Modernist connection with ties to Frank Lloyd Wright lists for $2.8 million

A historically early example of organic modern architecture conceived in 1935 by the late master craftsman Walter J. Hall just hit the market in Pennsylvania for $2.75 million.

Hall – the builder who brought Frank Lloyd Wright‘S Falling water to life– and his wife, Bedaconceived the idyllic six-bedroom mountainside retreat as the perfect place to raise their family And operating a roadside restaurant.

Tragically, Bede died while they were breaking ground on the project, which was completed a year before Fallingwater was finished, and never got the chance to see their vision come to life. However, Hall continued to pursue their shared dream and created an incredible six-bedroom property where he welcomed many a guest.

In 1952 the house would undergo a new evolution when Hall’s son, Raymond Viner Hallclosed the eatery and transformed the building into a studio where he apprenticed architects in what is now known as Allegheny Modernism.

However, after his death in 1981, the house in Port Allegany, PA, was left in a state of almost total abandonment, with the next owner being, Gary DeVoretold The Wall Street Journal that the property was essentially frozen in time when he came across it, having been left to crumble.

“The strangest thing is that it’s like the day the architect died, it’s like people just walked away,” he said. “The desks were there, the files were there, the drawings were there, but there was just a build-up of dust.”

The current owners purchased the estate in 2017 for just $250,000 and undertook a $1.5 million restoration project to painstakingly restore the estate to its former glory over a period of eight years.

“It is one of those homes that is difficult to explain and the level of finish is only visible when you walk through the door,” says the real estate agent. Cass Zielinski from Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty. “What’s interesting is that the more time you spend there, the more the house opens up.”

Known as Lynn Hall, the modernist complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a main residence, two guest houses and a detached Usonic cottage.

“The sellers tried to get as close to the original finish as possible,” Zielinkski said. “The attention to care and restoration is incredible.”

Designed to live in harmony with nature, the organic structure features large windows, varied ceiling heights, recycled wood, reclaimed stone, built-ins, mahogany finishes, five fireplaces and indoor and outdoor water features.

“The current owners live in the main residence and use the other three units as rental income, but the property could be transformed into a luxury retreat,” he added. “It’s on enough acreage that you could have a kind of wellness retreat and build yurts, if you wanted to.”

An entertainer’s kitchen features original cabinetry, stone countertops, a breakfast bar and a huge center island.

The primary suite features custom wood detailing, a retractable glass wall that opens to a private patio and a huge private bathroom with walk-in shower.

Luxury finishes can also be found in the special guest accommodations known as The Architect’s Suite, The Apartment and The Cottage.

The Architect’s Suite is a 50 square meter suite with one bedroom, private bathroom, kitchenette, separate living room and fireplace.

The 1,200-square-foot Usonian apartment has a full kitchen, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, two bedrooms, a laundry room and a private outdoor patio.

Like The Apartment, the Usonian Cottage also has two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces, but this detached unit also features a media room and three outdoor terraces.

Because of the many structures that make up the complex, Zielinkski explained that the property is packed with potential – whether buyers are looking for a multi-generational home, a studio space or an architectural treasure.

“I think the next buyer will be someone who didn’t know they were looking for a house like this,” he said. “They’ll probably be a collector of art and houses. People interested in Usonian and mid-century modern architecture have a cult following.

“It could also be a multi-generational family living in the space. It will be interesting to see who the next owner is, but it would be great to leave the property open to people who want to experience it.”

The 8.9-acre property is just 30 minutes from Kinzua Bridge State Park, Cherry Springs State Park and Rock City Park with bike trails, rivers and lakes to explore.

“Another impressive feature is the landscape,” he said. “When everything is in bloom it is incredible and the evergreens are breathtaking in the winter. Port Allegany is located in the wilderness of Pennsylvania. It is about a six hour drive from New York City in the Allegheny National Forest where there are numerous hiking and walking trails.”