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These Colorado college towns will make you want to hang around after earning your cap and gown.

In the Centennial State, there’s an incredible blend of outdoor beauty, vibrant culture and thriving academic communities. Nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, Colorado is home to some of the best college towns in the nation.

With a variety of universities and colleges to choose from, these towns offer a unique blend of academic excellence and exciting recreational opportunities. Let’s dive into what makes these towns such exceptional places to study and live.

With its picturesque mountain backdrop, Boulder is considered the quintessential college town in Colorado. Home to the University of Colorado Boulder, which offers top-notch business, marketing and biological sciences programs in addition to a vibrant outdoor scene. It’s no surprise that Boulder consistently ranks among the best college towns in the nation.

Boulder also boasts a bustling downtown area, where you’ll find a diverse array of eateries, bars and shops. For those who love the great outdoors, Boulder is a dream come true. Chautauqua Park and the Flatirons provide endless opportunities for hiking, rock climbing and soaking in stunning views. Additionally, Boulder is known for its environmentally conscious culture, which is reflected in the city’s extensive bike paths and commitment to renewable energy.

Just west of Denver lies the charming town of Golden, home to the Colorado School of Mines. With its rich history dating back to the Gold Rush, Golden is an idyllic setting for students pursuing degrees in engineering, geology and other related fields.

The town itself is quaint, with a walkable downtown area featuring shops, restaurants and breweries. The Coors Brewery, the largest single-site brewery in the world, is also located in Golden, offering a unique glimpse into the beer-making process at the most prolific level.

Golden’s location at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. North Table Mountain Park and the Clear Creek Trail are just a few of the nearby destinations for hiking, mountain biking and any other outdoor recreational activity.

For those interested in the town’s history, the Golden History Museum and the Colorado Railroad Museum are a couple of truly unique, must-visit attractions.

Grand Junction is home to Colorado Mesa University and is known for its stunning red rock landscapes and sprawling vineyards. Often referred to as Colorado’s Wine Country, Grand Junction offers a unique experience for students looking to study in a picturesque and culturally rich town.

Downtown Grand Junction is a hub of activity, with shops, art galleries and restaurants lining the streets. The town also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Grand Junction Art and Jazz Festival and the Colorado Mountain Winefest, which showcase the region’s artistic and culinary offerings.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of recreational opportunities in the surrounding area. The Colorado National Monument is a must-visit, with breathtaking views and miles of hiking and biking trails. Just outside of town, the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, offers more hiking, fishing and skiing opportunities throughout the year.

As the capital city of Colorado, Denver is home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver and the Community College of Denver. As a major metropolitan area, Denver offers a different college experience compared to other college towns in Colorado.

The city boasts a thriving arts scene, with the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver and numerous galleries scattered throughout the city. Sports fans will find plenty to cheer for, with Denver acting as home to nearly all of Colorado’s major professional sports teams. Music lovers can enjoy concerts at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre or catch a show at one of the many smaller venues around town.

Denver’s food scene is equally impressive, with a diverse array of dining options, from farm-to-table restaurants to globally inspired cuisine. The city is also home to a flourishing craft beer scene, with numerous breweries and taprooms to explore.

Despite its urban setting, Denver still offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. City Park and Sloan’s Lake Park provide green spaces for jogging, picnicking and other outdoor activities. Plus, the city’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains means that skiing, snowboarding and hiking are always just a short drive away.

Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University and is known for its friendly atmosphere and thriving arts scene. The city’s historic downtown, often referred to as Old Town, is a lively area filled with shops, restaurants and breweries. Old Town Square regularly hosts events, including live music and seasonal celebrations.

The city is also home to several museums, including the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery and the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art, which showcase the town’s rich history and commitment to the arts. Fort Collins is also renowned for its craft beer scene, with more than 20 breweries in the city, including the famous New Belgium Brewing Company.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Fort Collins’ extensive network of bike trails and natural areas, like Horsetooth Reservoir and Lory State Park. These destinations offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and water sports.

As an honorable mention on our list of the best college towns in Colorado, Gunnison is home to Western Colorado University. This small town, surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains, provides students with a unique and scenic college experience.

Gunnison’s quaint downtown area features local shops, restaurants and a vibrant arts scene, including the Gunnison Arts Center. The town also hosts a number of community events throughout the year, like the Gunnison River Festival and Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo.

The surrounding area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to Gunnison National Forest for hiking, fishing and camping as well as Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in Colorado is also nearby.

Your Colorado college town awaits

Colorado is home to some of the best college towns in the nation, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence, vibrant culture and abundant recreational opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to Boulder’s balance of nature and academics, Golden’s charming history, Grand Junction’s picturesque vineyards, Denver’s metropolitan allure, Fort Collins’old town charm or Gunnison’s stunning mountain backdrop, there’s a college town in Colorado that’s perfect for you. These towns provide students with the perfect environment to thrive academically and experience a well-rounded college life in one of the most beautiful states in the country.

Source: rent.com

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St. Louis is known as the “Gateway to the West” to tourists, but locals are more than happy to simply call it the “Lou.” No matter what you like to call this Midwestern hub, one thing’s for certain: There are a lot of excellent St. Louis neighborhoods to call home.

St. Louis really does have it all: great architecture, a sense of community pride (especially when it comes to great beer making), a thriving sports scene, and lot of friendly locals ready to welcome in new residents. The best part? There are 79 distinct and wonderful St. Louis neighborhoods located in the city proper.

Like any big city, neighborhoods in St. Louis are diverse, eclectic, and have their own distinct history and personality. Here are a few of the most popular St. Louis neighborhoods to start apartment hunting in if you’re a new resident:

Central West End

Bordered by St. Louis University and Forest Park, the Central West End is a beautiful neighborhood known for its diverse crowd. Here you’ll find a mix of young singles as well as families. There are many great bars, shops, galleries, and fun sidewalk cafes that line the area.

