A Rare Chance to Own a Frank Lloyd Wright Masterpiece: The Elizabeth and Rollin Furbeck House in Oak Park

By John Womeldorf | May 23, 2025

As a lifelong admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, I’ve toured many of the homes he designed—each one offering something unique, but all sharing that unmistakable blend of form, function, and artistic vision. Few, however, resonate quite like this one. The Elizabeth and Rollin Furbeck House, completed in 1897 in Oak Park, Illinois, is one of Wright’s earliest and most influential residential commissions—and now, this rare and important architectural treasure is available to own.

A Wedding Gift Turned Masterpiece

Commissioned as a wedding gift from Rollin Furbeck’s father, this home holds a deeply personal origin story and represents the second residence Wright designed for the Furbeck family. Just a year earlier, Wright completed a home for Rollin’s brother, George, also in Oak Park—making the Furbecks one of his first important clients.

This house marks a pivotal point in Wright’s architectural journey. With it, he began to move beyond the constraints of traditional Victorian design and lean into the bold horizontal lines, integrated structures, and spatial fluidity that would define his Prairie style in the decades to follow.

Exterior Elegance and Experimental Form

Set on one of Oak Park’s most picturesque, tree-lined streets in the historic Estate Section, the Furbeck House spans more than 5,000 square feet and sits on an oversized lot. Its square plan and organized proportions are purposefully disrupted by open porches at the front and rear, as well as a rear porte cochère—a clear early example of Wright’s rebellion against symmetry in favor of more organic expression.

The exterior palette is purposefully subdued, with Roman brickwork and smooth stucco that allow Wright’s meticulous detailing to shine. Among these are:

Diamond-paned art glass windows, multi-faceted and rich with texture Bands of dentil molding running beneath deep soffits Thin vertical masonry elements along the second-floor stringcourse, adding rhythm and subtle elegance A tower-like front projection, with colonnaded balconies on the second and third floors, recalling features of Wright’s later Heller and Fricke houses.

It’s widely believed that the third floor, tucked above this tower, was originally intended for servants’ quarters, a fascinating historical detail that reflects the lifestyle of upper-middle-class families at the turn of the century.

Interior Brilliance That Feels Just as Bold Today

Step inside and you’re met with what was, at the time, a radical concept: an open, flowing floor plan. Wright designed the home to foster connectedness, blurring boundaries between spaces while still giving each room its own identity.

The living room is anchored by a warm and inviting fireplace inglenook, perfect for conversation or curling up with a book. The space flows into a gracious formal dining room, ideal for everything from weeknight meals to holiday feasts.

Just beyond, the den/media room impresses with a vaulted ceiling, and the mezzanine-level reading nook overhead offers an intimate hideaway with a view over the main living space.

The expansive family room and kitchen are perfectly positioned for modern living and entertaining, with high-end appliances, custom cabinetry, and finishes that blend beautifully with the historic elements.

Everywhere You Look: Wright’s Signature Touches

Every surface in this home feels intentional—designed not just to look beautiful, but to elevate how you live. You’ll find:

Gorgeous art glass throughout Custom light fixtures inspired by other Wright works Foot-high baseboards and finely crafted woodwork Coved ceilings, intricate moldings, and original built-ins

These are not merely design elements—they’re part of a story that continues to unfold.

Space to Live, Work, and Create

Upstairs, the second floor features three bedrooms, including a primary suite with a walk-in closet and spa-like bathroom. On the third floor, two more bedrooms and a full bath offer the perfect setup for guest space, home offices, or art studios.

The lower level includes a recreation room, utility area, and plenty of storage—a practical bonus that’s often overlooked in historic homes.

An Outdoor Retreat That’s All Your Own

Out back, the home’s outdoor spaces are every bit as thoughtfully designed. Enjoy:

A heated pool A Brazilian IPE wood deck A trumpet vine-covered arbor A bluestone patio A prairie-style garden in harmony with Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture.

There are five garage spaces across two structures, including the original stable, which could be reimagined as a pool house, guest suite, yoga studio, or home office.

Seamless Modern Living

While the home retains all of its historic charm, it’s been updated with state-of-the-art mechanicals and smart home technology to meet today’s expectations of comfort, efficiency, and convenience.

A Living Legacy in a Timeless Community

Oak Park is a haven for design lovers and history buffs alike. The Furbeck House is just blocks from Wright’s own Home and Studio, as well as beloved local shops, award-winning schools, beautiful parks, and the popular Oak Park Farmers Market.

About Me

Hi, I’m John Womeldorf, also known as Mr. Williamsburg. While I’m based in Williamsburg, Virginia, my passion for architecture—especially the work of Frank Lloyd Wright—knows no borders. I’ve spent my real estate career helping people find homes that are not only beautiful but personally meaningful.

Although this home is located in Oak Park, Illinois, I’d be more than happy to connect you with a trusted local real estate professional who can assist you in scheduling a private showing or exploring the purchase process. For that matter, I have relationships with exceptional agents all over the U.S. through our brokerage affiliations—so no matter where you’re looking, I can help you find someone knowledgeable, experienced, and aligned with your needs.

Feel free to reach out if this home speaks to you—or if you’re looking for your own architectural treasure anywhere in the country.

Contact John Womeldorf

Phone: 757-254-8136

Email: john@mrwilliamsburg.com

Website: mrwilliamsburg.com