Frank Lloyd Wright’s Final Residential Design Completed in Ohio
Frank Lloyd Wright’s final residential design is brought to life in Willoughby Hills, Ohio, with the realization of RiverRock—a home originally conceived as The Penfield House in 1959 but only now emerging from the archives. Long thought to be lost to history, this project is the last unbuilt Wright design still tied to its original site. Central to Wright’s vision, a specific poplar tree still stands where he once imagined it.
Two years ago, in 2023, owners Marika and Don Dykstra took on the formidable task of constructing the stone house precisely as Wright intended, making sure every visible detail matches the original blueprints while discreetly adapting to today’s building codes beneath the surface. The home is situated on a 30-acre wooded property along the Chagrin River, providing a tranquil retreat for those who visit.
The Journey of RiverRock, from Blueprint to Reality
The story of the RiverRock residence traces back to Wright’s long-standing relationship with Louis Penfield, who commissioned him to design the Penfield House in 1953. However, when plans for Interstate 90 threatened to claim the property, Penfield sought a new home design from the legendary architect. Though Wright had officially stopped designing residences, he made an exception for Penfield, drafting a second home just before his passing in April 1959.
Months later, the Penfield family received an unexpected delivery—a mailing tube from Taliesin West containing the finalized drawings. Listed as Project #5909 in the Taliesin Archives, this would be Wright’s final residential commission. An integral part of the home’s identity comes from its name, RiverRock, inspired by the locally quarried stone that Frank Lloyd Wright’s original specification book dictated should be used. This material, personally gathered by Penfield from the Chagrin River throughout the 1960s, was rediscovered by the Dykstras in the woods and incorporated into the construction, solidifying the connection of the residence to both its past and landscape.
A Rare Opportunity to Stay Inside a Wright Residence
Unlike many of Frank Lloyd Wright’s homes, which are preserved as museums, RiverRock offers an immersive experience, one where guests can live within his architecture as he intended. The residence is available for private stays, allowing visitors to appreciate the design philosophy without barriers or crowds. With three bedrooms, a working wood fireplace, and all modern comforts discreetly integrated, RiverRock can accommodate up to six guests.
The home is situated just outside Cleveland, with easy access to cultural landmarks such as the Cleveland Museum of Art and Severance Hall, as well as nearby parks and walking trails. Guests can enjoy the tranquility of the wooded acres along the Chagrin River, experiencing the essence of Wright’s design in a unique and personal way.
Conclusion
RiverRock stands today as both a tribute to Wright’s legacy and an extraordinary realization of a long-unbuilt masterpiece. The meticulous attention to detail and commitment to Wright’s original vision have resulted in a home that not only honors the architect’s design philosophy but also offers a unique opportunity for immersion into his work. As a rare example of Wright’s residential design available for private stays, RiverRock provides an unparalleled experience, allowing guests to live within the American architect’s building as he intended.
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