The Frank Sander House (also known as Springbough) is a dramatic example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s ability to build into—rather than over—challenging terrain. Perched on a steep, rocky outcropping in Stamford, Connecticut, this 1952 design is a masterpiece of mahogany, glass, and native fieldstone. It serves as a brilliant late-career iteration of the Usonian ideal, adapted for the rugged, wooded landscape of New England.
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The house was commissioned by Frank Sander, an advertising executive, and his wife, Ruth. The site presented a significant challenge: a narrow, sloping ledge covered in laurel and hardwood trees. Wright’s solution was to anchor the home to the rock using a massive stone core, allowing the rest of the house to project outward in a series of dramatic, light-filled tiers.
The home is notable for its use of mahogany and “mitered” glass corners, which erase the visual barrier between the cozy interior and the Connecticut woods. True to the Usonian philosophy, the house features a radiant-heated red concrete floor and a workspace (kitchen) that is compact yet centrally located. One of the home’s most enchanting features is a natural stone ledge that actually enters the interior of the house, serving as a physical reminder of Wright’s commitment to organic architecture. The property has been lovingly maintained by private owners who have preserved the original built-ins and the home’s unique relationship with the changing seasons.
Plan Your Visit
📍Location
The Frank Sander House is located at 121 Mill Road, Stamford, Connecticut. The property is set deep within a wooded residential area, where the house is skillfully tucked away from the road to ensure maximum privacy.
🛑Curb-Side Viewing Only
Please be aware that this Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home is a privately owned residence and is not open to the public for tours. We kindly ask that you respect the owners’ privacy and refrain from trespassing on the property. Due to the dense foliage and the home’s position on the ledge, it is very difficult to see from the public right-of-way.
Additional Resources & Inspired Products
Find unique products, books, and gifts inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy at our Amazon storefront: Wright at Home!
