Avery Coonley House

Amidst the gentle curves and vibrant hues of the Avery Coonley House, a story unfolds. This isn’t just a house. It’s a testament to the vision of Frank Lloyd Wright, a man who believed in bringing the outside in. The Avery Coonley House, built between 1908 and 1912 in Riverside, Illinois, stands as a prime example of his “zoned planning” philosophy. Wright, who considered this house his “most successful,” divided the space according to function, a concept he would continue to use throughout his career. Imagine the Coonleys, Avery and his wife Queene Ferry, heirs to industrial fortunes, entrusting their dream home to Wright. They gave him creative freedom, a decision that resulted in a masterpiece. Wright didn’t work alone. He collaborated with the best of the best, including furniture designer George Mann Niedecken. Together, they crafted a symphony of details. Mouldings, stained glass, furniture, light fixtures. Even the textiles, frescoed murals, and cabinetry were meticulously planned. The Prairie School style is evident in the home’s horizontal lines, overhanging eaves, and the way it embraces the surrounding landscape. Picture the ground floor playroom, designed for the Coonley children, opening onto a wide terrace and pool. Multiple staircases lead to the upper level. Here, three wings extend from the center, each serving a specific purpose. The largest wing housed the living room, dining room, library, and bedrooms. A second wing contained the kitchen and servants’ quarters. The third wing provided guest accommodations. The Avery Coonley House isn’t just a building. It’s a living embodiment of Wright’s genius, a place where architecture and nature intertwine, creating a harmonious whole. It stands as a National Historic Landmark, a reminder of a time when vision and artistry converged to create something truly extraordinary.