The Winslow House marked a significant turning point in Wright’s career. It was his first major commission after leaving Louis Sullivan’s firm and showcased his growing mastery of architectural principles.
The home’s design is characterized by its horizontal lines, deep eaves, and bold use of geometric shapes. Wright sought to create a harmonious relationship between the house and its surroundings, blending the interior and exterior spaces seamlessly.
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While the Winslow House doesn’t possess the same level of fame as Wright’s later works like Fallingwater or the Robie House, it remains a valuable example of his early architectural vision. The house’s design features a symmetrical facade, a cozy inglenook like Wright’s Home & Studio, a hip roof, and also incorporates some of Sullivan’s influence in some of the ornate details.
Location
The Winslow House is located in River Forest, Illinois. This house is privately owned and not available for tours.
Insider Visitor Tips & Tours
Because the William Winslow House is a privately owned family residence, it is strictly closed to the public and not available for interior tours. However, its magnificent exterior is fully visible from the public sidewalk, making it an essential stop on any Wright pilgrimage.
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See the “Two Faces” of the Design: Be sure to view the home from both the front facade on Auvergne Place and from the side street near the stables. The front is a masterclass in formal, classical symmetry. The back, however, is an explosive, asymmetrical mass of geometric shapes that shows Wright openly experimenting with the ideas that would soon define the Prairie School.
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Make it a Walking Loop: The Winslow House is located just 1.5 miles from the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio in Oak Park. We highly recommend parking in Oak Park, taking the official walking tour of the neighborhood, and then taking a short 5-minute drive (or a beautiful 30-minute walk down historic residential streets) over to River Forest to see the Winslow House.
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Don’t Miss the River Forest Tennis Club: While you are in the neighborhood, head just three blocks south to 615 Lathrop Avenue to see the River Forest Tennis Club, a beautiful wood-sided community structure designed by Wright in 1906.
Nearby Lodging
While the Winslow House is located in the quiet residential neighborhood of River Forest, you can stay just minutes away in neighboring historic Oak Park. Booking a stay in the historic district gives you immediate access to the epicenter of Wright’s early career without the hassle of commuting from downtown Chicago.
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The Carleton of Oak Park Hotel: Nestled right in a residential historic district, this boutique hotel has been serving the area for over 80 years. It puts you less than two miles from the Winslow House and is an easy walk to local dining and downtown Oak Park.
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The Harvey House Bed & Breakfast: A top-rated historic property in Oak Park that blends old-world Victorian charm with modern luxury. It offers a cozy, design-minded retreat and a gourmet breakfast just minutes from the local Wright sites.
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Additional Resources, Links and Products
- Hometown Architect: The Complete Buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park And River Forest, Illinois by Patrick F. Cannon (Amazon)