Frank Lloyd Wright’s Teater Studio, also known as Teater’s Knoll, is a unique architectural gem located in Bliss, Idaho. Completed in 1957, it holds the distinction of being the only Wright-designed building in the state. This Usonian-style studio was commissioned by Archie Teater, a landscape and genre artist, and stands as a tribute to Wright’s organic architecture principles in the American Northwest.
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Preservation and Management
The Teater Studio is currently privately owned and has been meticulously restored by its current owner, Henry Whiting II. Through his dedicated stewardship, Wright’s vision has been preserved, ensuring the structure remains as functional and inspiring today as it was when Archie Teater first used it as his creative sanctuary.
The studio’s design is characterized by its harmonious integration with the surrounding natural landscape. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Snake River, the structure is crafted from Oakley Stone, a regional quartzite, giving it an earthy and grounded aesthetic. The building’s form, a parallelogram shape with a sloping roof, echoes the contours of the terrain. Large windows invite abundant natural light, essential for an artist’s workspace, and offer panoramic views of the stunning Idaho terrain.
Inside, the Teater Studio reflects Wright’s emphasis on open and flowing spaces. The interior is designed to be both functional and inspiring, with carefully planned details and built-in furnishings that maximize efficiency and comfort. The studio served as both a workspace and a residence for Archie Teater, embodying Wright’s concept of creating a living space that is in harmony with its environment and purpose. Today, the Teater Studio is privately owned and has been meticulously restored, preserving Wright’s vision and offering a glimpse into the architect’s creative process.
Plan Your Visit
Location 📍
The Teater Studio is located in Bliss, Idaho. The property is situated on a high bluff overlooking the Snake River, south of the town center.
Tour 🎫
Please be aware that Teater’s Knoll, a remarkable Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home, is a privately owned residence. While it is not generally open to the public, there is a special opportunity to experience this unique property: it usually opens for guided tours once a year, typically on the first Saturday of June, coordinated by the Hagerman Valley Historical Society Museum. The museum also proudly hosts art exhibitions featuring the works of Archie B. Teater, adding another layer to the appreciation of this site. We kindly ask that you respect the owners’ privacy and refrain from trespassing on the property outside of these designated annual tour events.
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 outside of the designated annual event. We kindly ask that you respect the owners’ privacy and refrain from trespassing on the property.
Make it a Trip 🧳
A visit to Bliss offers a chance to explore the “hidden” side of Idaho. Pair your architectural stop with a visit to Thousand Springs State Park or a trip to the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. If you are continuing your Wright pilgrimage toward the West Coast, this site serves as a perfect midpoint between the prairies and the Pacific.
Additional Resources & Inspired Products
Find unique products, books, and gifts inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy at our Amazon storefront: Wright at Home!
- Hagerman Valley Historical Society Museum website
- At Nature’s Edge: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Artist Studio by Henry Whiting II (Amazon book) – Mr. Whiting is the current owner of Teater’s Knoll.
- Life and Art of Archie Boyd Teater by Lester Taylor
- Living at Teater’s Knoll in Coronavirus Times by Henry Whiting II
- Idaho Off the Beaten Path (Amazon book)
