Iconic House Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prodigal Son Is Listed for $2.5 Million—Ready for Architecture Lover to Write Its ‘Next Chapter’

For many people, the opportunity to own a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America’s most renowned architects, is highly desirable. However, being offered the opportunity to write the "next chapter" of one of these iconic designs is something only a few are suited for.

But that is exactly the kind of buyer being sought for a recently listed property in Glendale, CA, which was designed, not by Wright, but by his prodigal son, Lloyd Wright, and remains to this day a symbol of one of architecture's greatest eras.

The property, which is on the market for $2.49 million, was completed in 1926 for James Daniel Derby, who commissioned the dwelling on a 1.52-acre lot in Glendale's historic Chevy Chase Canyon.

Opulence abounded inside the ornate abode, which even featured walls that were "gilded in gold paint," which served as a "luminous gesture meant to echo the California sun and infuse the rooms with a kind of quiet spectacle," according to the listing, which is held by Brian Courville of Compass.

Today, the gold has long since faded, yet the incredible architectural skill used in the design of the Derby House resonates still.

The home remains a staggering example of concrete textile-block design, where each block is hand-cast and created in such a way to capture light and shadows, adding further beauty through its Mayan Revival design motif. The father-son design team also employed this at the Ennis House, which was completed in 1924 in Los Angeles’ Los Feliz neighborhood.

The Derby House also features original design accents, including exterior wrought-iron railings that follow the form of an agave plant, custom stonework influenced by Navajo textile patterns, and artisan-quality wood moldings.

The home’s mezzanine is ideal for entertaining as it further opens up the space, as does a second-story terrace.

Another key feature is the floor-to-ceiling fireplace in the two-story living room, also showcasing the unique textile-block design seen elsewhere in the home paired with 8-foot-tall iron gates.

And for lovers of vintage baths, it doesn’t get any better than the pink-tiled bathroom that, based on photos, does not appear to have suffered any damage or is in need of updating.

However, the listing is clear that areas of the property require some care and attention. While the dwelling has plenty of "potential," it requires a "thoughtful hand" to shepherd it into its "next chapter," the listing states.

In some areas, the walls and flooring are missing, and you can spot exposed beams in some of the rooms. Most of this is seen in the entryway, living room, and kitchen.

The renovations required to restore the property to its former glory appear to be reflected in its asking price—which is nearly $400,000 lower than the $2.88 million it was sold for in 2022.

Before it was sold, the home had been listed for $3.3 million, meaning that the current owners scored a $410,000 discount when purchasing it, yet the dwelling has not been available for such a low price since 2016, when it changed hands for $2.33 million.

Still, many might argue that you can’t put a price on a house with this architectural pedigree—although it is clear that an experienced hand would be best suited to a project of this kind.

For those willing to take it on, there is some relief at hand. The house was recently designated under the Mills Act, an economic incentive program in California that offers potential property tax benefits to owners of qualified historic homes who commit to their preservation and maintenance.

Since 1978, it’s been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Glendale is a community of 188,000 people 9 miles north of Los Angeles and just west of Pasadena. Located in the Southeastern portion of the San Fernando Valley, it’s home to three animation studios: Marvel Animation, DreamWorks Animation, and Disneytoon Studios.

Three of Lloyd Wright’s other designs are in Los Angeles: the now-demolished bandshells at the Hollywood Bowl, the Taggart House, and the John Sowden House. The father-son team often worked together, too, on design commissions such as the Ennis House and the Hollyhock House, both in Southern California.