## Marc Jacobs’s Frank Lloyd Wright Dream Home: A Journey of Restoration and Love
Fashion icon Marc Jacobs has always been known for his bold and innovative style, but his latest endeavor takes him far beyond the runway. It’s a story of a house, a legacy, and a love story that unfolds with each layer of restoration. We’re talking about a historic Frank Lloyd Wright home, purchased by Jacobs in 2019 and meticulously brought back to life.
The tale begins with a fateful phone call from a real estate agent specializing in unique properties. He presented Jacobs with an opportunity to own a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, commissioned by the Austrian American automobile importer Max Hoffman and completed in 1955. This wasn’t just any house; it was a piece of architectural history. While the idea of leaving the city initially felt daunting to the lifelong New Yorker, the allure of a Wright-designed home proved too strong to resist.
As Jacobs pulled into the driveway, he felt a shift in his being. It wasn’t just a house; it was a sanctuary, a breath of fresh air after years of urban life. The sprawling, single-floor layout with its massive eaves, perfectly manicured Japanese maples, and expansive views of the Long Island Sound captivated him. The house felt alive, breathing with the history it carried.
Stepping inside, he was enveloped by Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision. The architecture, every line, every material, every texture—it all had a purpose. The house embodied Wright’s Usonian principle, creating a harmonious connection between the structure and its surroundings. Narrow hallways led to expansive rooms bathed in natural light, showcasing Wright’s masterful use of proportion and scale.
It wasn’t just the architectural brilliance that captivated Jacobs. It was the feeling of peace and tranquility he experienced in that great room, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the serene Long Island Sound. He knew this was a place he could find solace and inspiration, but also understood the immense undertaking that lay ahead.
The restoration process was a labor of love and meticulous attention to detail. Sagging eaves, leaks, and decades of wear and tear required expert craftsmanship and patience. Working closely with the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, Jacobs and his team painstakingly brought the house back to its former glory, preserving its original essence while incorporating modern amenities.
Jacobs’s personal touch is evident throughout the restored home. He embraces a mix of styles, from Arts and Crafts and Deco to Chinese and Japanese art and Roman antiquities, creating a unique and eclectic aesthetic. Even the basement, a space Wright himself would likely have frowned upon, has been transformed into a functional haven for a fashion-obsessed couple, complete with a laundromat, spa, and even a nail salon.
For Jacobs, this house is more than just a place to live; it’s a refuge, a source of inspiration, and a symbol of the enduring power of architecture. It’s a testament to the timeless beauty of Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision and a testament to the power of love and dedication in restoring not just a house, but a piece of history. As Jacobs says, “Though my spirit will always belong to New York City, my heart has found its home in the quiet joy of the suburbs.”
