One of three Virginia homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is on the market.
Photos courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty
Frank Lloyd Wright. The name, of course, should ring a bell. The 20th-century architect, recognized in 1991 by the American Institute of Architects as “the greatest American architect of all time,” designed more than 1,000 structures during his career. And this summer, one of just three that Wright designed in Virginia—the Andrew B. Cooke House in Virginia Beach—went on the market.
Designed in 1953 and completed six years later for Virginia Beach residents Andrew and Maude Cooke, who dreamed of living in a house created by Wright, the beautiful 3,020-square-foot home is tucked among the trees on the shore of Crystal Lake. Built with a passive solar design, the great room features a massive curved wall of windows, allowing the sun’s energy to naturally heat and cool the house.
The Cooke family lived in the house until 1983, when current owners Daniel and Jane Duhl purchased it and undertook a massive overhaul. The restoration, which received a preservation award from the American Institute of Architects Hampton Roads, included installing central air conditioning and building a 14-foot swim spa, sauna and exercise room. Boaters and swimmers alike can take advantage of the two lakeside docks, one of which is large enough to accommodate two yachts.
Located at 320 51st St., the home went on the market on Wednesday, August 17, for $2,750,000. It’s only a matter of time before the architectural masterpiece is snatched up by some lucky new owners, but in the meantime, you can book a tranquil weekend getaway at this luxurious home, with home-cooked breakfast and access to bikes and beach gear included, through Airbnb for $148 a night. FLWrightBeachHouse.com, SothebysRealty.com
Read our 2010 story about Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian house in Northern Virginia.
