Web Logs
3/19/2000 - The Pope - Leighy House
The Pope-Leighey house is the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in the DC area that is open to the public (there are only 3 total). A Usonian home it was designed by Mr. Wright as a home for people of modest means. It is small, only 1200 sq. ft., but its main living area is very spacious. A few things struck me about the house:
- I really admired its no-maintenance construction. It has no paint, no wall paper, and little else that would require any upkeep (Being someone who runs the vacume cleaner about once a month, this is a good thing). Except for its roof, it was built to last.
- I also liked its adherence to a spartan lifestyle. Living with only what you need. It was created with only minimal storage space and had a clean aesthetic I wish I could reach in my own life (I am too much of a pack rat).
- It also had great lighting, accomplished through lots of large windows. Too many for a modest person perhaps, but it really gave the place an open feel.
- Another interesting note is that this house, constructed by the greatest American architect, could not be built today. It would not meet building codes!!! Gotta love those regulations!
I could see myself living in such a place (with a cluttered storage shed hidden in the woods). It is a home with a unique perspective that would undoubtedly impose itself upon those who dwelled within. Spartan yet elegant. Functional, yet often bowing to the aesthetic. It's worth the drive and the admission price ($7.50 for Adults and children in grades K-12 are admitted for $3). The entrance fee includes an excellent tour by a very knowledgeable volunteer, but does not allow photography inside the house.
900 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, VA 22309
(703) 780-4000
http://www.nthp.org/main/sites/leighey.htm
Open 10-5 daily
