Pittsburgh has many attractions -- the three rivers, Pitt's Cathedral of Learning (the world's 2nd-tallest academic building), the Carnegie Museums, PNC Park and Heinz Field, the Mexican War streets, and much more.
None of those sights holds the world's admiration like a site some 60 miles to the southeast, the Edgar J. Kaufmann, Sr. house ... better known as Fallingwater.
I'm planning to visit Fallingwater prior to NN09, and I'd happily take some Kossacks with me. But ... I'm going on Tuesday, August 11, so this is only for early-arrivers. Since I must return my rental that afternoon, I'm looking for a noonish tour, meaning departure from the Westin around 9:30am. Please let me know ASAP if you're interested. Contact info is on my profile page. I want to make the tour reservation today.
Below the fold, more pix!
[NOTE: Even if I could extend the time on my rental car, it turns out that Fallingwater doesn't schedule tours on Wednesdays. So, in a way, I'm glad I didn't plan the excursion for a day later]
The cantilevered living room, and the hanging stairway over the stream:
Main entrance ... note notched beam, allowing tree to grow right next to the house:
Living room (from a postcard):
Sitting area and fireplace in living room:
Covered walkway up to the guesthouse:
Sitting room in guesthouse:
Multi-story window stack:
Sightlines and details:
Supports of the cantilevers:
For a fascinating look at the Kaufmann family, Pittsburgh society in the first part of the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright as architect and self-promoter, tales of the building's design and construction, and more than a little dishing on all of the above, I heartily recommend Franklin Toker's Fallingwater Rising: Frank Lloyd Wright, E. J. Kaufmann, and America's Most Extraordinary House (2003).
To repeat, I'd love some passengers for my drive to the most famous private dwelling of the 20th century, Fallingwater. I'm making the trip on Tuesday, August 11, prior to the start of NN09, leaving from the downtown hotels at approximately 9:30am and returning in time to return my rental car before 6:00pm. Please contact me (email address on my dKos profile page) ASAP if you'd like to join me on the visit.
Tour tickets go for $18.00. I'll buy the tickets, but I really need to know how many to get.