Frank Lloyd Wright’s home in New Canaan, CT, is available for $8 million

Frank Lloyd Wright houses are more than just a property – they are a part of architectural history. Over the course of his 70-year career, the celebrated American architect designed museums, hotels, schools, skyscrapers, offices, and, of course, homes. Some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s works are open to the public, and a few are available for purchase, including the Rayward-Shepherd House in New Canaan, Connecticut.

This home, also known as Tirranna, sits on 14 acres of protected land. It is one of the largest residential properties designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This 7,000-square-foot masterpiece has 7 bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms. According to Architectural Digest, Frank Lloyd Wright lived in this house while working on his other project, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

The future owner would enter this spectacular residence via a Cherokee red iron gate. Inside, there are Philippine mahogany walls, red concrete floors, built-in bookshelves, three fireplaces, and a rooftop observatory. The home was commissioned by Joyce and John Rayward in 1955. However, Herman R. Shepherd purchased this residence in 1964 and added some finishing touches.

Its name, Tirranna, comes from the Australian aboriginal word meaning "running waters”, a nod to the nearby Noroton River. This Frank Lloyd Wright-designed property boasts a circular pool, a tennis court, a large barn, a playhouse, and a separate one-bedroom guest house. In addition, there is also a greenhouse, which includes scalloped glass windows from the Guggenheim Museum.

The Rayward-Shepherd House is the perfect example of “organic architecture", which incorporates natural elements such as light, plants, and water. This impressive residence is one of the last projects Frank Lloyd Wright worked on before his death in 1959. The home has an ideal location, just 47 miles from New York City. Tirranna last changed owners in 2018. Now, it is available for $8 million. 

Resources:

“Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Tirranna’ For Sale,” (Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, 2023)

“This Frank Lloyd Wright Home, Featuring Glass From the Guggenheim, Just Listed for $8 Million,” by Katherine McLaughlin (Architectural Digest, 2023)

“This $8 Million Frank Lloyd Wright Home in Connecticut Comes With Its Own Waterfall,” by Demetrius Simms (Robb Report, 2023)

“Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in New Canaan lists for $8M,” by Ted Glanzer (The Real Deal, 2023)