However, perhaps the most famous building in the Central West End is the Roman Catholic Cathedral Basilica, which boasts one of the largest mosaic art structures on earth. Another major landmark in this neighborhood is the Chase Park Plaza Hotel, one of the city’s most historic hotels.

Due to the neighborhood’s age, there are lots of apartment styles to choose from, from townhomes to high-rises, all with some of St. Louis’s finest architectural highlights. The area hosts a lot of the city festivals too, so be prepared to be out and about– especially during the warm-weather months.

Maplewood

Known as a young, up-and-coming neighborhood, Maplewood could be the perfect area for a resident looking to plant roots and save some green during their first few years in St. Louis. Many locals think Maplewood is the city’s hipster area, and they might not be too far off in their assumptions. For instance, offbeat shops are everywhere in Maplewood, as are laid-back coffeehouses buzzing with creatives and college students.

One of St. Louis’s relics also calls Maplewood home: Saratoga Lanes. This vintage bowling alley is the oldest west of the Mississippi River, according to Explore St. Louis. Beer lovers will also be more than happy to be living in Maplewood, as Schlafly Bottleworks (St. Louis’s most respected craft brewery) offers tours there.

Clayton

Clayton is the famous home of the St. Louis Art Fair, one of the most celebrated events in the city, where 150,000 people flock annually. However, the community events don’t stop there in Clayton. There is also the Gallery Nights receptions and Parties in the Park cocktails (perfect for a roomie weekend outing).

It’s a busy and fast-paced place to call home, but Clayton always presents renters with something to do, whether you’re headed to one of the best bars and restaurants in St. Louis or finding your cultural bearings at one of Clayton’s many art galleries. Clayton is also the home of the St. Louis city government and the Center of Clayton, which is a 136,000-square-foot sports and recreational complex.

Cherokee Street

This is the one neighborhood that everyone in St. Louis is buzzing about. Cherokee Street is full of beautiful vintage and antique shops, artsy and progressive locals, and plenty of Mexican restaurants. If you love all things retro and tacos– this is definitely the place for you.

However, the appeal of Cherokee Street goes well beyond great food and shopping. A lot of renters are flocking here due to the welcoming atmosphere for young startups and business owners.

Many of the businesses here are locally owned and source from excellent vendors. Most have a certain beatnik vibe, making Cherokee Street the perfect place for first-time apartment dwellers or young renters.

If you’re renting with multiple roommates or love to decorate with an industrial, business vibe, then this is the place for you.

Be sure to do some exploring while in St. Louis during your apartment hunt. With literally dozens of neighborhoods, there’s bound to be one with your name on it.

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If you’re in tech in Utah, you probably already know Lehi. As the home of industry giants Adobe, Ancestry.com, Workfront, SirsiDynix, IM Flash and other large, small and up-and-coming firms, Lehi has grown from bedroom community to destination location for families looking to be in the center of the action.

Just south of Point of the Mountain, Lehi’s family-friendly lifestyle gives residents quick access to recreation, quaint restaurants, ample shopping and a perfect place to call home. Plus, its center-of-the-valley location means you’re never far from anything.

Considering a home in Lehi? Here’s what you’ll find.

Small town charm with top amenities

Lehi is growing— and fast— but it still retains the small town charm that drew families to it in the first place. Want a peek at what Lehi used to be? Take a drive by Lehi Roller Mills; if it seems familiar, that’s because this still-working mill was the set for the original Footloose. Just a few blocks down Lehi’s Main Street and pop into Paper Crush for a DIY custom day planner and other party supplies or grab a burger and old-fashioned shake at Porter’s.

If a wedding is in your future, Flowers on Main is your stop for fresh-cut beauties and handmade leis, which are great accompaniments to the custom dresses at Gowns by Pamela.

Family game night goes all out at Gamers’ Inn, where you can try games before you buy them or join in with a group to play your favorite board games. Sweeten the day with treats from Lehi Bakery, where the donuts are square, and cupcakes at the Little Cake and Dessert Shop.

If community events are more your style, attend Lehi’s annual Round-Up celebration and rodeo each June and mark your calendar for the carnival-style Foam Day in July. (Why the name? Because before the activities end, everything is covered in soapy foam.) And October wouldn’t be complete without a visit (or two!) to Cornbelly’s, where attendees can get lost in an old-fashioned corn maze —haunted or not—and test their punkin’ chunkin’ skills before settling in to make DIY s’mores. 

Walkability/Drivability and Livability

Don’t work in Lehi? Not a problem. Your average commute will still only be 23 minutes, or you could hop on FrontRunner to take the train to Salt Lake, Provo, Ogden and points in-between.

When you return home, it’s a quick walk, drive or bike ride for a bite to eat. Depending on the direction you prefer, both Tsunami and Jimmy Johns are both highly accessible, thanks to the Murdock Canal Trail, a 17-mile paved trail that runs parallel to an unpaved equestrian trail, and connects seven communities in Utah County.

If your destination is a dream home with all of the modern amenities, Lehi is your place. Thanks to the tech corridor, most homes in Lehi were built since 2000 and have all of the amenities homeowners are looking for. Best part: home values in Lehi average $266,300 and climbing, which makes a home in Lehi a smart investment but still affordable. Check out the homes for sale in Lehi on Homie for current availability.

Get out and play, nature’s way

Flanked by Thanksgiving Point to the West and Mt. Timpanogos to the East, Lehi’s access to the great outdoors means you can play hard by day—regardless of your preferred activity.

Take in a round of golf at Thanksgiving Point’s championship course or Frisbee golf at Dry Creek Trail Park, the city’s first disc golf course. You can also run, bike or walk the 17 miles of the Murdock Canal Trail or cool off at the city pool.

