Wright time. Wright place.
Fall is spectacular at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff Estate
Experience architecture at its grandest with tours of Wright’s most extensive summer home overlooking the shores of Lake Erie
 Attention architectural enthusiasts! Overlooking the shores of Lake Erie, just south of Buffalo is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural gems, Graycliff Estate. Witness the natural blend of fall’s calming colors and Wright’s unique architecture, during an in-depth tour of the estate that will explain why it is revered as Wright’s most extensive summer home project.
Designed for Buffalo business executive, Darwin D. Martin and his family, the 8.5 acre property is made up of three separate buildings, incorporating Wright’s idea of “organic architecture.” With a majestic view of the City of Buffalo in the background, the property resides on a cliff 70 feet above the waters of Lake Erie. Wright designed the estate in such a way as to blend the home into its natural landscape allowing the breeze off the lake to flow through the elaborate glass windows and doors into the house as well as capturing the warm summer light and crisp glow of winter.
Restoration of the site began in 1999 with Phase One and is now progressing into Phase Three, which has been underway since 2006.
In-depth touring packages lead by a specialist are offered for the real architectural buff with a “behind the scenes” tour of the buildings and grounds that make up this wonderful property. Offered every Saturday until November 24, tours are generally just over one hour in length and begin at 1:15 p.m. Reservations are required, (716) 947-9217, and admission is $25 per person. The less extensive Standard Tour is offered daily with the exception of Wednesdays through November 26. Admission is $14 per adult and $10 for students. Spend a “Sunday in the Country” with the Graycliff Estate, available on select Sundays throughout the fall. The entire afternoon includes a deluxe brunch followed by an old-fashioned trolley ride throughout the countryside and a walk on the Estate’s grounds. Pre-paid reservations are mandatory at $54 per person. A combination ticket is offered for those who are looking to tour both of Wright’s architectural masterpieces, Graycliff and the Darwin D. Martin House Complex. Tickets can be purchased at either site for $25 per person and do not need to be used on the same day. For further information, please visit graycliff.bfn.org/.
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