One of two neighboring Frank Lloyd Wright houses sells in Michigan

In late 2023, for the first time in history, two quintessential Frank Lloyd Wright properties were offered for sale simultaneously for a joint $4.5 million — providing one lucky buyer the unique opportunity of owning not one, but two neighboring houses designed by the famed architect.

However, it wasn’t meant to be.

Listed in October 2023, the residential dynamic duo of both the Samuel & Dorothy Eppstein and the Eric & Pat Pratt homes boasts historical relevance, architectural pedigree, and unparalleled style that’s uniquely innate to Wright.

But the Pratt House has just scored a buyer, selling for $1.8 million, leaving its neighbor all by itself in its quest to find a new owner. The Eppstein House is now being offered as a standalone listing, priced at $2,100,000.

Part of The Acres/Galesburg Country Homes

The properties are located in the elite Galesburg Country Homes community, known as “The Acres” for its lush rolling hills and secluded exclusivity among large grassy lawns and dense forestry.

The peaceful and posh neighborhood near Kalamazoo, MI is listed under the National Register of Historic Places thanks to its impressive roster of real estate gems. Originally designed to host 20 homes, only five ever came to fruition, four of which were designed by Wright.

Two of them were listed for sale late last year — the Eppstein House and the Pratt House — with the latter selling in the first week of June 2024 for $1.8 million. But the Eppstein House is still up for grabs, and we’ll take you on a quick tour of both Frank Lloyd Wright houses.

Designed by the most influential architect in the history of the US

Frank Lloyd Wright is arguably America’s greatest architect and is widely recognized for his visionary concepts.

With a Usonian-style nod to mid-century architecture, both the Eppstein and Pratt homes offer seamlessly flowing spaces that embrace the beautiful nature surrounding them, coming as no surprise considering Wright is known as the “father of organic architecture”.

This pair of swanky ranch-style properties present nothing short of Wright’s best work, more so resembling pieces of art than your average home. Still, they are just as functional as they are eye-catching.

Restored to their original splendor by their current owners but with all the necessary modern updates, the properties are completely move-in ready.

The Usonian homes were meticulously restored

“These homes are restored with an eye for detail, and exactly as they were designed to be – they are art pieces as much as they are living spaces,” stated Victoria Krause Schutte of Christie’s International Real Estate, who represented both homes alongside Fred Taber of Jaqua Realtors.

Every inch of both homes is intricately engineered, from the built-in wood furniture designed by Wright to the heated floors throughout.

Sellers Marika Broere and Tony Hillebrandt, who have been nominated for the Wright Spirit Award, restored both homes beyond their former glory in recent years. The work took several years, hundreds of thousands of dollars, and a team of skilled craftspeople.

The results are so spectacular that even the families that grew up in the architecturally significant homes say they look better than they ever did before. More importantly, they are technically updated to the standards of modern times.

Now, only the Eppstein House is still available on the market — boasting a revamped price of $2,100,000.

The Eppstein House

Constructed in 1953 at 11090 Hawthorne Dr in Galesburg, MI, the Eppstein House (also known as the Samuel and Dorothy Eppstein House) embodies open floor plans and indoor-outdoor living — both of which were innovative concepts for the period.

Its aesthetic exterior features cantilevered roofs along with chicly designed concrete and elegant mahogany wood that flow to its interior.

Inside 11098 Hawthorne Dr

Inside, airy and modern floor-to-ceiling windows soar an impressive ten feet above ground, generously letting in the natural light while offering stunning views of the expansive main terrace and serene outside greenery.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Eppstein house has two living spaces that expertly balance an open-air atmosphere while still providing a cozy vibe with wood-blazing fireplaces and warm accents. Three beautifully crafted bedrooms and two additional terraces grace the rest of the property.

A restoration like no other

The Eppstein House has been described as “one of the finest examples of Usonian architecture” in the press. The 1953-built property received new plumbing, electrical, landscaping, and drainage, and a new, insulated, roof. Wright’s Usonian designs were known to leak, but with modern roofing technology that’s a thing of the past.

All woodwork was carefully repaired and treated. The vulnerable concrete blocks that had crumbled over time were repaired and cleaned, and stained with a UV-blocking solution, specially designed for the house by Sherwin Williams.

The built-in furniture wasn’t overlooked either, with fresh cushions with Maharam upholstery replacing the old ones in the living room.

More importantly, despite all the recent upgrades, the footprint of the house is still the original one, setting this property aside from most Frank Lloyd Wright homes — whose floorplans were dramatically altered over time.

The Pratt House

Right next door to the Eppstein House, on two and a half acres of scenic land, lies 11036 Hawthorne Drive — better known as the 1951 Pratt House — which consists of 2,200 square feet of architectural brilliance.

Just sold for $1,800,000, the property was repped by Victoria Krause Schutte of Christie’s International Real Estate with Fred Taber of Jaqua Realtors, who jointly hold the other active Frank Lloyd Wright listing.

Inside this Frank Lloyd Wright gem

The house boasts sleek minimalist lines inside and out, with the same mahogany and concrete foundations as its sibling property.

On its singular floor plan, you’ll find two beds, two baths, a combined library and music room, and an entertainment area with a statement fireplace and similar splendid ten-foot ceilings.