Seamour Shavin House

Designed in 1950 and completed in 1952, the Seamour Shavin House holds a unique distinction: it is the only building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the state of Tennessee. Perched high on the western brow of historic Missionary Ridge, the home was carefully oriented by Wright to capture sweeping views of the Tennessee River and Lookout Mountain.

Current Status: Remaining in the hands of the original family for over seven decades, this iconic private residence is now officially on the market for an appreciative new steward. View the property listing

Architectural Profile of the Shavin House

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History & Design

The home was commissioned by newlywed couple Seamour Shavin, a building materials salesman, and his wife Gerte. While Wright famously never visited the physical site himself, his brilliant Taliesin apprentice Marvin Bachman closely supervised the construction on top of the rugged, sloped lot.

The Shavin House stands as a textbook example of Wright’s mid-century Usonian philosophy—creating affordable, organic architecture utilizing local materials that effortlessly integrate into the native landscape.

Key Characteristics & Features

• Organic Materials: Both the interior and exterior feature extensive use of horizontally laid native Crab Orchard sandstone, meticulously layered with protruding “stone ledges” that draw immediate comparisons to Fallingwater.

• Cypress Millwork: The ceilings, custom trim, and magnificent built-ins are crafted from solid Louisiana red cypress.

• The Cantilevered Carport: A stunning 12 x 16 x 16-foot cantilevered roof section extends over the driveway, heavily echoing the structural lines of the celebrated Goetsch-Winkler House.

• Light & Geometry: The home utilizes double clerestory windows adorned with intricate, custom-cut wood light screens (a design completely unique to the Shavin residence) alongside classic Wrightian mitered glass corners.

• The Heart of the Home: True to Usonian principles, a massive stone fireplace anchors the living room, which flows seamlessly over a red concrete floor into the built-in dining furniture also drafted by Wright.

The Bachman-Wilson Connection

The Shavin House shares a poignant and profound connection to another famous Usonian home: the Bachman-Wilson House (originally built in New Jersey and now relocated to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas).

When construction began on the Shavin House, Wright’s brilliant young Taliesin apprentice, Marvin Bachman, moved to Chattanooga to oversee the build. Tragically, in 1951, before the house was fully completed, Marvin was killed in an automobile accident.

In the summer of 1952, Marvin’s sister, Gloria Bachman, and her husband, Dr. Abraham Wilson, traveled to Chattanooga to visit the Shavins, help them pack, and move into their new home. Seeing the finished residence—which they viewed as Marvin’s architectural legacy—deeply moved the couple. Inspired by what they experienced on Missionary Ridge, they immediately contacted Wright on their drive back east to commission a home of their own. They purposefully included the “Bachman” name in their formal architecture request to honor Marvin’s memory and capture Wright’s attention.

Nearby Attractions

Because the Shavin House is a private residence, an architectural pilgrimage to Chattanooga is best paired with the area’s incredible natural, historical, and mid-century landmarks:

• Missionary Ridge: Take a scenic drive along North Crest Road to appreciate the rugged terrain, historic Civil War plaques, and the stunning ridge-line views that drew the Shavins to the area.

• Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour (via Viator): For a deeper taste of the city’s culture, this top-rated 3-hour guided culinary crawl introduces you to Chattanooga’s dynamic “culinary renaissance.” Led by a local expert, the walking tour takes a small group through the trendy downtown district to sample curated dishes at up to four premier neighborhood restaurants. It’s an exceptional way to dive into regional food history, architecture, and local flavors all in one afternoon.

• The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway: Located just minutes away, this historic funicular railway climbs a 72.7% grade up Lookout Mountain, offering a macro-perspective of the exact valley and topography Wright designed the Shavin House to overlook.

• Rock City & Ruby Falls: Classic Lookout Mountain destinations that celebrate the unique geological formations of the region—specifically the massive natural sandstone layers that mirror the look of the Crab Orchard stone used inside the Shavin House.

• The Hunter Museum of American Art: Located in Chattanooga’s Bluff View Art District, the museum is a stunning architectural landmark in its own right, combining a 1904 classical revival mansion with a dramatic 2005 contemporary steel-and-glass expansion.

Where to Stay

If you are planning an architectural tour of the area, Chattanooga offers several highly rated, distinct properties that celebrate history, mid-century design, or luxury boutique styling:

• The Dwell Hotel: A dream for design enthusiasts, this upscale 16-room boutique hotel features bright, meticulously curated retro-chic mid-century modern rooms. Housed in a historic brick-and-limestone building downtown, its bold geometric wallpapers and vintage furnishings provide the perfect aesthetic pairing for a mid-century architecture pilgrimage.

• Hotel Clemons Perfect for travelers who love adaptive reuse and independent spaces, this stylish downtown property features spacious, urban loft-style apartments complete with industrial accents, exposed ductwork, and full kitchens. The vibrant lobby operates as a social hub with an on-site espresso bar and an attached local brewery. It offers a wonderfully unique, design-forward home base for families or extended stays.

Find unique products, books, and gifts inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy at our Amazon storefront: Wright at Home!