For a high-flying adventure, Flight Park State Recreation Area, accessible from Minuteman Drive, has facilities to help you get your hand glider, paraglider and model airplanes in the air.

And for a quick reminder of Mother Nature’s brilliance, Mt. Timpanogos looms just 10 miles east, where you can tour the cave, go for a hike hiking or have a quiet picnic.

Indoor fun

Shopping anyone? Traverse Mountain’s diverse stores include something for everyone, whether your style is H&M, Michael Kors, Quicksilver or Coach. And there’s Cabela’s, where you’ll find everything you could possibly want to feel at home in the great outdoors.

Across the highway are the restaurants of Thanksgiving Point, including Harvest Restaurant, known for its locally-sourced ingredients and fresh take on lunch and dinner. Top off the day by visiting the Museum of Ancient Life or Museum of Natural Curiosity, and the requisite trip to the Ice Cream Shop for an old-fashioned float—with bubblegum ice cream, of course.

Nightlife for everyone

Don’t expect the carpet to roll up at sunset. Evenings are a great time to catch a box office favorites at the Megaplex. In summer, Sundays end with a serenade from some of the best local talent at Wines Park. Or catch a nightcap at Scorez Sports Bar or Buffalo Wild Wings, both prepped for late-night fun.

Want to find your place in Lehi?

If Lehi sounds like the perfect place for you to call home, the Homie team is here to help. You can start the process by browsing through the current homes for sale in Lehi and click “Schedule a Tour” whenever you’re ready to get a closer look. When the time is right, Homie will help you create an offer, answer questions and secure your financing—and Homie’s services for buyers are completely free. You’ll find more details in our Buyer package.

Source: homie.com

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Do the research. Find the Delaware college town that’s right for you.

Though Delaware may be the second-smallest state in the U.S., it is home to some of the most exceptional college towns in the country. With a unique blend of history, culture and academic excellence, Delaware offers students an engaging environment to pursue higher education.

In this article, we’ll explore the best college towns in Delaware, featuring Newark, Dover and Wilmington. Get ready to discover what makes these towns extraordinary places to live, learn and forge a bright future.

Home to the University of Delaware, Newark is a lively college town that combines academic excellence with a strong sense of history and community. The University of Delaware, established in 1743, is renowned for its research programs, commitment to sustainability and picturesque campus.

Downtown Newark is a bustling hub of activity, with a diverse array of restaurants, bars and shops. From the cozy atmosphere of Brew HaHa! coffee shop to the enticing flavors of Ali Baba Middle Eastern Restaurant, there’s something for every palate. The city also hosts various events throughout the year, including the Newark Food and Brew Fest and the Winterfest celebration, which foster a sense of community and showcase the town’s unique culture.

History buffs will appreciate Newark’s rich past, which can be explored at the Iron Hill Science Center and the Cooch’s Bridge historic site. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, Newark has more than a few parks and natural areas to enjoy, like White Clay Creek State Park and many, many more.

As the capital city of Delaware, Dover offers students a unique college experience in a historical setting. The city is home to Delaware State University, Wesley College and satellite campuses of Wilmington University and the University of Delaware. Dover’s rich history and diverse educational opportunities make it an attractive destination for college students of all interests.

Downtown Dover, known as the Loockerman Street Historic District, features a variety of shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. The Schwartz Center for the Arts, located in the heart of downtown, hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, plays and dance recitals.

Dover’s history is on full display at the First State Heritage Park, which encompasses several historic sites. The Air Mobility Command Museum, located at the Dover Air Force Base, provides an intriguing look at the history of military aviation.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Dover and the surrounding area. Silver Lake Park and the St. Jones River Greenway provide convenient access to outdoor recreation. The nearby Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a major stop on the Atlantic Flyway, provides a stunning natural environment for wildlife observation and photography.

The largest city in Delaware, Wilmington is home to several colleges and universities, including Wilmington University, Goldey-Beacom College and Delaware College of Art and Design. As a major metropolitan area, Wilmington offers students a cosmopolitan college experience with all of the artistic and professional opportunities that are often reserved for larger towns.

Wilmington’s revitalized downtown, known as Riverfront, features a range of shops, restaurants and attractions. The Delaware Contemporary, an art museum located along the Riverfront, showcases the work of local and regional artists. The city also hosts numerous events throughout the year, like the Riverfront Blues Festival and the Wilmington Flower Market.

The city is home to several theaters, including The Playhouse on Rodney Square and The Queen, which host a wide range of performances. Wilmington’s lively nightlife scene is comprised of a variety of bars, clubs and live music venues, ensuring that there’s always something to do after the sun goes down.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Wilmington has several parks and green spaces, none more noteworthy than the Wilmington State Parks, which provides opportunities for walking, jogging, picnicking and so much more.

As an honorable mention on our list of best college towns in Delaware, Lewes is home to the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment. This charming coastal town, located where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, offers a unique college experience in a picturesque seaside setting.

Downtown Lewes is known for its charming architecture and historic sites. This area features a variety of shops, restaurants and galleries. The town also hosts several annual events, like the Lewes Tulip Celebration and the Lewes Historical Society Craft Fair, which showcases the town’s commitment to preserving its history and fostering a creative community for years to come

Lewes’ coastal location offers numerous opportunities for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. Cape Henlopen State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park provide beautiful settings for swimming, sunbathing and kayaking. The town also boasts several parks, which offer ample opportunities for walking, jogging and reconnecting with Mother Nature at the drop of a hat.

Settle down in a delightful Delaware college town

Delaware may be small in size, but it offers a variety of exceptional college towns, each providing a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural attractions and recreational opportunities.

Whether you’re drawn to Newark’s vibrant college atmosphere, Dover’s historic capital city charm, Wilmington’s cosmopolitan allure or Lewes’ unrivaled coastal beauty, there’s a college town in Delaware that’s perfect for you. These towns provide students with an ideal environment to thrive academically while enjoying a well-rounded college experience in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region.

