| Situated
on a 70-foot cliff overlooking Lake Erie, Graycliff stands as an architectural
jewel awaiting your discovery. Graycliff was designed by the renowned American
architect Frank Lloyd Wright for Isabelle R. Martin and her husband, Larkin Company
executive Darwin D. Martin. Set on a scenic 8.4 acre estate, the two-story, 6,500
square-foot house served as the Martins' summer home from 1928 to the mid-1940's.
It
was Isabelle Martin who had the most influence over the design of the house. Her
failing vision led her to direct Wright to create a structure full of sunlight
and air. Wright fulfilled her wishes. Abundant in windows, long and narrow in
plan, the house delightfully captures the warm summer light and the cool lake
breezes. Wright
also incorporated his ideas of "organic architecture" in the design by blending
the house into the natural landscape. As one architectural historian wrote, "The
house was made for the enjoyment of natural things." Historically,
Graycliff is significant in two main ways. First, it represents a transitional
point from Wright's earlier Prairie Style to his later concrete designs a la Fallingwater
in Pennsylvania. Elements from both periods are evident in the house's design.
Secondly,
Graycliff is a testament to Wright's thirty-three year relationship with the Martin
family. The Martins were one of Wright's most loyal patrons. Graycliff was the
last of three houses built for the family; the first was the Barton House (1903-1904)
and the second was the Martin House (1903-1906), both built in Buffalo. Tours
of Graycliff are being sponsored by the Graycliff Conservancy, a non-profit organization
established to acquire, restore, and preserve Graycliff. The Conservancy welcomes
you to a site that was recently placed on the New York State's register of historic
landmarks. Enjoy
the spectacular vistas from the cantilevered balconies of the house. Stroll through
the gardens and wooded landscape. Learn about the architecture of America's foremost
architect and the Buffalo family that greatly influenced his career. Admission:
Admission is $18 per person, and reservations are necessary. Please call 716-947-9217
for reservations and information. | 
