Norman Lykes House (Frank Lloyd Wright) - Image 1
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Norman Lykes House Frank Lloyd Wright

4.8
·42 reviews·Phoenix, United States

Frank Lloyd Wright's final residential masterpiece, the Norman Lykes House, captivates with its iconic circular design and desert integration.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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Norman Lykes House (Frank Lloyd Wright) - Image 1

Norman Lykes House Frank Lloyd Wright

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Frank Lloyd Wright's final residential masterpiece, the Norman Lykes House, captivates with its iconic circular design and desert integration.

4.8
(42 reviews)

"A true masterpiece and work of art by Frank Lloyd Wright, worth the visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

Drive-By Viewing

You can drive up to admire the exterior. Be prepared for a tight three-point turn as there's no turnaround spot.

Respect Private Property

This is a private residence. Admire from the street and be mindful of the owners' privacy.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wright's Final Masterpiece

Wright's Final Masterpiece

Frank Lloyd Wright's last completed home, a stunning example of his organic architecture and curvilinear design.

Panoramic Phoenix Views

Panoramic Phoenix Views

Perched in Paradise Valley, the house offers breathtaking, sweeping views of the Phoenix cityscape.

Unique Circular Design

Unique Circular Design

Known as the 'Circular Sun House,' its distinctive rounded forms are a hallmark of Wright's innovative approach.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Norman Lykes House

While you can't typically tour the interior, driving by offers a glimpse of this architectural marvel. Be aware that it's located in a residential area, and parking can be tricky with no dedicated turnaround.

A Glimpse into Architectural History

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as his final residential project, the Norman Lykes House is a testament to his unique style. It's a private residence, so respectful viewing from the outside is key.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late Evening
Why
Spectacular city lights
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This week I visited the Norman Lykes House as it just returned to market at the start of the year listed right under $9 million. In 1959, Frank Lloyd Wright designed this curvilinear, two-story, single-family house for Norman and Aimee Lykes in Phoenix's Palm Canyon. Shortly after, the architect died and the house was completed by architect John Rattenbury, an apprentice of Wright, in 1967. Made ...
@andrewstarkman
195 likes • 3.8K views

Drive-By Viewing

You can drive up to admire the exterior. Be prepared for a tight three-point turn as there's no turnaround spot. Reddit

Respect Private Property

This is a private residence. Admire from the street and be mindful of the owners' privacy. Reddit

Escape to the desert and explore a modern desert castle by one of the greatest architects of precious century #arizona#realestate#propertyforsale#greenscreen#franklloydwright#desert#masterpiece#normanlykeshouse#phoenixrealestate
@nikogart_
158 likes • 1.9K views
‼️ Frank Lloyd Wright’s Final Design For Sale in Phoenix, Arizona $7.95M #franklloydwrighthouse #peakpads #iconic #phoenix #guggenheimmuseum #forsale
@peakpads
8 likes • 941 views

Capture the Curves

The house's unique circular design is best appreciated from various angles. TikTok

Check for Rentals

Occasionally, this architectural gem is available for rent on platforms like Airbnb. TikTok+1

It’s spring training season for the Dodgers and it reminded me of the time I got to stay in the BEAUTIFUL circular sun house (or the Norman Lykes House) in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Did you know that this was Frank Lloyd Wright’s last completed home? Now, you can apparently rent it out on Airbnb. How times have changed. Such a gift to have this opportunity. Here’s some of the highlights of this...
@emogurlandra
103 likes • 1.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Drive-By Viewing

You can drive up to admire the exterior. Be prepared for a tight three-point turn as there's no turnaround spot. Reddit

Respect Private Property

This is a private residence. Admire from the street and be mindful of the owners' privacy. Reddit

Capture the Curves

The house's unique circular design is best appreciated from various angles. TikTok

Check for Rentals

Occasionally, this architectural gem is available for rent on platforms like Airbnb. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(42 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Norman Lykes House as a true architectural masterpiece and a testament to Frank Lloyd Wright's genius, especially appreciating its unique circular design and stunning desert location. While interior access is rare, the exterior views and the opportunity to drive by are considered well worth the visit.

"Such a beautiful area, especially as a late night look out spot for a spectacular view of Phoenix. This is truly a masterpiece and work of art by Frank Lloyd Wright."

Corsa DeCenzo

"Love Frank Lloyd Wright. He's ny favorite Architect. So glad I was able to see it. Thought maybe it was a closed community but it's not. You can drive up right to the side of it. Worth the visit."

Jane Atkin

"Cool to see! You can’t go in but you can drive up and look. No turnaround point so be prepared to do a three point turn."