Source: rent.com

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You can enjoy the beauty of Seattle from the comfort of your apartment.

There’s no denying the natural beauty that surrounds Seattle. With so much to soak up outside, it’s important to prioritize the outdoor space in your apartment search. Set aside the need to live close to one of the delicious seafood restaurants in the city, and think about your in-unit amenities.

This list of luxury apartments will give you access to some of the best gardens in Seattle. From professional landscaping to community gardening and more, this list has what you’re looking for if you want to maximize your time outside at home in Seattle.

Source: Rent. / Promenade At The Park

Japanese Maples and a variety of other delicate trees and plants fill the rounded beds in the courtyard at Promenade At The Park. Set on the concrete, stone-encased spots of greenery keep this space feeling open and accessible; you can enjoy a meal or simply take a stroll walk for a peaceful moment of reflection just steps away from your front door.

Located about eight miles from the city center, this Lake City community fits nicely into the park-filled neighborhood. You can keep the chill vibes going from home with stops at a variety of parks and waterfront destinations throughout the area. Matthews Beach is just a stone’s throw away, which is the largest freshwater swimming beach in Seattle.

Source: Rent. / Harbor Steps

While urban views abound around Harbor Steps, you can enjoy a moment of zen surrounded by the greenery that is the interior courtyard. Marked by a few oversized rocks, this space allows you to take a calming moment within an otherwise busy spot of the city, it also doubles as a dog run so you and your four-legged roommate can enjoy this amenity together.

With the Seattle Art Museum across the street, living in the West Edge neighborhood has a variety of advantages. You’re only two blocks from Pike Place Market and are also close to Seattle University. Between these significant spots, you’ll find plenty of places to grab a bite or do some shopping.

Source: Rent. / Maris

Giving off a strong sense of tranquility, the courtyard at Maris combines two essential pieces necessary to make this space work — seating and greenery. While a variety of plants sit in the mulch, two large planters frame the space with their pines and other plant life. On the wood-paneled floor at the center, you’ll find a circle of comfy patio chairs waiting.

Not too far from the heart of Seattle, calling Fairmount Park home means access to some iconic city views. Known for its green spaces, playgrounds and recreation center, this is an ideal spot for those who like to keep active and enjoy spending time outside. One of the highlight locations is Lincoln Park, which also gets you right to the waterfront.

Source: Rent. / Rianna

Check out this great spot at Rianna. It’s elevated off the ground yet still has an undeniable European courtyard vibe. This space is full of small groups of seating, making it easy to gather with friends. Plenty of grass gives you that simple, outdoorsy feeling you may want after a day in the urban jungle. The views aren’t bad either.

With Downtown Seattle just minutes away, this Central District community really puts you in the middle of everything. You can walk to a variety of restaurants, boutiques and exciting nightlife options. The Metro is close by as well, so it’s easy to get around from this comfortable and convenient home base.

Source: Rent. / Urbana Apartments

Transforming the courtyard space into an ideal outdoor grilling/eating spot, Urbana Apartments makes it easy to dine alfresco. Two long tables sit parallel to dueling gas grills alongside ample prep space. This space is intelligently laid out and large enough to comfortably accommodate two groups at a time making it a truly unique amenity in the city.

Along the historic waterfront, you’ll find Adams, a hip neighborhood full of eclectic shops and excellent eateries. Highly walkable, this is an ideal place to live if you like to keep moving once you leave home for the day. From markets to cafes, shops to Salmon Bay, you may even find it hard to narrow down what to do with your free time.

Source: Rent. / Parla Apartments

Aluminum tubs set in perfect rows make up the rooftop garden at Parla Apartments. This community garden is open to all residents, ensuring everyone has easy access to fresh herbs and veggies. With planters full of tall trees on either side, this truly is the ideal place to try your hand at gardening.

With a combination of tree-lined streets and busy thoroughfares, Ballard offers a little bit of everything. There are plenty of shops and restaurants, but you’ve also got Puget Sound, Salmon Bay and North Beach around the perimeter. They give you plenty of excuses to get out on the water for some recreation. You can even see the tip of Mount Rainer from the roof of this stunning apartment community.

Source: Rent. / Alcyone

The greenery that greets you at Alcyone is so robust that it almost forms a complete arch over the entrance. Other potted plants occupy any open space making it truly feel like you’re leaving the city completely behind as you head into your cool Cascade community.

Source: Rent. / Metro on First

With limited space in an apartment, to make your outdoor space sparkle, you need to get up on the roof. At Metro on First, the rooftop space feels like a courtyard with plenty of potted plants and flowers, but it’s the view of Puget Sound that will really get you.

Perfectly situated among shops, restaurants, theaters, museums, parks and art galleries, Queen Anne is one of those neighborhoods that just has everything. This is also where you’ll find Seattle’s most recognizable feature, the Space Needle.

Source: Rent. / Uwajimaya Village

Perfecting the art of Zen, the courtyard at Uwajimaya Village will transport you to a garden in Japan. From the well-lit open-air lounge in the corner to the carefully manicured shrubbery and stone water feature, all the accents come together to create a unified space that’s ideal for relaxation.

Living in the International District of Seattle really does put you close to so much. You can check out the art galleries, cafes and bars in Pioneer Square to start. Then, walk over to Pike Place Market for the freshest of seafood. If you’re a sports fan, you’re also close to Lumen Field for football and T-Mobile Park for baseball.

Source: Rent. / Springline

Accent your cooking perfectly with easy access to a rooftop herb garden at Springline. Large containers hold all different types of herbs, growing in full sun up on the roof. When your next recipe calls for fresh basil or oregano, you won’t have to go to the store to get them.

