A Century of Living: Roland Reisley and His Frank Lloyd Wright Home
This captivating report delves into the extraordinary life of Roland Reisley, a centenarian who embodies a living link to one of America's most influential architects. For over seven decades, Reisley has called a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Usonian home his sanctuary, a testament to enduring design and a deeply personal connection. The narrative unfolds the unique history of Usonia, a visionary community born from Wright's philosophy of accessible, nature-integrated architecture, and showcases how one man's lifelong appreciation for beauty has intertwined with the very fabric of his residence, perhaps even contributing to his remarkable longevity. It is a story of innovative design, community spirit, and the profound impact of one's living environment.
A Timeless Abode: Roland Reisley's Enduring Connection to Frank Lloyd Wright's Vision
In the tranquil, verdant expanse of Westchester County, New York, merely 30 miles north of the bustling metropolis of Manhattan, resides a remarkable individual, Roland Reisley. Having celebrated his 101st birthday in May, Reisley possesses a unique distinction: he is the last surviving original client of the iconic American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. For a staggering 73 years, he has inhabited the exquisite Usonian home crafted specifically for him, a dwelling he proudly declares a constant source of wonder and admiration.
The Reisley residence is an integral part of Usonia, an innovative mid-century modern village comprising 47 distinctive homes. Wright conceived the Usonian concept as a pioneering endeavor to provide aesthetically pleasing, cost-effective, and nature-connected housing for the American middle class, complete with integrated furnishings. This architectural philosophy believed profoundly in the transformative power of one's living space on the individual.
Over the passing decades, Reisley has graciously welcomed countless visitors into his cherished home, leading them on a meticulously curated tour that commences at the very threshold. He elucidates Wright's characteristic design principle: "The entries to his buildings always have a relatively low ceiling, without exception." This deliberate compression upon entry is designed to amplify the sense of expansive relief and grandeur as one steps into the main living areas.
This dramatic transition is palpable in the Reisley home's hexagonal living room, a space awash in natural light pouring through magnificent glass windows and French doors. The design evokes the sensation of being suspended within a arboreal sanctuary, enveloped by a lush canopy of maple, oak, and black cherry trees. The house proudly showcases other quintessential Wrightian elements: it is constructed from locally sourced materials, features a flat roof, a convenient carport, rich wood paneling, thoughtfully integrated shelving, polished concrete floors, and custom-made furniture. Notably, Reisley points out that the only non-Wright designed pieces are a pair of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings chairs, which, in a nod to Wright's exacting standards, received his personal endorsement.
A defining feature of the Roland Reisley House, and indeed many of Wright's creations, is the pervasive use of a repeating geometric motif. Reisley explains that the entire structure is predicated on a hexagon, generating a grid of 60 and 120-degree angles. This angular precision dictates the form of all surfaces—floors, walls, and windows—creating a fluid visual journey throughout the space. The absence of traditional right angles ensures an uninterrupted connection with the breathtaking natural surroundings, a deliberate choice by Wright to foster "a rhythm and a harmony in the space that one feels intuitively."
The Usonia community itself emerged from Wright's post-Depression vision. Following years of designing elaborate estates for the affluent, he sought to create more affordable, yet equally profound, architectural experiences. In 1941, a group of Wright's former students, including David Henken, acquired 100 acres of woodland in Pleasantville, New York. They meticulously allocated parcels, envisioning a cooperative community with shared natural spaces, recreational facilities, and a collective governance. Henken was instrumental in securing Wright's oversight for the project. The initial aim was to construct homes for an estimated $5,000, a sum equivalent to nearly $67,000 in today's currency.
In 1951, a youthful Roland Reisley, then 26 and recently married to Rosalyn Sachs Reisley, sought a permanent home. Disillusioned with the prohibitive costs and uninspiring options in Manhattan, they discovered Usonia. Drawn by the palpable enthusiasm and collective spirit of the ten established families, the Reisleys decided to join. They invested their savings and even their honeymoon fund to acquire a plot of land featuring a prominent boulder, awaiting the assignment of an architect.
Despite Wright's formidable reputation for being, at times, arrogant and uncompromising—with tales of leaky roofs and escalating costs—a unique rapport blossomed between the octogenarian architect and the young couple. Reisley suggests that Wright, then 84, may have felt a paternal connection, fostering a collaborative design process. Wright incorporated the Reisley's requests, adding a broom closet for Rosalyn, installing abundant bookshelves in every room, and even designing a special nook for their television. When the couple expressed their desire to start a family, Wright ingeniously designed a bathroom vanity with a sink that could double as a baby bathtub, showcasing his adaptability and forethought.
Naturally, the project encountered financial challenges. The initial budget of $20,000 swelled to $30,000 in Wright's contract, eventually exceeding $40,000 in actual costs. Translating this to modern figures, a quarter-million-dollar project became over half a million. Despite these financial hurdles, Reisley persevered. Years later, when the 1,200 square-foot one-bedroom needed to expand to a 3,200 square-foot three-bedroom for their growing family, Reisley again consulted Wright. The architect, in a surprising gesture of economy, advised reusing existing windows, wood, and stone, a detail Reisley deeply appreciated.
Today, the Reisley House proudly holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Yet, Reisley emphasizes that his family never treated it as a pristine museum piece. The kitchen served its purpose, the Wright-designed dining table hosted countless family meals, and the hearths blazed warmly throughout the winters. He lovingly recalls, "We never said to the kids, be careful, don't damage the wood or anything. They did what kids are going to do and it was all fine."
The Enduring Resonance of Architectural Harmony
As a chronicler of this remarkable story, one cannot help but be moved by Roland Reisley's profound connection to his home and the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright. His unwavering dedication extends beyond his personal dwelling; he co-founded the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, an organization committed to preserving all of Wright's remaining architectural marvels, and co-authored "Usonia, NY: Building a Community with Frank Lloyd Wright," a historical account of his cooperative community. Reisley's belief that his intimate connection to beauty, particularly within his meticulously designed environment, has contributed to his exceptional health and longevity is deeply inspiring. His daily immersion in the interplay of light and wood, or the rhythmic dance of leaves outside his window, offers a compelling, albeit unconventional, prescription for well-being. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that architecture is not merely about structures, but about creating environments that nurture the human spirit, foster connection with nature, and enrich lives for generations. It underscores the idea that truly great design transcends functionality to become a source of ongoing inspiration and profound personal satisfaction.