Jenna Peterson

What People Like

Architectural masterpiece
Unique circular design
Spectacular views

What People Dislike

Limited interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Norman Lykes House is located in Paradise Valley, Arizona. You can drive to the property, but it's situated in a residential neighborhood. GPS navigation is recommended. Reddit

There is no dedicated parking. Visitors typically park on the street nearby. Be aware that there isn't a designated turnaround, so you'll need to perform a three-point turn. Reddit

You can drive by and view the exterior from the street. Access to the interior is generally not permitted unless you are a guest or it's available for rent. Reddit

Driving up to the house allows you to see its unique architecture. Many visitors enjoy the drive as part of the experience. TikTok

The neighborhood is generally considered nice and safe, with other notable homes in the vicinity. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No tickets are required as it is a private residence. You can view the exterior from the street. Reddit

Typically, you cannot go inside as it's a private home. However, there have been instances where owners have graciously allowed visitors inside. Reddit

As a private residence, there are no official visiting hours. It can be viewed from the street at any time, though daytime offers better light for photos. TikTok

Yes, the Norman Lykes House has been available for rent on platforms like Airbnb, offering a unique opportunity to experience the home. TikTok+1

Viewing the exterior from the street is free. If you're lucky enough to rent it or be invited inside, there would be associated costs. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

The street in front of the house offers the best vantage points for capturing its iconic curvilinear facade. TikTok

If you are fortunate enough to be invited inside or rent the property, photography is usually permitted, but always confirm with the owner. Reddit

Daytime provides natural light to showcase the home's architectural details. Late evening offers stunning views of the city lights from its vantage point. Reddit

As it's a private residence, be respectful and avoid intrusive photography that might disturb the occupants. Reddit

Its unique circular design, desert setting, and panoramic views of Phoenix make it a highly photogenic structure. TikTok

🎫 💡 Onsite Experience

It's renowned as Frank Lloyd Wright's final residential design, celebrated for its distinctive circular 'Circular Sun House' architecture and its stunning desert location. TikTok+1

The house exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright's organic architecture, featuring flowing curvilinear forms and integration with the natural landscape. TikTok+1

You can admire the striking exterior design and the beautiful desert surroundings. If you're lucky, you might get a peek inside. Reddit

For architecture enthusiasts and fans of Frank Lloyd Wright, it's a must-see to appreciate his final residential masterpiece. Reddit

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1959, it was completed after his death by architect John Rattenbury. It's a significant piece of architectural history. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Norman Lykes House isn't a typical family attraction with interactive exhibits, it can still be an interesting stop for families interested in unique architecture. The drive-by viewing is easy to incorporate into a larger itinerary. Pointing out the unusual circular shapes can spark curiosity in children about different kinds of buildings. Remember that it's a private home, so keeping noise levels down and ensuring kids understand the need for respect is important. Reddit

If you're lucky enough to find it available for rent, it could be an unforgettable family experience. However, for a standard visit, manage expectations to a drive-by and exterior appreciation. The surrounding area offers beautiful desert scenery that kids might enjoy exploring from the car. TikTok+1

🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts

For architecture aficionados, the Norman Lykes House is a pilgrimage site. As Frank Lloyd Wright's final residential commission, it embodies his mature design principles, particularly his exploration of organic architecture and curvilinear forms. Seeing the 'Circular Sun House' in person allows for a deep appreciation of its integration with the desert environment and its innovative use of space. TikTok+1

While interior access is limited, studying the exterior from various angles will reveal the masterful execution of Wright's vision. Consider researching the house's history and design before your visit to enhance your understanding and appreciation. The fact that it was completed after Wright's passing adds another layer of historical significance. TikTok+1

📸 Photographers

The Norman Lykes House offers a unique photographic subject due to its distinctive circular design and dramatic desert setting. Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture striking images of the exterior from the street. The interplay of light and shadow on the curved concrete surfaces is particularly compelling during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. TikTokReddit

Experiment with different angles to highlight the house's organic integration with the landscape. The panoramic views of Phoenix from its elevated position also provide a stunning backdrop or a separate photographic subject. Remember to be mindful of private property and avoid intrusive shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Frank Lloyd Wright's Final Vision

The Norman Lykes House represents the culmination of Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural philosophy. Designed in 1959, it was one of his last projects and was completed posthumously by architect John Rattenbury. Wright envisioned this home as a harmonious extension of the desert landscape, utilizing his signature organic architecture principles. The house is characterized by its curvilinear forms, a departure from the more rectilinear designs often associated with his earlier Usonian homes. This circular design, earning it the nickname 'Circular Sun House,' was intended to maximize natural light and create a sense of flow throughout the living spaces. TikTok+1

Visitors can appreciate the bold, sweeping lines of the exterior, which seem to emerge directly from the desert terrain. The use of concrete and glass further blurs the lines between the built environment and its natural surroundings. While direct access to the interior is rare, the exterior itself is a powerful statement of Wright's genius and his ability to create spaces that are both monumental and intimately connected to their environment. TikTok+1

The Norman Lykes House is more than just a building; it's a piece of architectural history that continues to inspire. Its presence in Phoenix serves as a tangible link to one of the 20th century's most influential architects, offering a glimpse into his final, visionary residential design. TikTok+1

Experiencing the Norman Lykes House as a Visitor

Visiting the Norman Lykes House primarily involves an exterior viewing experience. Since it's a private residence, you can drive by and admire its unique architecture from the street. Many visitors find the drive itself to be part of the appeal, allowing them to appreciate how the house is nestled within the desert landscape. TikTokReddit

Be prepared for the practicalities of this type of visit. The house is located in a residential area, and parking can be limited. There isn't a dedicated turnaround, so visitors often need to execute a three-point turn to exit. This means planning your visit to be brief and respectful of the neighborhood. Reddit The 'Circular Sun House' is particularly striking during the day, when the desert light plays off its curved surfaces, but some also enjoy the view of the city lights at night from its elevated position. Reddit

Occasionally, the Norman Lykes House becomes available for short-term rentals, offering a rare opportunity to experience its interior and breathtaking views firsthand. Keep an eye on rental platforms if you're looking for a truly immersive architectural stay. TikTok+1