This West Seattle community is all about the outdoors. You can hang out on Alki Beach, check out Puget Sound or walk and bike at Lincoln Park. This is an ideal area for everyone from hikers to sunbathers, kayakers to cyclists and all those in between. It’s also chock full of casual places to eat, cool coffeehouses and funky shops.

Grab an apartment with one of the best gardens in Seattle

If your next Seattle apartment won’t feel like home without a solid green space, you need this list. Whether you’re relaxing on the roof or cooling off in the courtyard, this is where you’ll find the best gardens in Seattle. Zero in on your perfect place and fill out an application today.

Featured Image Source: Rent. / Uwajimaya Village

Source: rent.com

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Frank Lloyd Wright is undoubtedly one of the most influential architects of all time.

A champion of organic architecture, a philosophy he promoted throughout his career that focuses on the harmony between human living and the natural world — incorporating buildings into their surroundings — Lloyd Wright designed more than 1,000 structures in his lifetime, out of which 532 were actually built.

Credited with building some of the most innovative spaces in the United States, Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous works include the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, the striking Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona, Hollyhock House in Los Angeles, California, Robie House and the Illinois Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois, the Tokyo Imperial Hotel in Inuyama, Japan, and the famous Blade Runner-featured Ennis House.

But of the hundreds of architecturally distinct homes he built in the span of his 70-year career, Lloyd Wright’s own home in his native Wisconsin has the most interesting — and downright tragic — backstory.

While undoubtedly one of the legendary architect’s best works, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin house was the site of a gruesome attack that took the life of Wright’s girlfriend and her two children.

It also burned to the ground (more than once), growing bigger every time the architect had to rebuild it. So let’s take a look at the storied history of Taliesin.

What is the story of Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal home in Wisconsin?

The American architect was born and raised in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, which left a lasting impression on his young mind and inspired many of his most iconic works. 

At the age of 29, in 1896, Wright built a windmill on the Taliesin estate, on land that belonged to his mother’s family.

The project, requested by his aunt, was the first in a series of developments that over the years became part of the 600-acre Taliesin estate as we know it today. 

Wright would return to his homeland of Taliesin in 1911, under more controversial circumstances.

In the early 1900s, Wright was married to Catherine Lee Tobin, had six children, and was living in Oak Park, Illinois.

He was then tasked to design a house for his friend and neighbor Edwin Cheney when he fell in love with his friend’s wife, Mamah Borthwick Cheney.

In a daring and controversial move, the two lovers ran off to Europe, where their affair flourished, and when they returned to the U.S., they wanted a place to call their own, far from the judgmental eyes of the public.

That’s when Frank Lloyd Wright decided to leave his Chicago family behind, return to his roots and build a house for himself and Mamah in the secluded hills of Taliesin. 

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin I — the “love cottage” with a harrowing story

Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin I, as we now call it, was completed in 1911 near Spring Green, Wisconsin, to serve as the home of Wright and Borthwick.

The earliest known image of Taliesin I, taken in the winter of its construction in 1911-12. Southwest elevation. Photo credit: Henry Fuermann and Sons, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The home/studio that Wright created is the quintessential representation of the architect’s Prairie School design. 

Wright described the 12,000-square-foot house as ‘low, wide, and snug,’ and that’s exactly what it is.

The house, which was named after the Welsh bard Taliesin — and translates into ‘radiant brow’ — was the result of Wright’s attempt to blend man-made structures and materials with nature and the elements. 

The house had an open-space design, with windows placed so that the sun could come through in every room at every point of the day.

A closer look at Taliesin, WI, though it’s worth noting that the original house was significantly smaller. Photo credit: Stephen Matthew Milligan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

All the materials used in the construction were locally sourced, in an effort to seamlessly integrate the house with its surroundings. 

Wright was a big fan of Japanese culture and architecture, and he was inspired to bring a taste of Japan to Taliesin, as well. The architect’s home included an artificial lake stocked with fish and aquatic fowl, a water garden, as well as a ‘tea circle’ in the middle of the spacious, green courtyard. 

The home that Wright built was stunning, and to this day it remains one of his most beautiful creations.

The beauty of Taliesin, however, did not do much to impress those living in nearby communities, who disapproved of Wright’s relationship with Borthwick.

At the time the couple lived in Wisconsin, Borthwick had divorced Cheney, but Wright was still married, as Catherine Tobin refused him a divorce. Due to the scandalous aspect of their relationship, locals and media dubbed Taliesin ‘the Love Cottage.’ 

Nonetheless, the couple lived happily at Taliesin, joined by Mamah Borthwick’s two children and a number of household workers and employees.

Among those employees were Julian Carlton, a handyman and servant, and his wife Gertrude.

In 1914, the 31-year-old worker started acting strangely, becoming more and more paranoid and staring out the windows holding an axe. Given his strange behavior, Wright and Borthwick decided to let the couple go, and they gave Carlton and his wife notice in mid-August.

The events that followed the next day, on August 15, 1914, were so shocking that Taliesin will unfortunately forever be associated with them. 

That August day, while Wright was away on business, Julian Carlton attacked Mamah Borthwick and her two children, ending their lives.

He then turned against the other members of the household, after which he set the house on fire.

His killing spree ended the lives of Borthwick, her two children, as well as two other workers and their young boy.

Frank Lloyd Wright (left) surveys damage after the Taliesin I attack in 1914. Photo credit: Albert Rockwell, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Following the attack, Carlton hid in the basement’s fireproof furnace and swallowed hydrochloric acid in an attempt to end his own life. Somehow, he survived, and he was arrested and taken into custody.

While awaiting his trial and sentencing, he died of starvation, as the acid he swallowed had burned his esophagus to the extent that he could no longer eat.

Carlton’s wife was luckily not in the house at the time, as she was waiting for her husband to join her on a train to Chicago.

