On October 16, the last designed residence of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright went up for auction… and sold for a cool $1.67 million. The 3,095-square foot Circular Sun House weaves into the natural desertscape around it in a dazzling example of some of Wright’s finest work, allowing stunning views over the valley—and boasting an utterly amazing array of interior and exterior features.
Here’s a tour through one of America’s most iconic and influential modern homes.
It’s a Slice of Modern American History
The Circular Sun House was designed in 1959 by Wright and completed in 1967 by his apprentice, John Rattenbury. This innovative wonder showcases Wright’s experimentation with intersecting circles and arcs. It’s one of only 14 circular homes designed by the famed architect.
In 1994, the property was purchased by Linda Melton, who hired Rattenbury to convert the five smaller bedrooms into three larger, while preserving Wright’s original design.
Construction Blends Seamlessly with the Desert
Built of concrete blocks colored to mesh with the surrounding desertscape, the Circular Sun House tucks into 1.3 acres of sandy hillside on the edge of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, overlooking Palm Canyon. In addition to the main house, there’s a gated driveway, a two-car carport with a covered walkway, and a pool on a garden terrace lined in mother-of-pearl.
The Interior Features Are Impressive
It might be just 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, but this home was designed to impress. Its unique curved rooms feature walls of windows—for breathtaking views over the desertscape and city beneath. The interior is crafted of Philippine mahogany, and there are a number of gorgeous built-ins complementing the unique style of the home.
The Kitchen is a Modern Wonder
This beautiful kitchen is everything a modern chef could want, from the Wright-designed rolling center island to the under-cabinet half-circle windows. The main points of the kitchen—stove, sink, fridge—form a triangle for seamless workflow between points.
And This Gorgeous Office is a Work-From-Home Dream
The wealth of build-in furnishings that populate this uniquely curved office make it an ideally optimized workspace—plenty of storage, tons of counter space, and nice views that aren’t too distracting.
The Master Suite Has a Lounge
You could spend an entire day relaxing in the master suite, just enjoying the views from the lounge! The bedroom itself features a wall of windows and lush carpeting, while the lounge opens into a private balcony.
And Those Views from the Pool Deck!
Outside, a beautiful pool desk constructed from mother-of-pearl tiles surrounds an elegant pool and hot tub, offering room for lounging, dining, and enjoying the views over the surrounding valley and mountains.
The Home Sold for… a Lot
The home went up for auction on October 16, after which it was featured globally in international media. Twenty bidders competed to own the iconic home, and it finally closed at 70% over recent comparable sales in the Phoenix area.
“The new owner of the last home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright now owns a masterpiece by America’s most iconic architect,” says Nate Schar, Director of Luxury Real Estate for Heritage Auctions, the company that listed the home.
Feeling Inspired to Find Your Own Architectural Masterpiece?
You don’t have to spend millions on the crowning achievement of an iconic architect to buy a home that’s an architectural marvel! In fact, you can find a home you love quite affordably right here in Central Ohio! All you’ve got to do is contact DeLena Ciamacco and team… we’d love to help you find your dream home.