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PrintThe State of Wright: Graycliff's Landscape
kc kratt
At Graycliff, the landscape and grounds are as important as the buildings. There are sunken gardens, an esplanade, meandering driveway, fountain and pond, and Wright-designed tennis courts. The magnificent view of the lake from the veranda and terrace makes this a place to relax amid the tranquility and majesty of nature.
The Conservancy has acquired the original caretaker’s cottage that fronts the southern edge of the property on Old Lakeshore Road. While the cottage was not designed by Wright, the acquisition of the house, garage, and its land complete the original footprint of the estate. After decades, the estate is again intact.
The major upcoming project is the restoration of Graycliff’s historic gardens and grounds. The research has been ongoing, but the physical work— which includes removal of non-historic bituminous material, moving earth, grading, and planting—is now scheduled for an August start. The grounds will be restored to reflect the landscaping as it was in the period of significance in 1931.
Last week, and again this week, we will post a series that organizes each Wright gem by location, history, what should be seen, and additional information that may pique visitor interest. There are many more resources, including guided tours for most sites, excluding the private homes. It is hoped that this guide will inspire readers to see firsthand the reasons why visitors from all over the world make the trip to Buffalo to experience Frank Lloyd Wright.
