The Louis Penfield House, located in Willoughby Hills, Ohio, is a remarkable example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s later Usonian work, designed specifically to accommodate the unusual needs of its owner. Commissioned in 1952 and completed in 1955, the home was built for Louis Penfield, an accomplished painter who stood a striking six feet, eight inches tall. This personal requirement heavily influenced the house’s striking vertical proportions, setting it apart from the traditionally low-slung Usonian model.
Architecture Designed for Height
Frank Lloyd Wright was known for his dedication to accommodating his clients’ unique circumstances; for example, he designed the Kenneth Laurent House in Rockford, Illinois, specifically for an owner who used a wheelchair. Similarly, to ensure comfort for his tall client, Louis Penfield, Wright introduced an unusually high ceiling line and a dramatic narrow, vertical window system throughout the house. This was a clear departure from the broad, horizontal bands common in his earlier Prairie Style work.
Despite its unique verticality, the home adheres to core Usonian principles: a flat roof, radiant floor heating, and a strong connection to the surrounding woodland site near the Chagrin River. It features an open-plan living and dining area anchored by a central masonry fireplace, and large glass windows that immerse the interior in nature. The vertical redwood siding further emphasizes the home’s height and helps it blend seamlessly into the surrounding trees.
A Legacy of Stewardship and Design
Louis Penfield and his family lovingly maintained the home for decades. In 2018, Sarah Dykstra purchased the house. It remains privately owned but is uniquely available for overnight rentals, allowing guests to experience Wright’s vision firsthand.
The current owners’ commitment to preserving Wright’s vision continues to benefit the area’s architectural heritage. They are also the stewards of another exceptional Wright-designed home in the same area: RiverRock, which was also commissioned by the Penfield family.
Experience Wright’s Vision: The Double Stay
One of the most unique opportunities for any architecture enthusiast is the chance to fully immerse oneself in Frank Lloyd Wright’s environment, and the Penfield House allows you to do exactly that as an overnight rental. We recommend taking advantage of the proximity to RiverRock, the stunning final residential commission also managed by the current owners.
Consider booking a four-night architectural vacation: perhaps two nights in the vertical elegance of the Penfield House followed by two nights in the grounded symmetry of RiverRock. This dual-stay experience offers an unparalleled comparative study of Wright’s late-career Usonian vision, all within a few minutes’ drive of each other in the beautiful Chagrin River Valley. While you’re in the area, consider touring the Weltzheimer/Johnson House which is just 52 miles from the Penfield House!
Location
The Louis Penfield House is located at 2203 River Road in Willoughby Hills, Ohio
