frank lloyd wright in a high-end residential area in baarn
you need to know where to look or you will have passed it already. from the hertog hendriklaan, only a small part of the villa can be spotted. and even at the front door, you will have no idea of what to expect. this villa truly unfolds itself when you step inside, and after you explored every nook and cranny, you′ll never forget it. and you won’t want to. this villa is a hidden gem and now it can be yours
interior
from the hall, on your way to the bright and airy living room/dining area, you pass the large study and the stairwell, where you catch a glimpse of the garden. the square shape of the living area and the large windows looking out to the garden reveal the villa′s unique architecture. a few steps down lead to the kitchen, which has recently been completely refurbished and includes all the appliances you can imagine. the kitchen gives access to the long back garden where the high and ancient trees were retained in the garden design, guaranteeing the residents’ privacy. the garden has a no-nonsense layout with bold borders, a lawn, and a lounge/dining/bbq corner surrounded by fixed wooden benches. it would be easy to realise a swimming pool here as well.
turning around, looking back to the house, you instantly understand that this is a truly unique residence. the villa′s structure consists of three block-shaped pavilions, each of them crowned with a low pyramid hip roof. wide wooden stairs lead to the veranda of the centre pavilion that includes the living room/dining area. the long, solid wooden stiles in the windows are a striking feature. they ensure your privacy when you are in the living room while you still have unobstructed views of the garden.
walking around the villa from the kitchen, you will discover a cosy courtyard garden. this is where you can see that the villa was built with two types of bricks; one type is of the so-called ‘hilversum size’ that was specially designed by the renowned architect w.m. dudok. he also used this type of brick for the town hall in hilversum. hence the name. a staircase leads to a higher positioned, secluded terrace where you can sit comfortably even during the winter.
frank lloyd wright
the villa will give you a feeling of being in america. the balanced appearance of the villa radiates peace and tranquillity. where may you have seen this before the main source of inspiration for the villa’s design was the architect frank lloyd wright. the block-shaped pavilions with their slightly sloped roofs and large overhangs, the horizontal lines and solid chimney refer directly to his architectural style. knowing this, you will notice more details such as the robust entrance gate, the natural stone accents and the ornamental layer – all typical features of wright′s style. the villa is obviously based on the ideas of the world-famous american architect, to the smallest details.
the best below ground
as befits a frank lloyd wright design, the villa is relatively low. in this case, most of the residence′ space can be found below ground level. via the stairwell and a blind pivoting wall, you will reach the bedrooms that are partly below ground level but which all still have full-height windows letting in lots of natural light. this is also where the ups room and the washroom are situated, and from where you can access the garage.
going down another floor, you will find yourself in an entirely different world. the splendid bar, which could easily feature in some american film, invites to entertain family and friends. a small staircase, enclosed by a wall with acoustic panels, leads to a totally insulated home cinema. you are now at a depth of 12.80 metres. this floor also includes a professional wine cellar, storage rooms, and an extensive technical room that will be the dream of any it specialist.
treasure room
the absolute ‘pièce de résistance’, the villa′s treasure room, is the library that is divided over two floors connected by a magnificent wooden spiral staircase. you can literally see the influence of frank lloyd wright in this room as this library is an exact copy of wright′s library in the house earlier designed by him (chicago). the walls are lined with bookcases decorated with a cherry wood veneer layer. all the cherry wood was sourced from one orchard, so the patterns in the wood on the cupboard doors connect seamlessly. the wooden railing with its hundreds of balusters is crowned by a solid beam. the wonderful stained glass ‘window’ in the ceiling is a copy of the one in wright′s original library. even the large square reading table has the same design, although this table was made in four parts as it was the only way to bring it inside. the chairs and lamps are more contemporary.
in short
without a doubt, this is one of the most surprising and unconventional villas in baarn. a house consisting of four floors, two of them deep below the surface. with the bright and sunny living quarters all being upstairs and the rooms for special occasions and moments of rest and relaxation below ground level. a unique home for a unique owner.
layout
ground floor
study, living room/dining area, kitchen
‘basement’
master bedroom with a walk-in closet and spacious en-suite bathroom with a bath, double shower, washbasin, and separate toilet. two smaller bedrooms with a shared bathroom (shower, washbasin) and a large guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom (shower, bath, washbasin, toilet).
ups room, large washroom and door to the garage.
first downstairs floor
bar, the upper floor of the library, and technical room.
second downstairs floor
home cinema, the lower floor of the library, wine cellar, and storage rooms.
special features
-building year 2001
-double glazing with blinds that can be pre-programmed
-extensive home automation system (outdoor cameras, lighting, blinds, temperature regulation system, fire alarm, recycling pump, etc.)
-bullet-proof glass
-high-quality security system
-advanced fire protection system
-hifi speakers in the ceiling
-multi-room audio system
-lift
-garage for two cars, swivel plate, indoor access to the villa
-wood storage in the sidewall of the garage
about frank lloyd wright (1867-1959)
american architect frank lloyd wright aimed for an organic architectural style, meaning that the architecture should be in harmony with its natural environment. his designs show a natural transition between the interior and exterior. wright did not just focus on the buildings but also incorporated the environment. wright is considered to be the founding father of modern american architecture. he also strongly influenced the development of modern architecture in europe.
