Marden House

Marden’s marvel. That’s how some whispered about the Marden House, perched here overlooking the Potomac River. The Marden House. A hidden gem, tucked away just off Chain Bridge Road in McLean, Virginia. Designed by the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright, this isn’t just a house. It’s a story waiting to be unfolded. Luis Marden, the home’s namesake, was a man of many talents. A National Geographic writer, photographer, and explorer, his life was a tapestry woven with adventure. He discovered the HMS Bounty’s ruins. He dove with Jacques Cousteau. He even advised Marlon Brando on his role in “Mutiny on the Bounty”. His wife, Ethel, was no less remarkable. A mathematician, she worked on early computer prototypes at the Bureau of Standards. She shared her husband’s love for scuba diving and piloting. The Mardens’ connection to this place began in 1944. While fishing along the Potomac, they spotted this cliffside and envisioned their future home. The land was purchased, and Marden reached out to an architect he had corresponded with since 1940: Frank Lloyd Wright. The design process wasn’t swift. It took until 1952 for the first plans to arrive, and the house wasn’t completed until 1959. The final cost? A hefty $76,000. The Marden House, also known as “Fontinalis,” showcases Wright’s unique hemicycle design, a shape echoing the curve of a football. This structure, built into the hillside, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the Potomac rapids below. The house itself is a testament to the Mardens’ adventurous spirit and their appreciation for Wright’s organic architecture. Though the floors cracked and the furnace was troublesome, they loved their home. Ethel Marden’s letter to Wright in 1959 captured their affection, describing the house “standing proudly” and listening to the river’s constant song. After Luis Marden moved to a nursing home in 1998, the house faced an uncertain future. In 2000, it was purchased by James Kimsey, co-founder of AOL, for $2.5 million. The sale included a condition: Ethel Marden could live out her days in the home. Another stipulation ensured the house wouldn’t be demolished or significantly altered. Kimsey embarked on a meticulous restoration, returning the Marden House to its original glory. He consulted with Wright’s archivists at Taliesin West to ensure accuracy. The result is a stunning example of Wright’s vision, a harmonious blend of architecture and nature. The Marden House stands as a tribute to a fascinating couple, a visionary architect, and the enduring power of a well-told story.