A remarkable piece of American architectural history sits quietly in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, where one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most celebrated residential designs continues to captivate visitors nearly a century after its construction. The Schwartz House, built in 1938, represents a perfect example of the legendary architect's organic design philosophy and has become one of the most sought-after vacation rental destinations in the country.
Frank Lloyd Wright, born in 1867 near Richland Center, Wisconsin, earned the title "America's architect" through his revolutionary approach to building design. Over the course of his 70-year career, Wright designed more than 1,000 structures, including homes, museums, churches, and commercial buildings. His work can be found in 21 different states and even in Japan, making him arguably the most famous and celebrated architect in the United States, if not the world.
Michael and Gary Ditmer purchased the Two Rivers Frank Lloyd Wright home in 2003, a rare opportunity since finding a Wright-designed property on the market is extremely uncommon. The brothers recognized the significance of their acquisition and have meticulously maintained the property ever since. "All of his architecture is really inspired by nature," Michael Ditmer explains, describing Wright's signature organic architecture style that seamlessly blends buildings with their natural surroundings.
The Schwartz House showcases Wright's philosophy of American family living in remarkable detail. In his original description to the family published in Life magazine, Wright described the home as recognizing "American family life for pretty much what it is: A little private club, with special privacies with ultra conveniences and style." The design reflects Wright's lifelong interest in creating beautiful, functional spaces for middle-class families with moderate incomes, even though he was also famous for designing elaborate homes for wealthy clients.
One of the most unique features of the Schwartz House is its radiant heating system. "One of the unique things about this house is the floor we're standing on is the longest, continuously operating radiating floor application in the country," Ditmer notes. This innovative heating system was cutting-edge technology when installed in 1938 and continues to function perfectly today, demonstrating Wright's forward-thinking approach to home comfort and energy efficiency.
The architectural details throughout the home capture Wright's masterful ability to blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces. Wright was famous for designing houses with stunning stained glass windows and for creating spaces that bring the outside in. As visitors enter the Schwartz House, they experience what Ditmer describes as his favorite aspect of the home: "You come in and it's a low ceiling and you go past that threshold of the balcony there and it opens up like you're in a cathedral."
The financial appreciation of the property tells its own story about Wright's enduring legacy. The original construction cost in 1938 was $25,000, equivalent to approximately $300,000 to $350,000 in today's dollars. However, the current value of the Schwartz House is close to one million dollars, while most Frank Lloyd Wright houses currently for sale are priced between two and three million dollars.
The Schwartz House has attracted significant media attention over the years, being featured in prestigious publications including Vogue, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair, and National Geographic. The property gained additional recognition when it was featured in the Netflix series "The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals," introducing Wright's architectural genius to a new generation of admirers.
Michael Ditmer, who has personally visited more than 100 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes, operates the Schwartz House as a vacation rental, allowing guests to experience staying in a genuine Wright masterpiece. The property's popularity is evident in its booking statistics – the home was reserved for 286 days last year alone. This high demand reflects both the rarity of the opportunity and the growing appreciation for Wright's architectural contributions.
For architecture enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, the Schwartz House offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience authentic Frank Lloyd Wright design. The home serves as a living museum where guests can appreciate the architect's attention to detail, innovative use of materials, and revolutionary approach to residential living. Visitors interested in staying overnight in this architectural treasure can make reservations through the property's dedicated website, ensuring that Wright's vision of beautiful, accessible design continues to inspire new generations.
