- A spiral-shaped Frank Lloyd Wright home regarded as the architect’s last residential masterpiece has sold for $7.25 million.
- Known as the David and Gladys Wright House, the home was scheduled for demolition back in 2012, prompting a battle over its future.
- After two years on the market, the home sold this month to Jim Benson of Benson Botsford LLC, who plans to preserve its original architecture in partnership with architects Bing Hu and Wenchin Shi.
- Take a look inside the iconic home, which sits at the base of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, and looks out over a citrus orchard.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
A spiral-shaped Frank Lloyd Wright home, regarded as a precursor to the Guggenheim museum, just sold in Phoenix, Arizona, for half of its 2018 price.
Bob Hassett of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty represented the listing.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Known as the David and Gladys Wright House, it was completed in 1952 and is considered by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to be the architect’s last residential masterpiece.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Set on close to six acres at the base of Camelback Mountain, the three-bedroom home is raised above the ground by concrete columns and enjoys views of the surrounding desert and citrus orchard.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
The main residence also looks out at a one-bedroom guest house ...
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
... and a central courtyard with a plunge pool and garden.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Wright designed the spiral-shaped home for his son, David, and daughter-in-law, Gladys, who lived in the home until their respective deaths in 1997 and 2008.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
After Gladys passed away, the home fell into disrepair and a battle over its future ensued. In 2012, the home faced threats of demolition, prompting Las Vegas attorney Zach Rawling to swoop in and save the home.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Rawling originally intended to turn it into a museum, but following neighbor complaints about potential noise and traffic, listed the home in 2018 for $12.95 million.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, USA Today
After two years on the market, the home sold for $7.25 million this month to Jim Benson, CEO of Benson Botsford LLC, who plans to preserve its architecture with the help of architects Bing Hu and Wenchin Shi.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty, Rose Law Group Reporter
"We had several offers over the past few years, but the buyers always wanted to only tear down the house and build all new ones," listing agent Bob Hassett said in a release.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty, Rose Law Group Reporter
The home sale included reproductions of Wright's signature 'March Balloons' carpet in the living room ...
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
... as well as a dining table and chairs.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
The house has been restored in part, but there is still work to do. According to the property listing, the home is in need of structural and electrical repairs.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Though impressive by day, the home's full architectural prowess can best be seen at night.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Lamps placed on pathways and ramps transform the property into a glowing maze of light.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Benson's restoration plans include installing a copper roof, which was part of Wright's original plans for the home. "These are the perfect buyers for this property, and we are all extremely happy that we were able to put this all together," Hassett said.
Source: Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty, Rose Law Group Reporter