Walker house
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member Darmok and Jalad
N 36° 32.685 W 121° 55.870
10S E 595666 N 4044903
A Cabin on the Rocks
Waymark Code: WMW88
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 10/23/2006
Published By:Groundspeak Regular Member Rayman
Views: 186

Wright's Usonian "Cabin on the Rocks" is one of many of his designs shaped like the prow of a ship, but may be the only one that actually juts out into the ocean.

According to Dunham, the orientation, size and configuration make the living room the center of this 1200 square foot structure. Abutting the prow-shaped terrace, it is a large hexagon with continuous bands of metal framed windows on five sides. The windows step outward from bottom to top and open down to protect from the gusty onshore winds.

Two guest bedrooms and the master bedroom occupy a wing between the living area and the carport. The master bedroom was enlarged in 1960 by San Francisco architect Sandy Walker, Della's grandson.

The distictive, patinaed roof was orginally constructed of enamaled steel during a copper shortage when the house was being constructed due to the Korean War. The roof was subsequently replaced with copper several years after Wright's death.

While still a private residence, there is a wonderful, unique opportunity for an interior tour approximately 1 hour, 28 minutes into the 1959 Sanda Dee, Troy Donahue movie, "A Summer Place". Update: Unfortinately, I have discovered that this tour sequence is on a soundstage and bears no resemblance to the actual interior that has a narrow gallery hallway on the south side and no lower level.

There are excellent exterior views from the driveway gate on the north side, a vantage point to the south and from the beach at low tide. Convenient adjacent on-street parking is available. The camera view overlooking the house in "A Summer Place" is now occupied by an array of $5-20M weekend homes. Enjoy them too and visit the nearby Carmel Point geocache while you are in the vicinity.

Year Completed: Designed in 1948, but not built for several years

Commissioned By: Mrs. Della Walker

Nearest City or Town: Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Public/Private: Private

Tours Available?: no

Website: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
There are no specific visit requirements, however telling about your visit is strongly encouraged. Additional photos of the building or house to add to the gallery are also nice, but not required. Pictures with a GPS or you in them is highly discouraged.
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Recent Visits/Logs:
Date Logged Log User Rating  
Darmok and Jalad visited Walker house 11/06/2016 Darmok and Jalad visited it
WalruZ visited Walker house 11/25/2006 WalruZ visited it

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