Taliesin II – Frank Lloyd Wright rebuilds his Wisconsin house

Taliesin I was, in large part, destroyed, and Frank Lloyd Wright was left heartbroken, losing the love of his life and the beloved home that they shared.

He was so devastated that he couldn’t even bring himself to hold a vigil or a formal funeral for Borthwick, instead burying her in an unmarked grave in a nearby graveyard. 

However, Wright soon got back on his feet and decided to rebuild Taliesin.

Sketches of Taliesin WI. Photo credit: See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

By the end of 1914, he had built Taliesin II, and had found companionship in Miriam Noel, who sent him a condolence letter after that summer’s massacre. 

Wright, however, only settled in at Taliesin II in 1922, after he finished work on the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

RELATED: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House also known as The Blade Runner House

He was finally granted a divorce by Catherine Tobin, and married Miriam Noel in 1923. The marriage, however, was doomed to not last, as Noel’s erratic behavior, later diagnosed as schizophrenia, led to a tense relationship between her and Wright. 

Noel eventually left Wright and moved out of Taliesin II in 1924. One year later, in an eerie turn of events, Taliesin II burned to the ground due to faulty wiring, and Wright was back to square one.

However, like a phoenix, Taliesin would rise from the ashes once again.

Taliesin III – Wright rebuilds it once more, but the costs drive it into foreclosure

Even after two fires tried to destroy his work, Frank Lloyd Wright was not ready to give up on Taliesin, and he rebuilt it once again, as Taliesin III.

Each time the architect had to revamp Taliesin, the house grew bigger.

In its third and final form, Taliesin featured 37,000 square feet, and all the buildings on the estate combined totaled no less than 75,000 square feet on 600 acres of land. 

Inside Taliesin, arguably the most impressive of Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses. Pictured here: the living room of the imposing property. Photo credit: Stilfehler, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The third reconstruction of Taliesin did, however, create a pretty big dent in Wright’s pockets, and he was severely in debt at the time work on Taliesin III was finished.

In 1927, the Bank of Wisconsin foreclosed on the property, and the architect moved to La Jolla, California, forced to leave his beloved hilltop home behind.

His fans and students, however, devised a plan to have the revered architect reunited with Taliesin.

Darwin Martin, a former client of Wright’s, formed a company dubbed Frank Lloyd Wright Inc., to issue stock on the architect’s future earnings. Various other clients and students purchased stock and ended up successfully bidding on Taliesin for $40,000, giving it back to Wright. 

SEE ALSO: The Chemosphere House and 6 other striking John Lautner-designed homes

Thankfully, the innovative design and historic importance of Taliesin were recognized by Wright’s clients and admirers, and the efforts to preserve and keep the estate alive paid off.

In January 1976, Taliesin was named a National Historic Landmark District by the National Park Service. More than three decades later, Taliesin was one of the buildings included in The 20th Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a selection of eight buildings designed by the architect across the U.S. 

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Today, Taliesin is a historical and architectural gem, and Frank Lloyd Wright fans can visit the estate on professional, guided tours.

If you’re an architecture fan, a student, or design aficionado and you’re ever traveling near Spring Green, Wisconsin, you don’t want to miss out on the chance to visit Taliesin. 

Frequently asked questions

Where is Taliesin?

Frank Lloyd Wright’s house in Wisconsin, Taliesin, is located at 5481 County Road C, Spring Green, WI 53588, USA, about 2.5 miles south of the village of Spring Green in the Driftless Region of southwestern Wisconsin.

What does the word Taliesin mean?

Taliesin is a gender-neutral name of Welsh origin, meaning “radiant brow” made famous by a 6th Century Welsh bard who is said to have performed at the courts of three different kings. Lloyd Wright reportedly named his house in Wisconsin Taliesin to signal that was “of the hill,” not on it, building it below the hillcrest, on its brow rather than its crown.

Did Frank Lloyd Wright rebuild Taliesin?

The legendary architect had to rebuild his Taliesin house in Wisconsin twice. The first time was in 2014 after a gruesome attack by employee Julian Carlton who ended the lives of Wright’s then-girlfriend, Mamah Borthwick and her two children, and then set the house on fire. The second time was in 1925 when Taliesin burned to the ground due to faulty wiring.

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Source: fancypantshomes.com

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If you’ve been looking for a new home in Utah’s current market, you know pickings are slim. Most buyers know what a few gallons of paint can do. But if you’re willing to take on a couple of additional projects, you can turn that ugly duckling house into an affordable dream. Here’s a few ugly features that aren’t too tough to take on. 

Something underfoot. Floors. Buyers and sellers frequently have different tastes in what’s under their feet. If the seller replaces the carpet before the home is listed, expect a portion of the cost to be factored into the price (listings that say “all new carpet” are going to cost you more). You’re also unlikely to get top-of-the-line carpet if the seller replaces it simply to list. If you’re not scared of living temporarily with threadbare, stained carpet, request a drop in price in the form of a flooring allowance when you make your initial offer. You may also give the entire room a lift by replacing skinny baseboards with the clean lines of the more modern 5” style. Baseboards are easy to replace and cost around $1.50-$3.00 per foot at home improvement stores.

Fireplace blues. A fireplace is a focal point. But an old-school fireplace with brass trim, mauve tile, ugly rock, or beige brick is an eyesore to just about everyone. Few sellers update the fireplace before putting the home on the market. If they do, they’ve probably updated the entire house as well and are asking a justifiably premium price. But a fireplace eyesore can be easily fixed after move-in with paint (1 gallon: $35), new mantle ($150 and up), or even new tile (DIY for ~ $100, depending on the tile chosen and how much you’re replacing). Be sure to determine if your choice of materials is rated for high heat before starting.

