Incredibly Unique $975K Home Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Protege Hits the Market for the Very First Time

An incredibly rare architectural gem has come on the market for the first time after being saved from destruction by its neighbors when its original owner and designer passed away.

The home, in Lake Forest, IL, was designed by architect Robert “Bob” Rasmussen, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, who built the property as a family residence for himself and his wife, June.

However, following June’s death in 2007 and Bob’s in 2021, the home became the source of local controversy when it came under threat of being razed.

To save such a rare home from being destroyed, the neighbors stepped in and bought the three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom property for $582,000 in 2022.

Their other goal was to find a preservation-minded buyer. Two years later, it’s on the open market for the first time, with an asking price of $975,000.

Seeking a fan of midcentury modern

The 1960s-era abode comes with many original elements, and time and care will be needed to preserve its beautifully retro architecture.

“It’s always a threat with older homes. Even as spectacular as this home is, there are people who don’t appreciate that architectural style and all they see is a lot that’s five minutes from Lake Michigan and ‘I could build a new big house here,'” says Lou Zucaro of Modern Illinois, who is handling the listing.

Rasmussen, who studied under Wright from 1956 to 1957, went above and beyond to ensure that the home was perfect in every way, Zucaro adds.

‘The ideal buyer is somebody who appreciates the house for what it is and wants to live in the house the way it is,” Zucaro says. “You could not build this house today, between changes in building codes and the availability of materials.

“Because Bob handled 70% of building the house with his own hands, you’re not going to have a builder come in who pays as much attention to detail. He set every stone in that house himself, including the fireplace.”

Curves ahead

Embodying organic architecture, also a philosophy of Wright’s, and built primarily from limestone and glass, the 2,406-square-foot home design is loaded with curves.

The round edges are found in the living room’s stone fireplace and the kitchen, which features the original appliances and tile.

Also original to the home are Knoll fabric window treatments and walnut wood throughout, including the built-in banquettes in the living room; the cabinetry, paneling, built-in dressers and desks, storage cabinets, and trim; and the primary bath’s tile and sunken terrazzo tub/shower. The whole-house intercom system is also original.

On the lower level are a rec room, curved bar, alcove, wine cellar, and workshop/studio space.

The listing includes a covered patio and a two-car garage.

Updates include a new HVAC system and the finished lower level, both completed earlier this year.

From one owner to the next

The next owner of this home will also receive a design book written by the Rasmussens, some of the original furnishings, and original plans.

“It’s kind of like a little reference guide to the materials and colors they chose for the house,” Zucaro says.

There are 19 pieces of furniture on a list of what’s available to the buyer. They include vintage leather recliners, a dining table with eight chairs, and a walnut coffee table and curved sofa designed by the architect.

Desirable destination

Lake Forest, a tony suburb about 40 miles north of downtown Chicago and hugging Lake Michigan, has always been a huge draw for buyers.

“Within Lake County and in Illinois, it’s got one of the lowest property taxes,” says Zucaro.

The public schools are highly rated, and the block itself is desirable.

“This neighborhood is only five minutes from Lake Michigan and across the street from Old Elm Club, which is very prestigious,” he adds. The Metro station is a half-mile away.