A call from Dairy Hollow Writers’ Colony in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Would I like a suite in the main building or
would I like to be in the Frank Lloyd Wright House?
This is a question?
Who could turn down an opportunity to live in a Frank Lloyd Wright
house?
Eureka Springs is built on a series of high limestone
ridges. The Writer’s Colony is a little
way out of town on its own ridge and the house sits precariously on the edge of
a deep treed valley, the back decks jutting over into air. It’s a good thing I don’t walk in my sleep.
Here is the story behind this house: In the 1950’s, Edna
Dieley arrived in Eureka Springs from Chicago
bearing a set of house plans that she insisted the local builders follow to the
letter.
During the great depression, Frank Lloyd Wright created a
new style of house which he said, ‘was affordable for the common people of the United States.”
He dubbed the style Usonian a compilation word comprised of US and North America. Usonian houses were one story, low roofed
dwellings with open living areas and a clerestory, a line of windows high up in
the living area, designed to increase the light into the interior. It is not
known if Ms Dieley acquired the plans
from Wright, who was alive at the time, or if they were a knock-off based on
the Usonian concept.
Alas, after Ms Diely died, the house fell into
disrepair. In fact, the foundation became
so weak, the house was sliding down the hill.
Inside, linoleum covered the wood floors and heavy floral wall paper
decked the walls. (Cue Frank, who loved
natural materials, rolling in his grave).
The Colony acquired the house and began to raise money. At one point the house was tied to trees to
stop the downward lean and the entire foundation was removed and replaced. Inside, the original wooden floors, ceilings
and walls were restored or replaced. It was an enormous task which is still
ongoing. The main room is just getting
its furniture.
Living in the house is like living in changing light. Large windows everywhere let in views of the
hills. The maple and oak forest,
now, in early November, is a mélange of brilliant red and gold.
My suite consists of
a bedroom, writing room and bathroom, with coffee pot and small personal fridge
handy. I have the use of the completely
modern kitchen to make my breakfast and lunches, food supplied generously by
the colony. Dinner is a gathering in the
main house. At that time, all the writers
and other participants meet, talk, and nosh on a delicious gourmet meal. Tonight a wine tasting and next week a
reading night.
Do I like it here?
This is a question?
Typical Frank Lloyd Wright, a plain exterior, partly hidden front door. Note the line of clerestory windows under the upper roof.
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