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New Canaan Home Designed By Frank Lloyd Wright Hits Market For $8 Million

NEW CANAAN, Conn. -- The next owner of the property at 432 Frogtown Road in New Canaan is purchasing more than a unique home. They will also be acquiring a piece of history and a valuable work of art by one of the nation’s most renowned architects.

A Frank Lloyd Wright home built in 1956 in New Canaan is on the market for $8 million.

A Frank Lloyd Wright home built in 1956 in New Canaan is on the market for $8 million.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence
The home features soaring glass walls and allows lots of natural light.

The home features soaring glass walls and allows lots of natural light.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence
The home has nearly 7,000 square feet of living space, and is one of the largest homes ever built by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The home has nearly 7,000 square feet of living space, and is one of the largest homes ever built by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence
While more than 50 years old, the home has been impeccably maintained and updated, including a kitchen that has the latest in appliances and gadgetry.

While more than 50 years old, the home has been impeccably maintained and updated, including a kitchen that has the latest in appliances and gadgetry.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence

The home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright includes 14.98 acres, seven bedrooms and eight baths, and 6,917 square feet of living space. The home, named “Tirranna,” is listed for $8 million by Houlihan Lawrence agent Doug Milne. "Tirranna" is an Aboriginal word meaning "running waters."

“It’s unlike any other property I’ve ever had,’’ said Milne, a Darien native who has been selling local real estate since 1979. “It’s really more like a piece of art, or a sculpture. It’s a genuine piece of architectural history.”

The home, built in 1956, was one of the last designed by Wright, one of America’s most influential home architects. His designs were in “harmony with humanity and its environment,’’ according to Wikipedia, which he called “organic architecture.”

Wright, who died in 1959 at age 91, designed just two homes in Connecticut. The Frogtown Road property is a hemicycle design and overlooks the Noroton River. The home was signed by Wright.

“He was obviously really proud of it,’’ Milne said. “It’s quite different for him. It’s much larger than most of his homes, which are around 2,000 square feet. That’s why he signed it. Most of his career was behind him, and this was one of the most significant homes that he built late in his career.”

The home features Wright’s architectural style on a grand scale. It includes soaring glass walls, gold leaf chimneys and a collect of fine wood finishes.

The home had been owned most recently by philanthropist Ted Stanley and his wife, Vada. Stanley co-founded the Danbury Mint, and acquired his wealth through the sale of collectibles. Stanley died on Jan. 3, 2016.

While more than 50 years old, the home has been impeccably maintained. There are updated mechanicals and appliances, and has all the pieces in place for contemporary living.

“It’s unbelievably peaceful,’’ Milne said. “From the minute you get out of the car, you hear this peaceful babbling brook. Once you get inside, it totally transforms. The current owners have been unbelievable stewards. The house like walking through a piece of history.”

Milne said the home and property are filled with details that will surprise potential buyers. “There’s dozens of little things that don’t present in pictures,’’ he said. “Like how he positioned windows to let in light and reflect off of mirrors. There are cubby holes, lights built into walls, gold leaf fireplaces and an observatory. There’s a general feeling of tranquility every time you walk through the house.”

Milne said the exterior includes a walking path that includes nearly a dozen sculptures that by themselves are unique pieces of art.

The property includes a guest cottage, tennis court, swimming pool and bar, and is less than two miles from downtown New Canaan.

While the home is move-in ready, Milne said it’s not a home everyone will appreciate. “This is not going to appeal to someone looking for the big, modern house with a family room,’’ Milne said. “People are out of there in five minutes or in there for three hours. There’s nothing in between. It’s an experience, that’s for sure.”

For more information, click here to visit the website listing. Contact Milne at dmilne@houlihanlawrence.com or at 203-667-0344 to arrange a showing.

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