A historic early example of Organic Modern architecture that was conceived in 1935 by the late master craftsman Walter J. Hall has just hit the market in Pennsylvania for $2.75 million.
Hall—the builder who brought Frank Lloyd Wright‘s Fallingwater to life—and his wife, Beda, dreamed up the idyllic six-bedroom mountainside retreat as the perfect place to raise their family and operate a roadside restaurant.
Tragically, however, Beda died as they were breaking ground on the project, which was completed one year before Fallingwater was finished, and never got the chance to see their vision brought to life. However, Hall continued to pursue their shared dream, creating an incredible six-bedroom property where he welcomed many a guest.
In 1952, the dwelling would undergo another evolution when Hall’s son, Raymond Viner Hall, closed the dining establishment and transformed the structure into a studio where he apprenticed architects in what is now known as Allegheny Modernism.
However, following his death in 1981, the Port Allegany, PA, home was left in a state of near-total abandonment, with its next owner, Gary DeVore, telling The Wall Street Journal the the property was essentially frozen in time when he came across it, having been left to crumble.
“The strangest thing is, it’s like the day that the architect died, it’s like people just walked out,” he said. “The desks were there, the files were there, the drawings were there, but there was just dust accumulation.”
The current owners purchased the estate for just $250,000 in 2017 and undertook a $1.5 million restoration project to thoughtfully restore the estate’s former glory over an eight-year period.
“It’s one of the homes that is difficult to explain and the level of finish is impossible to see until you walk through the door,” said listing agent Cass Zielinski of Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty. “What’s interesting is the more time you spend there, the more the home opens up.”
Known as Lynn Hall, the Modernist compound is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts a primary residence, two guest quarters, and a detached Usonian cottage.
“The sellers tried to get back to as close as the original finishes,” Zielinkski said. “The attention to care and restoration is incredible.”
Designed to live in harmony with nature, the organic structure features expansive windows, varied ceiling heights, recycled lumber, repurposed stone, built-ins, mahogany finishes, five fireplaces, and indoor and outdoor water features.
“The current owners live in the primary residence and use the other three units as rental income but the property could be transformed into a high-end retreat,” he added. “It sits on enough acreage so you could have some type of wellness retreat and build yurts, if you wanted to.”
An entertainer’s kitchen features original cabinetry, stone countertops, a breakfast bar, and an enormous prep island.
The primary suite has custom wood details, a retractable glass wall that opens up to a private patio, and an enormous en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower.
Luxurious finishes can also be found in the dedicated guest accommodations known as The Architect’s Suite, The Apartment, and The Cottage.
The Architect’s Suite is a 577-square-foot, one-bedroom en-suite unit with kitchenette, separate living room, and fireplace.
The 1,200-square-foot Usonian Apartment has a full kitchen, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, two bedrooms, a laundry room, and private outdoor terrace.
Like The Apartment, the Usonian Cottage also has two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces, but this detached unit also features a media room and three outdoor terraces.
Because of the many structures that make up the compound, Zielinkski explained that the property is packed with potential—whether buyers are seeking a multigenerational abode, a studio space, or an architectural treasure.
“I think the next buyer will be someone who didn’t realize they were looking for a home like this,” he said. “They will likely be a collector of art and homes. People who are into Usonian and midcentury modern architecture are a cult following.
“It could also be multigenerational family living in the space. It will be interesting to see who the next owner is, but it would be great to leave the property open to people who want to experience it.”
The 8.9-acre property is located just 30 minutes from Kinzua Bridge State Park, Cherry Springs State Park, and Rock City Park with bike paths, rivers, and lakes to explore.
“Another impressive feature is the landscape,” he said. “When everything is in bloom, it’s incredible and the evergreens are stunning in the winter. Port Allegany is in the Wilds of Pennsylvania. It’s about six hours from New York City in the Allegheny National Forest where there are tons of trails and hiking.”
Get real estate news in your inbox
