A World-Famous Architect Designed This Oregon House And You Can See Inside
By Catherine Armstrong|Published April 11, 2019
×
Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Frank Lloyd Wright was a talented, world-famous architect whose architecture can be seen all over the country. During his lifetime, he designed 1,114 buildings, and 532 were built. Oregon is home to just one of those buildings, and you can tour it. Take a look at The Gordon House:
Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Gordon House in 1957, based on his earlier 1938 design for Life Magazine. It was completed several years after his death, in 1963.
The home was originally located near Wilsonville, but in 1997 new owners of the property sought to tear it down. The Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy dismantled the house and moved it to its current location at 869 W. Main St., Silverton, OR 97381. The move was made in 2001.
Like all of Wright's innovative homes, the Gordon House is full of light. Huge windows stretch from the floor to the ceiling, taking advantage of the beautiful views outside.
Built-in furniture is another characteristic of the famous architect's work, and you'll find cozy seating areas where you can imagine curling up with a book gazing at the fire.
Throughout the Gordon House, Frank Lloyd Wright's distinctive fretwork design abounds. These perforated, wood screens filter the light and add an interesting design element to the home.
The Gordon House is open to the public. To see the home, reserve a one-hour guided tour, where you'll learn all about the history of the home, its original owners, and Frank Lloyd Wright's visionary architecture. You can also rent the house for meetings, dinners, or receptions, and can even get married here!
To take the tour, you'll need tickets in advance. They can be reserved online here, and cost $20 for regular visitors, free for children 18 and under accompanied by an adult. Discounted tickets are available for AAA members, students, Silverton residents, guests at Silverton hotels and RV park, and members of the Gordon House or Frank Lloyd Wright Sites.