As far as iconic architects go, Frank Lloyd Wright is undoubtedly near the top of the list. For over 70 years, Wright became world-famous for designing buildings that incorporated nature, geometry, and timeless aesthetics.
Most of his properties are revered to this day, including this one in Pleasantville, NY. As part of Wright’s “Ursonia” development, the Toyhill House is full of wonder and whimsy. The 2,100-square-foot home resembles what you might find in a children’s book. Fitting, as it originally belonged to a toymaker. Recently, it sold for over $1.3 million.
Price: Sold for $1.31 Million
Location: Pleasantville, NY
Square Footage: 2,164 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 1.25 acres
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 3 Bed/2.1 Bath
Unique Features: Large Central Fireplace, Circular Design, Mushroom-Style Carport, Backyard Patio
This is a view of the house and its carport from the vantage of the driveway. This view lets you appreciate the lush green landscape surrounding the property filled with tall trees and grass. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Upon entry of the house, you are welcomed by this large great room that has wide terracotta flooring tiles and structures complemented by the surrounding seamless transom windows. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a great room that houses the living room and dining area. Here you can see the large cushioned sofa positions beside the large stone fireplace in the middle. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a closer look at the area beside the large fireplace with a large cushioned sofa and a table that can serve as either an informal dining area or a game table. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Beyond the game table is a lovely long wooden table that is built into the stone wall topped with tall glass walls that give a nice view of the trees outside. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the dining area of the house that is illuminated by the tall row of glass doors on one side that brings in an abundance of natural lighting and a great view of the lush landscaping outside. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a closer look at the dining area that has a round wooden dining table surrounded by matching wooden chairs with a wooden shelving on the side. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This charming kitchen has gorgeous wooden structures built into the stone walls for a lovely complement. These wooden structures also house the stainless steel appliances that stand out against the wooden elements. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This spacious room has a bed that is attached to a large wooden structure serving as headboard as well as bedside table and has a built-in desk at the edge. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This other bedroom has a low platform bed paired with the built-in wooden desk and shelving attached to the curved stone wall. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This bedroom has a large wooden structure built into the stone wall that houses two beds as well as a built-in desk and dresser on the side. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a charming intimate bathroom with a floating sink across from the built-in wooden shelving leading to the glass-enclosed shower area on the far side. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a closer look at the spiral stairs that has wooden steps supported by a thick pillar and has a background of a charming stone wall. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the charming library with a long row of bookshelves following the lay of the curved wall leading to the far end that has a comfortable L-shaped sofa for a reading nook. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the other side of the lovely library on the other side of the long curved row of bookshelves is a cushioned bench by the window for a nice reading nook. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the gorgeous and eclectic carport that has a large mushroom-like structure to serve as a roof for the parked cars. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This closer look at the carport shows you the immense size of the structure in comparison to the car. Here you can see that this area can fit up to two cars. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This back view of the house shows the back door opening to a lovely patio under the shade of tall trees. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This view of the back of the house shows the surrounding dense foliage of tall trees that serve as a lovely backdrop for the fantastical house. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
First and foremost, being able to say that you live in a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is reason enough to buy. However, this particular property has a quaint natural charm that you can’t find with many modern structures. The building itself is a blend of stone, wood, and glass, making it appear as a contemporary upgrade to a cottage you’d find in a fairy tale. The circular shape and mushroom-style roof add to the storybook aesthetic.
One of Wright’s main design elements was allowing the home space to breathe. While other houses can feel cramped or crowded, the Toyhill House is open and expansive. The tall glass windows enable you to see all around the property, and the high ceilings make it feel even more welcoming.
Another element we appreciate is the central fireplace. Wright firmly believed that the fireplace was vital to the family unit, so he made it a focal point in many of his designs. We can imagine curling up next to it on a cold winter night, sipping hot cocoa and reading a good book. Overall, even though this house is spacious, it still feels warm and cozy.
A Place Called Usonia
Yes, the Toyhill House recently sold for $1.3 million, but the fact is that the surrounding development was founded as affordable houses for soldiers returning from World War 2. Wright knew that these men needed homes for themselves and their families, and thus Usonia was born. The name of the neighborhood is actually an acronym, standing for the United States of North America, with an extra I to make it easier to say.
In total, 47 houses were built in Usonia, and many of them sold for far less than this one. Wright designed three of them, which have since been expanded and renovated to make them more opulent and modern. Remarkably, Toyhill is relatively untouched. Wright’s blend of natural elements and simplistic features are timeless, meaning that they can’t really be improved.
Another interesting tidbit – this is the first home to have a “carport.” Wright was actually the one who coined the term. However, rather than a dull square-shaped structure, this carport is as whimsical as the house. It looks like a giant mushroom growing out of the ground.
