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The E. Clarke & Julia Arnold House
Location: Columbus, WI
Year Completed: 1954
Current Owners: Mary Arnold & Henry St. Maurice
The diamond grid pattern and original concept for the floor plan of the mid-century Usonian Arnold House were taken from the 1950 unbuilt project Frank Lloyd Wright had designed for Robert Bush in Palo Alto, CA.
This house is made of Wisconsin limestone quarried near Sauk City. The exterior trim is cypress; interior panels are horizontal boards and battens of redwood. The first version had two wings at a 30-degree angle. At Mr. Arnold’s request, the wings were opened up to 120 degrees. In 1959, with Wright’s approval, John H. Howe, Wright’s chief draftsman, designed the third wing that established the current “Y” plan.
How long have you owned this house?
We took ownership in 2006 after Mary's parents, E. Clarke and Julia Arnold, had passed.
What do you know about the history of the house?
Everything! Mary’s father and mother were friends with Pat and Margaret Kinney, who had Mr. Wright design their house in 1951. When the Arnolds visited it, they decided that they would like to have one, too. They met with Wright at Taliesin and his apprentices oversaw construction. Wright was in New York for most of the time the house was under construction, working on the Guggenheim Museum. We don’t think he ever actually visited the site. All the saved correspondence between the Arnolds and Wright was friendly and cordial. This house was built on time and on budget. (reportedly $15,000).
Mary, what was it like growing up in a Wright house? Did you realize it was unique?
We moved in when I was seven, and I’ll admit I was sad to move away from our old Victorian house. I gradually came to realize how unique this house is. It holds many special memories.
What is your favorite part of the house and why?
Henry: Every time I walk into the living room, it’s inviting, and always looks new. The light plays with the space; it still surprises.
Mary: I agree. My second favorite room is the little den. It’s cozy and good for hibernating!
What would you tell someone who's considering buying a FLW house?
We think of ourselves as stewards of a work of art. You also automatically get a full community along with the house: FLW fans, the local town, etc.
Have you done any repairs or restoration work on your house?
Yes. New roof, new and upgraded HVAC system, and new driveway.
What's been the hardest/most frustrating part of living in a FLW house?
Nothing. It's not easy, but not hard either.
Is there anything you wish were different?
In general, no, but … we do tend to bump into each other in the kitchen and in the tight hallways, and, if we’re being honest, we may be envious of friends’ walk-in closets at times.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with Wright enthusiasts?
Always get an architect first: whether building from scratch or making updates to an existing home. They’ll be able to suggest solutions that non-experts would never dream of.
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