The Rayward–Shepherd House, more famously known as Tirranna, is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest and most ambitious residential commissions. Built in 1955 for John and Joyce Rayward, the house is named after an Aboriginal word meaning “running waters.” It is a spectacular expression of Wright’s late-career genius, where the structure doesn’t just sit near the landscape—it harmonizes with a 14-acre property that includes a waterfall, ponds, and a winding river.
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Preservation and Management
Tirranna is a masterpiece of Wright’s Usonian style, pushing the boundaries of that philosophy with its massive scale and distinctive horseshoe-shaped design. While originally built for the Raywards, the home’s second name comes from Herman and Ruth Shepherd, who purchased the property in 1964. The Shepherds were meticulous stewards for over 30 years, working closely with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and Taliesin architects to maintain the home’s original integrity.
The property is a total sensory experience. The sound of the Noroton River waterfall can be heard throughout the home, particularly from the master bedroom on the second floor, which features a private balcony overlooking the cascades. The interior includes classic Wrightian elements: a grand living room with a massive fireplace, custom built-in furniture, and a “workspace” (kitchen) that integrates seamlessly into the flow of the home. The lush, secluded landscape was further refined by Wright apprentice Lin Yates and landscape architect Frank Okamura, creating a botanical sanctuary that protects the home’s privacy.
Plan Your Visit
📍Location
Tirranna is located in New Canaan, Connecticut. The property is set well back from the road, hidden by dense foliage and the natural topography that slopes down toward the river.
🛑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.
🧳Make it a Trip
New Canaan is the heart of the “Harvard Five” architectural movement. While visiting the area, you can pair a drive-by of Tirranna with a tour of the Philip Johnson Glass House, which is located nearby. New Canaan offers one of the densest concentrations of Mid-Century Modern architecture in the United States.
🏨Hotels in New Canaan
- EVEN Hotel Norwalk (IHG) – Pet friendly hotel with fitness center.
💲For Sale
This house last sold on January 22, 2024, for $6,000,000. The sale included the fully restored 7,000-square-foot main residence and the expansive 14-acre estate.
Additional Resources & Inspired Products
Find unique products, books, and gifts inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy at our Amazon storefront: Wright at Home! https://www.amazon.com/shop/franklloydwrightsites
- The Harvard Five in New Canaan: Midcentury Modern Houses by Marcel Breuer, Landis Gores, John Johansen, Philip Johnson, Eliot Noyes, and Others
- Frank Lloyd Wright by Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer, Peter Goessel (book)
