How cool would it be to be able to rent out a Frank Lloyd Wright House in Buffalo? You could stay there for a few days while touring other FLW buildings such as the restored Martin House Complex, the brand new boathouse, the soon-to-be-built filling station, the Barton House, the Heath House, Blue-Sky Mausoleum, Graycliff, the Gardener's Cottage... What a dream, right? It might not be such a dream afterall. As of March, Wright's Davidson House will be opened as a pied-à-terre of sorts. Guests will soon be able to call the Davidson House 'home' while staying in Buffalo. That was the dream of the house's current owner, Russ Maxwell, who purchased the property in 2004. "I felt that people would want the chance to experience the house as Wright had intended. To live there… to relax, eat, sleep, while taking in the essence of the home and its organic surroundings."
Russ purchased the home from the previous owner with the condition that the former owner could live there until he was ready to move out. Now the house has been turned over to Russ, and within a month's time his intentions are to fix up the interior and the grounds. He's working with Buffalo State College art restoration program to identify original paint colors (interior and exterior earth tones), and he's hired a FLW landscape architect specialist to bring back the grounds. The interior of the house, with more than 66 leaded glass windows, is in relatively good shape.
The woodwork looks to be well-maintained, the windows are intact, the configuration of the house has not been altered, and the pocket lighting works (for the most part). Even the exterior window boxes are in working order. There are a few missing sconces in the very unusual two-storey living room (with cathedral ceilings) that Russ plans on researching.
The Davidson House is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year... and what could be better than opening it up for public use? Built in 1908, the 4600 sq.' prairie structure was commissioned by Walter Davidson, a Larkin Company Executive, and boasts stunning operable bay windows, a vast sun room, backyard and gardens, three bedroom (each one more remarkable than the last), two full baths, kitchen, maid's quarters, pantry, built in cabinetry throughout, a rooftop study, fireplace, with nooks and crannies galore. It is truly breathtaking to stand in this house of windows.
Russ picked up the Davidson House for $400,000... not a bad deal considering the condition of the house and its location at 57 Tillinghast Place. Soon, guests (6-person maximum) will be able to stay there at a $295 per night rate (2-night minimum). If you want to be one of the first guests to experience this remarkable home away from home, send an email to The Davidson House.
