In the suburbs, a midcentury home by Frank Lloyd Wright’s pupil asks $1M

Among the grand stone homes that dot the suburbs of Philly, a ranch-style house in Chestnut Hill sticks out.

That’s not just because of its unique—at least for the area—design, but also its significant history.

The 3,000-square-foot-home was designed by Robert Bishop, a notable Philly architect who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, was a fellow at Wright’s studio, Taliesin in Wisconsin, and even worked on the famed architect’s plans for the oft-overlooked Broadacre City.

It’s pretty safe to say Wright’s influence on Bishop’s work shows, but take a look for yourself.

The four-bed, three-and-a-half-bath home has a number of features that are popular in midcentury modern houses. It’s a one-story structure with low-pitched roofs, and it utilizes elements like asymmetry and natural light from numerous oversized windows, in its design.

Possibly the most eye-catching aspect of the home’s interior is a large gas fireplace that sits in the middle of the space, separating the living and dining rooms.

Outside, a porch, which is partially covered in decorative beams adds a finishing touch to the home’s wood and stone exterior.

Bishop designed the home in 1956 for Dr. Peter Kirber, an ophthalmologist and survivor of a Nazi concentration camp, and his wife, Maria, who was a professor, according to information provided by Kurfiss Sotheby’s Realty.

The couple wanted Bishop to create a house inspired by Wright on a one-acre plot of land they had bought. During the design process, workers discovered the remains of a 200-year-old stone barn on the property, and Bishop immediately chose to incorporate it into the house. The stone walls now mark the home’s master bedroom.

The home underwent some renovations in the 1990s—most notably, an updated kitchen with granite countertops—but largely remains in its original state. It’s asking $995,000.

• 9 Waterman Ave [Wendie Steffens, Kurfiss Sotheby’s]
• Robert Bishop [PAB]
• Is the world ready for Frank Lloyd Wright’s suburban utopia? [Curbed]