MUIRHEAD FARMHOUSE B&B

[FTA]

A highlight of our recent vacation was a bed-and-breakfast stay at Muirhead Farmhouse in Hampshire, Illinois - not far from Chicago. Granddaughter Sarah (Muirhead) and husband Michael Petersdorf host guests in this 1950 rural Usonian. It is wonderful that this house is still in the family and has been so meticulously and thoughtfully restored.

Michael gave a grand tour of the house when we arrived. The house is of unusual proportion and layout for a Usonian, but was designed by Wright to accommodate the peculiar requirements of a house on a working farm. Guests stay in the master bedroom suite, which is capacious and comfortable, with its own private enclosed terrace - all this separate from the bedroom wing of the house, but only steps away from the glorious living room. The family is very respectful of guests in the house and we virtually did not see any of them, yet they were available if needed. I think Michael referred to this as "benign neglect!" :-)

Still in a pristine rural setting, complete with red barn and other well-maintained outbuildings, the home is secluded by surrounding acreage that is gradually being turned back into native grasslands which will include walking trails. The place is absolutely serene and beautiful. We relaxed our evening away in the living room and had one of the best sleeps on our trip. Breakfast the next morning was fantastic!

The Petersdorfs make this a very affordable and special experience for Wright aficionados. Michael, who is a meticulous woodworker, has been gradually making the Wright-designed furniture and other pieces that were not realized when the house was originally built. For example, a chair and hassock now grace the master bedroom.

This could be one of those "best kept secrets" we Wright Chatters and others need to know about! In hindsight, our only regret is that we did not arrange to stay two nights which would have allowed us to relax and appreciate even more this fabulous piece of architecture as well as the pastoral setting.

Visit www.muirheadfarmhouse.com and while there, make a reservation!

[Wrightgeek]

FTA-

You are so right. This place is a relatively obscure gem within the scope of Mr. Wright's known works. The setting is fantastic, and the home has been lovingly and meticulously restored. The only thing better than the house and the setting are the hosts; Mike and Sarah are the best. They make you feel very welcome, and are always around if you need them, without being obtrusive or hovering. All this while they carry on their everyday lives in this magnificent home. What a treat.

[Pat Mahoney]

I also have had the opportunity to stay there on two occasions and found it very enjoyable. It was very reasonably priced and worth the few extra minutes to commute to events in Chicago.
Pat Mahoney