. Wood 3/4” thick will provide better insulation against heat and cold.
The History of Graycliff
From family fun days to engaging lectures to craft beer tastings, we encourage you to visit our event calendar throughout the year for information about the festive happenings at Martin House. Designed to last approximately 40 minutes, you will set your own pace as you move from stop to stop. The tour can be enjoyed anytime, even if the site is closed for public tours. Wright’s timeless design of the Martin House continues to inspire, impress, and attract visitors from around the world. Closer to Pittsburgh, you’ll find a magnificent slice of American heritage at Frick Pittsburgh, or take a tour of Pittsburgh’s architectural treasures offered by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. Also recommended is a hike or a bike ride on a portion of the longest multi-use trail in Pennsylvania – the Great Allegheny Passage.
Behind-the-scenes candlelight tours on Thursday evenings in december. Following the reception, guests will be treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Martin House. A fun and inspired night out for all, this tour is offered to groups in the evenings. We recommend you reserve your group tour at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability of the tour time and docents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House
A perfectly symmetrical sink and window overlooking the backyard and lake. Everything about Graycliff is meant to maximize lake views and cool breezes coming into the house. The waterfall and pond feature are meant to make it seem like Lake Erie itself is flowing through the house and into the middle of the estate.
The Barton House, in addition to the tours that are available, is actually available to rent out for special occasions and events, making it seriously unique in our City. Next time you find yourself walking around the Martin House grounds, take a moment to admire the Barton House as its own structure. From the historic homes and landscape to the shopping and special events, the Martin House offers something for everyone.
The Estate
The discount pricing listed for each tour offering is extended to tour operator groups and groups of 10 or more. As the top-rated Buffalo attraction on Tripadvisor, Martin House will inspire and delight. Peek inside Graycliff, the Martin family's vacation home set on Lake Erie in Derby, with photographer Matt Digati. To see more of this waterfront escape, check out the Buffalo Homes feature. The Darwin Martin House in morning light with the landscaping in full bloom.
You and up to 7 guests can experience Wright’s Buffalo masterpiece during an intimate and leisurely tour led by a member of our senior staff. The Graycliff Conservancy was founded in 1997 with the specific mission to acquire, preserve, and restore Graycliff. What started as a citizen driven movement to acquire and save the property turned into a successful campaign to restore the 8.5 acre site. In 1927, the Filling Station was intended for a site just blocks from where it now stands. But it wasn’t until 2014 that Wright’s “ornament to the pavement” was constructed as an exhibit at the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum.
Views
Experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s original San Francisco office at the Erie County Historical Society-Hagen History Center. This exhibit was reconstructed in a building specifically designed to house the iconic office. When visitors enter, they feel they have walked into the office after the staff stepped out for lunch. Tall windows, in what was a second-floor office, look out on a scene that replicates what clients and Wright himself would have seen. During this docent-led, 90-minute experience, your group will explore more than 27,000 sf of planting beds over the 1.5-acre Martin House estate during the seasonal Landscape Tour.
The Larkin Administration Building was demolished in 1950 following the company’s demise. The design for Martin House includes a home for a succession of gardeners and their families who lived and worked on the estate. Completed in 1909, the Gardener’s Cottage represents the type of Prairie house developed by Wright to provide affordable and beautiful housing for all. The 1,668 square foot cottage, like other structures on the property, contains a signature pattern of art glass as well as built-in planters to bring nature closer to the interior.
The Barton House was completed in 1903 and stands at roughly 4,400 square feet. Martin and his wife, Isabelle, were closely involved in the design process and, despite the fact that the house was three times the cost of Wright’s initial quote, Martin hired Wright for the rest of the project. The Barton House’s style played an integral role in the overall design for the rest of the estate.
It remained her refuge for many years after her husband passed away as she continued to Summer on the property until 1943. On the ground floor is the dining room, and at the opposite end a porch, with the "Tall Living Room" and the second story centered in the middle. The floor plan is almost identical to the Isabel Roberts House, built that same year in River Forest, Illinois, but mirror-imaged and rotated ninety degrees from the street. This resulted in the living room being oriented to the side of the house rather than the street front, which initially afforded a nice view of the woods in 1908. This view was quickly lost, however, when the house next door was built. Like the William R. Heath House the Davidson House has a half-level basement containing the utilities, a laundry, pantry, and maid's quarters.
Mrs. Hagan was a talented gardener and she put the Fallingwater greenhouse to good use. Designed in 1905 for a site at the University of Wisconsin but never built, this working boathouse ultimately found a companionable home in 2007 at Buffalo’s West Side Rowing Club overlooking the Black Rock Canal and Niagara River. Learn more about the many levels of membership and exciting benefits, including free tours.
The story of Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House is a long, classic tale of redemption. What was originally Wright's crowning achievement in residential architecture turned into decades of abandonment and despair. There was surely a time when it seemed as though this architectural gem would be lost forever.