Wright Chat

I see the Cooke House is on the market. In reviewing the interior photos on Zillow, it seems to have been 'modernized' inside, not to mention the outside decking leading down to a grungy studio area (is that all even original?). The roof also looks (albeit from a distance) to be in pretty rough shape as well, considering the asking price. Would appreciate anyone filling me in on some of the details, and your thoughts on the obvious interior renovations as well as the exterior. Best to all, Todd (owner, Stuart Richardson House)

Thanks, Todd. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/320- ... 1489_zpid/

I'm happy to see a crushed rock driveway; not pleased to see the accumulation of conifer needles (?) on the roof.

Although I'm given to criticizing both the challenge and the craftsmanship of tricky carpentry details in Wright's curved work, I have to record regret that the challenge was sidestepped in the case of the Cooke hemicycle, resulting in faceted rather than continuous interior deck fascii---and Laurie Virr would be sharply critical of that "lumpy" sheetrocked ceiling. It's never too late to improve such details, should some future owner with deep pockets choose to accept the challenge after all . . .

S

Todd, the plan called for a 3/4 circular infinity swimming pool wrapped around the existing, original quarter circle terrace. All else built in that part of the lot was added later. I believe the underground space was excavated for a sauna, but not sure about that.

The house looks good in spite of the real estate photography. The details that detract, such as the sheetrock ceiling, can be fixed. I doubt FLW had sheetrock in mind for the ceiling, but old-fashioned plaster was a bit too costly for the clients.

If you put "cooke" in the search function, you will see there are 100 mentions, some of which pretty much cover the questions being asked. It also reveals photography of the house under the prior owner, as well as the recent work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyZ8bsJ8BsA

https://www.midcenturyhome.com/frank-ll ... oke-house/

https://coastalvirginiamag.com/article/ ... ach-house/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMJZ8YK7rfM

A Rare Frank Lloyd Wright Home in Virginia Just Hit the Market for $3 Million


David

Cooke is a unique blend of a radial grid hemicycle with a diamond grid bedroom wing, on a very desirable, though at times vulnerable site. A neat house to say the least...the Bermuda roofing is a treat. Pictures 7 and 8 at this link show an evening pic with what appears to be subterranean room beneath the patio?
https://www.midcenturyhome.com/frank-ll ... oke-house/


That said, what's up with the Stratocaster-esque guitar next to the giant flaming noodle bowl in the fireplace? Is this a new means of humidity control to keep the guitar in tune? A Jimi Hendrix allusion? peterm? anyone?

DRN wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 10:20 am Cooke is a unique blend of a radial grid hemicycle with a diamond grid bedroom wing, on a very desirable, though at times vulnerable site. A neat house to say the least...the Bermuda roofing is a treat. Pictures 7 and 8 at this link show an evening pic with what appears to be subterranean room beneath the patio?
https://www.midcenturyhome.com/frank-ll ... oke-house/

Later additions ... Outdoor living is enhanced by a 14-foot swim spa and a bunker-style exercise room and sauna built into the dune.

Dan- The guitar is a 1960s Epiphone Olympic:

https://musicgalleryinc.com/products/us ... rry-515215

I’m confused- I thought the Olympic flame was lit in Olympia, Greece, not Virginia Beach, USA?

Asking price has dropped to $2.5M:

320 51st St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451


David