Chained in. A fenced-in backyard is a huge plus even when the fence is not quite your style. Chain link is and looks cheap, but it’s also easily covered. Plants, just as fast-growing bamboo,  grape vines, or Virginia Creeper look great year-round. If you need complete cover ASAP, look at privacy netting in decorative patterns (around $2.50 per linear foot). You may also find someone who’s looking to unload scrap fencing or barn wood at a very low price—both make great, rustic fencing options that can be strapped to an existing chain link fence for an all-new look.

Old-school appliances. Regardless of what the listing states, retro doesn’t apply to avocado green appliances or cream-colored dishwashers with fake wood grain trim. But here’s the deal: if those appliances are still in the home you buy, you can bet they’re workhorses, just not pretty. If a seller spends the cash to update the appliances just to sell the house, you probably won’t get top of the line or even the appliances that you may want—and you’ll pay a premium. There are numerous ways to solve unattractive-but-working appliances, however. Search yard sale sites (like KSL Classifieds or local Facebook groups) for people who are remodeling. When people purchase brand new homes they often opt not to keep the builder-selected appliances. Keep your eyes peeled for individuals selling all new appliances—or even entire kitchens!

Dismal driveway. No one ever bought a home because of the driveway… but a cracked one in desperate need of repair drastically reduces curb appeal and brings the listing price of the home down. As a buyer, you’ll benefit from the lower price and you don’t even need to do the driveway repair work yourself. A professional will break up and haul away the old driveway and pour a new driveway all for a couple grand (depending on square footage).

Remember, those nice-looking renovated homes will not only cost you more, but chances are you’d choose different appliances, carpet or flooring for yourself. Buy the house that’s located where you want to live and that has the views and schools you want, then take the time to make the needed updates and repairs as you can afford them.

Source: homie.com

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A restored and rarely available home known as a “super Eichler” in Walnut Creek, CA, flaunts an amazing architectural pedigree.

Listed for $1,995,000, the 2,435-square-foot dwelling is in the North Gate subdivision, the last Eichler development in the East Bay.

So, what is a super Eichler anyway?

“They were on larger parcels and the houses were larger,” says  Thomas Westfall, of Compass. “All of them had four bedrooms—if not five, even six.”

Completed in 1969, the four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home was designed by Claude Oakland, “one of the most prolific [Eichler] architects,” says Westfall. “Joe Eichler was the developer.”

Roughly 11,000 of these modest, midcentury modern, tract homes were designed and built between 1956 and the late 1960s, mostly in Northern and Southern California. As ranch-level dwellings, they feature atriums and range between 1,300 and 1,500 square feet.

This home is one of just five super Eichler designs in the East Bay. The extra-large floor plan and cheery, yellow decor made the listing a magnet for vintage-home enthusiasts.

And within a week, multiple bids were made. An offer was accepted, and the property is listed as pending sale.

“There is definitely a following of people who want to live in an Eichler,” Westfall says.

In 2004, the sellers—who previously lived in another Eichler home—snapped this one up for $720,000. After almost 20 years and major restorations, they are now letting it go.

The sellers added an insulated, foam roof to improve heating and cooling efficiency. There’s also a new boiler, updated electrical system, flooring, and custom closet doors.

The sellers “did all of the landscaping, including irrigation, accent lighting, and paving,” says Westfall. “They [also] remodeled the bathrooms and the kitchen and replaced the interior doors with solid-core doors, as well as heightened and lightened them.”

The listing includes an attached, two-car garage.

Entry

(Open Homes Photography)

Living room

(Open Homes Photography)

Kitchen and adjacent outdoor dining area

(Open Homes Photography)

Fireplace

(Open Homes Photography)

Den

(Open Homes Photography)

One of the bedrooms

(Open Homes Photography)

One of the baths

(Open Homes Photography)

Standout space

The super-sized Eichler design has what’s known as the “H Plan” layout, a truly notable style.

“It’s the only Eichler with the double-door entrance and the only atrium, I’m aware of, that is more than 500 square feet,” says Westfall. “That’s the whole Eichler philosophy—bringing the outdoors in.”

Nearly all rooms open to the outdoors via sliding-glass doors.

The prospect of living in Walnut Creek is a major draw for buyers.

“It has some of the highest-rated schools in the Bay Area,” Westfall notes. “It’s like the Palo Alto of the East Bay. There’s a downtown with shopping, nice restaurants, and the Apple Store. North Gate is very walkable.”

Source: realtor.com

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Last Updated on March 29, 2023 by Mark Ferguson

I fix up a lot of houses whether they are my personal house, my rental properties or my fix and flips. When I repair a house I don’t mean I do the work myself; I have a contractor do it for me. The most difficult part about fixing up a home is finding a great contractor and estimating how much the repairs will be. Estimating the costs to repair a house is not easy to do, but this article will give an idea of what repairs will cost. Repair costs will vary based on the quality of products used, how much labor costs are in your area and the contractor you use.

Update on 2021 repair prices!

I wrote this article before Covid hit the world. You might assume that Covid would decrease the prices of repairs but the opposite has happened. Repair costs have skyrocketed. Many manufacturing companies that produced materials shut down or reduced production while at the same time people were staying home and completing remodeling projects! The price of lumber, insulation, windows, doors, etc has gone much higher.

I am hoping that the market corrects itself soon but you can take most of the prices I list here and add 20 to 40 percent thanks to the increase in costs.

Why buy something that needs work?

Almost all the houses I buy need work and some need a lot of work. I would love to buy houses that are in great condition, but I want to buy houses that are a great deal. To get a great deal you usually have to buy houses that need some type of repairs, because there are fewer buyers who will buy those homes. When a house needs a lot of repairs, most buyers may not be able to get a loan on that house. The fewer buyers for a house the better deal you can get. It also takes cash to make repairs on a house, which further reduces the number of people who can buy houses that need work. Many people don’t want to hassle with making repairs or finding a contractor to make the repairs, which further reduces the buyers for homes that need work.

