Zimmerman House
Dissatisfied with the “ultra-conservative” residential architecture of New England, the Zimmermans looked to Wright for their dream of “a house that would be an integrated expression of our personal way of life rather than a coldly efficient building.” Wright answered their wish with “a classic Usonian” for which he designed the house, the gardens, and all the interior details down to the dinnerware.
Though only 1,458-square feet, the built-in furniture, continuous concrete floor mat, large windows, and dramatic changes in ceiling height imparts a sense of great spaciousness. The Zimmermans, who would live in the house for the next 36 years, wrote to Wright in 1952 insisting that their home was “the most beautiful house in the world.” In 1988 the building was bequeathed to the Currier Museum of Art. Now restored, the house is open to the public, offering visitors a glimpse inside this total work of art, enhanced by the Zimmermans personal collection of paintings, pottery and sculpture.
All photos provided by the Currier Museum of Art, Manchester, NH. Exterior photos by Alana Johnson, interior photo by David Bohl.
