CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A rare piece of Tennessee architectural history is being offered for sale for the first time: the Shavin House, the only residence in the state designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
The home sits atop Chattanooga’s historic Missionary Ridge and was designed in keeping with Wright’s Usonian philosophy, which emphasized simplicity, functionality and harmony with nature.
Image via Sotheby’s International Realty
The house was commissioned in 1949 by newlyweds Seamour and Gerte Shavin and completed in 1952. It has been preserved by the original family for more than 75 years.
Designed to embrace its setting, the Shavin House was positioned to capture views of the Tennessee River, Lookout Mountain and the surrounding landscape.
Image via Sotheby’s International Realty
The home was constructed primarily of native Tennessee Crab Orchard stone and Louisiana cypress, with expansive walls of glass intended to strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor space.
Architectural features include mitered corner windows, clerestory lighting, custom wood screens, built-in furnishings and a cantilevered carport roof.
Image via Sotheby’s International Realty
A stone fireplace is the centerpiece of the living room, and the home’s layout incorporates Wright’s principles of compression and release.
The property also includes native gardens and a pond designed specifically for the residence.
Image via Sotheby’s International Realty
Marketed as a nationally significant architectural landmark, the Shavin House is described as one of the finest examples of Usonian architecture in the country.
The asking price is $1,600,000. Read more about the listing here.
See more photos in the gallery above.