Sara Ann O'Sullivan

Fallingwater: A Building Like No Other

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Kaufmann family in 1935, Fallingwater is a house that defies expectation — and gravity.

And what a house it was. I found myself amused as I walked through the home, judging things along the way. For example, the furniture was built low to the ground to promote relaxation, and I couldn’t help but shake my head, thinking how I would hate that. Still, I reminded myself — Frank Lloyd Wright had a few more years of design experience than I do.

My first memory of learning about Wright was in an art museum. I couldn’t tell you which one, but I remember a chair — one of his more famous designs — and my mom pointing it out, telling me he was someone important. Growing up in Florida, you’d occasionally hear his name, often followed by teasing about his infamous love of flat roofs.

So, to be honest, rolling up to Fallingwater with my mother, grandmother, and aunt, I knew very little about the man beyond those two facts — and the knowledge that my aunt and grandmother had visited another of his famous homes. A quick Google search revealed that Wright had lived quite the dramatic life, and frankly, I’m surprised no one’s written a true crime novel about him yet. Here are a few fun (and wild) facts:

• His favorite color was Cherokee Red, which appears in many of his designs.
• He was married three times.
• One of his mistresses was murdered in a killing spree by a disgruntled worker at his home (Seriously — true crime novel material).
• While working at Adler & Sullivan, he secretly designed “bootleg houses” on the side, technically breaching his contract.

Before we even stepped foot in the house, I was beginning to get the sense that Wright was a man who lived unapologetically in the moment. I’m not sure I agree with all of his choices, but he certainly lived on his own terms — in a different time, in a different world.

The property surrounding Fallingwater is breathtaking. I understand why people have weddings there — soft mossy rocks, towering trees, the hush of falling water, and a breeze that feels like it belongs in a poem. There’s even a little coffee shop on-site, where I had a honey lavender latte that felt tailor-made for the setting.

All in all, Fallingwater is a wonderful stop — it has architecture, history, hiking trails, and yes, excellent coffee. What’s not to love?

Thanks for being part of this little adventure with me. I hope you find some magic in your own travels too.

-Sara 💕