If you’re an architect, or even the slightest bit interested in architecture or interior design, you need to make the pilgrimage to see the Farnsworth House. The residence is located about 2 hours south and west of Chicago in Plano, Illinois. Farnsworth is now A National Trust Historic Site however when I booked a tour it was still owned by Lord Peter Palumbo.
The site is slightly rolling with Fox River close by. The house is tucked in amongst trees with the focus on the river view. There is a large swatch of green space behind the house.
There was myself and two family members, plus our guide, booked on the tour. We organized the tour several months in advance since tours were strictly limited as Farnsworth was the personal home of Lord Palumbo and his family. Not his only home, one of his homes. Our guide told us Lord Palumbo “collected” architecture the way some of us collect art. In addition to Farnsworth House he owned a Le Corbusier designed residence, among other modernist architects. While he was telling us this we were strolling down the path from the entry/gift shop to the house.
Check out all the patio furniture Lord and Lady Palumbo had on the upper terrace.
It was brilliant to see the white steel amongst the lush green of the trees. If you’ve studied the house you know how the structure of the base is subverted giving the house a lightness and appearance of floating in the landscape. I clicked a few images of the exterior knowing this would be the only chance I could take images as no photos were allowed within the private residence. Stepping up onto the first terrace was like entering another world; you immediately perceived the change underfoot from soft earth to rigid qualities of the stone and steel platform. The Palumbo’s had a number of patio furniture pieces on the upper terrace which set the ‘family’ tone and provided a less sterile first impression. We slipped on some shoe protectors and headed inside.
Every part of the ‘front’ door and hardware was unique. Upon touching the door you knew you were entering an environment where everything had been thoroughly considered and purposefully designed. Beautiful details everywhere you look. The quantity and shape of windows was sublime. The central living space felt perfectly proportioned; it felt like this was the original ‘open plan’. Lord Palumbo had a desk positioned right inside the front door — probably a place to toss his keys when entering. The only problem was there was no space for anything on the desk surface because every square inch was taken up with dozens of personal family photos. One false move or a knock of the desk would cause the frames to topple like dominoes. Careful! Our guide reminded us. We took our time here, enjoying this special peak into the life and experiences of Lord Palumbo.
Our tour continued through the living area where we were able to see a couple of the original Brno chairs Lord Palumbo had used to furnish the interior. Of course they looked perfectly at home in this space. We moved through the bedroom and bathroom. More personal pictures here, given the lack of wall area you have to use every bit of available wall wherever you can find it. The house is small. This house has a tangible intimacy about it. Through to the kitchen – very tidy. Nothing special. Our Guide told us it’s got the efficiency of a ships galley. The kitchen is located along the back of the house facing the large green lawn.
Once again outside we enjoyed more time with our expert Guide while ambling around the grounds. He told us he was an artist — specializing in scrimshaw. Bizarre. We were given as much time as we wanted to explore a series of walks with numerous sculptures. Lord Palumbo had a significant collection of sculptures dotted in the landscape. It was amazing to stumble upon these three dimensional treasures.
The New York Times has a great article with Lady Palumbo describing her families predilection for architecture and how a home should be lived in rather than considered a shrine.
For directions on getting there, details on opening times, more details of the house’s history, and to book a tour, visit www.farnsworthhouse.org.