Fallingwater aka: Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr. Residence,Falling Water

Links:

http://www.visitpa.com/things-to-do/attraction-details/index.aspx?id=9091

http://www.fallingwater.org

http://www.paddlerslane.com

Books:

Unforgettable Walks to Take Before You Die by Steve Watkins and Clare Jones

It was under renovation, but it was still worth the trip down. I look forward to going back some time soon.

Now that I live in Pennsylvania, it was only natural for me to get this one checked off my list. After being an architectural engineering student for a couple years, I’ve studied this house. Our tour guide wasn’t too bright, so I found myself whispering explanations about the building to my family behind her back. This house makes it evident how much thought Frank Lloyd Wright put into his houses, and really makes me want to see more of his designs.

My advice, if you’re planning a visit, is to eat first. There’s a decent cafe at the visitor’s center here, but it’s a bit overpriced. The house is located in a really out-of-the-way part of PA, and there really aren’t any places to stop nearby. Also, make reservations. I was very surprised at the amount of people who come to visit the home (and we were on a Thursday, nonetheless!). If we hadn’t had reservations, the wait was about 45 minutes to an hour. And finally, give yourself lots of time to tour the grounds, especially if you want to take pictures.

I was just there over Memorial Day weekend and was surprised at how many people visit! It was so crowded that the 15-person tours were leaving every 10 minutes or so. Definitely book ahead to avoid the wait by calling them up and making reservations over the phone. You can book online but there’s a $2 surcharge per ticket.

You know, despite the fact that I live pretty close to Fallingwater, I’ve never actually been there. I even think I tried to go there once, if I remember correctly, but got lost along the way and never ended up actually getting there. Guess I should put it on my list.

This site is definitely worth seeing- even in the rain, as I did. I guess it’s kind of appropriate, in a way… :)

Fallingwater can be pretty difficult to find. I am from the area, and the first time I went to find it I got lost. The road to Fallingwater is a back road with a lot of twists and turns. Good Luck finding it!

I was there ten years ago. It’s unforgettable.

Consider visiting its “little brother,” Kentuck Knob, another Frank Lloyd Wright home in southwestern Pennsylvania.

I absolutely loved Fallingwater! I had seen pics of it before going and they really just don’t do it justice! Frank Lloyd Wright was such an innovator and a genius! What a magnificent work of art and a serene location! We took a camping trip out to the area so that we could tour Fallingwater. Everyone on our trip was amazed by the home! We’ll be heading back again this October!!

Make sure you check out the website before going to see Fallingwater.
http://www.wpconline.org/tickets/default.asp

They do not allow children under age 6 inside the home, but have a “Family Room” on-site.

They offer 2 different tours. The regular tour is $16 (in 2006) and the in-depth tour is about $55.

**Most importantly – Make a reservation. This guarantees you a tour, although during times of heavy visitation, you may have a short wait upon arrival. While we book our tours for every half hour, the tours may start as frequently as every six minutes. Once you have arrived, we will put you in the next available tour group.

If you are coming in July, August, and October, call at least two weeks in advance. If you are bringing a group with you during those times, call 4-6 weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.

Make in-depth tour reservations one week in advance for a weekday tour, one month in advance for weekend tours. For October weekend in-depth tours, call 6-8 weeks in advance.

Allow at least 15 minutes extra time for travel. The roads to Fallingwater are rural, two-lane roads. If you are running late, rest assured – your reservation guarantees you a tour of the house as long as you arrive by 4 p.m.

Allow enough time on site for strolling the grounds and visiting our Visitors Pavilion. We recommend about two hours.

Expect considerable walking. Please wear comfortable walking shoes!

Come prepared for the weather – over half of the tour is outside, and mountain temperatures are generally about 10 degrees colder than Pittsburgh’s. Summer tours are more comfortable in the morning hours.

Fallingwater’s rooms are open for you to walk through with your guide. However, there are narrow hallways and doorways. Large or bulky items such as camera bags, bookbags, or oversized handbags carried through the house present a hazard to our historic furnishings, collections, and woodwork. Please lock these items in your car before your tour. To protect the house, our staff reserves the right to check any oversized items at the front door.

Are you bringing very young children along?
For the safety and comfort of all visitors, children must be 6 years old to accompany you on a regular tour; 9 on an in-depth tour. If you have younger children along, you may use our on-site Family Room while waiting for others in your party to complete their house tour. Or you may choose to hike the grounds or nearby Bear Run Nature Reserve while waiting.

If you are traveling with pets, please know that we do not permit pets on our grounds, unless they are service dogs. For your pets’ comfort, please avoid bringing them in extreme weather (hot or cold), since the parking lot is exposed.

Consider planning your visit in mid-March, April, or November, when tours are more leisurely. In the early spring, the waterfalls are usually rushing – in November, oak leaves linger on the trees and the grounds are hushed.