Even if you buy a house that is in great shape it will need work at some point. The fixtures may become outdated, the interior or exterior may need paint and things eventually break.

Below is a video on a house we flipped and how much it cost to fix up:

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How much does it cost to paint?

When I fix up a house I always paint the house and replace the floor coverings, unless those items were just done. The cost to paint a house has increased a lot in the last few years because the cost of paint has increased and labor has increased as well. My costs to paint the interior of a house are about $1.50 to $2.00 a square foot. For a 1,500 square foot house, it costs about $2,200 to paint the interior. That includes painting the trim white and the walls a different color like beige or gray.

The exterior of a house costs more to paint because the paint is more expensive, more prep work is needed and the weather has to be nice. Painting the exterior of a house can run $3.00 a square foot or more depending on the complexity and condition of the house. If a home has peeling paint it will cost much more to scrape and prepare the surface for new paint. If a house has lead-based paint, the costs can be much more due to the preparation and clean up work needed to dispose of the old paint. Your contractor or painter must be certified to remove lead-based paint or they can face huge fines from the government.

How much does flooring cost?

When I replace the flooring I almost always use carpet for the living areas and vinyl or tile for the kitchens and bathrooms. If a house has hardwood I will re-finish the hardwood, but I don’t add or replace hardwood because of the cost. It will cost three times as much as carpet to install hardwood floors. For me to replace the carpet in a 1,500 square foot house it will cost about $3,000 to $3,500 installed. Vinyl or tile will cost another $500 to $1,000 for the kitchen and baths. These costs are for middle of the road materials that look nice and will last, but do not cost a fortune.

If a house already has hardwood I will do my best to re-finish it, because refinishing is cheaper than installing new carpet. I also like the look of hardwood floors and buyers love them. I can re-finish a 1,500 square foot house that is mostly hardwood for about $2,000.

We will also use laminate or vinyl plank flooring now that the quality has improved and it lasts if installed correctly.

How much are light fixtures?

Another great update to a house is replacing the light and plumbing fixtures. A house with brand new lights, door handles, and faucets that all match, can transform a home. I like to use antique bronze, but we have also used brushed nickel. Light fixtures are as cheap as 2 for $20 for a basic bedroom and bathroom lights. A nice chandelier can be bought for under $150 as well as a nice ceiling fan. Door handles are $20 or less depending on the style and faucets run from $35 to $150. For an entire house, you can replace the lights, door handles and faucets for about $1,200 installed.

How much are appliances?

Another way to make a house look great is by adding new appliances. We put stainless steel appliances in our houses; I can get a stove for $500 to $600, a dishwasher for $300 and microwave for $250. I usually do not buy a fridge for my flips and for my rentals I may buy used appliances off Craigslist. Appliances make a huge difference in the look of a kitchen even if the cabinets are dated.

How much are cosmetic repairs?

If you do all the work mentioned above and the rest of your home is in decent shape, it will make a huge difference in the look and feel. I almost always do all the repairs I discussed on every fix and flip. With my rentals, I usually do most of those repairs, but if a house is in decent condition I can get away with less. Here are the total costs for a cosmetic upgrade on a 1,500 square foot house:

New interior paint: $2,200

New floor coverings: $4,500

New fixtures: $1,200

New appliances: $1,300

Total cost: $9,200

When you fix up a home it almost always costs more than you think so be prepared to spend more than what you calculate. It is very rare that I ever spend less than $10,000 on any house that I fix up because there are usually many little things that need to be repaired as well. Drywall holes, outlet covers, landscaping, and many more things will increase the costs. It is also rare that I do not have more major repairs to complete.

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How much are major repairs?

The repairs on my flips and rentals vary from basic cosmetics to a massive remodel. Here are other common repairs we make on houses and the cost.

  • Kitchens: It is not as expensive as you might think to replace a kitchen. I can replace a basic kitchen including cabinets, countertops and sink for $2,500 in materials or less. After adding the labor you can replace a kitchen for well under $5,000.
  • Baths: Baths can be gut jobs or a simple vanity replacement. For a full gut job, I can usually get the job done for less than $3,000. To replace a vanity, toilet and bath surround it can be done for less than $1,000.
  • Roof: I have a great roofer who will replace the roof on a 1,500 square foot house for around $6,000.
  • Electrical: Electric repairs can vary a great deal based on what needs to be done. Minor repairs can be a couple of hundred dollars or major rewiring jobs can be $5,000. It is important to get any electrical concerns checked out to see how serious they are.
  • Plumbing: Plumbing is similar to electrical. A minor job can be very cheap, but to re-plumb, a house can cost $5,000 or more.
  • Sewer: Sewer lines can be very expensive to replace. Luckily I have never had to replace one, but to replace a line can be $3,000 to $10,000.
  • Foundation: Most foundation repairs are not fun to deal with. There are many issues from settling, water leakage, grading issues or structural problems. If you have water problems in the basement or crawl space it could be a major foundation issue that is $10,000 or more or a simple grading issue that some dirt work will fix.
  • Windows: We end up replacing a lot of windows because we buy older houses all the time. For basic vinyl windows, I am usually charged about $300 a window by my contractors for material and install.
  • Doors: We also replace a lot of interior doors. Six-panel white doors make a home look very nice. Doors are usually $100 to $150 per door installed.
  • Stucco and siding: I rarely replace the siding on a home, but I have on occasion.  I am putting brand new stucco on a fix and flip that is costing about $8,500 for a 1,250 square foot house. Replacing wood siding is cheaper, but you then have to paint the wood siding. You can still re-side and paint a house for less than stucco in most cases.
  • Drywall/Sheetrock: With old houses, I see a lot of plaster and bad drywall. Brand new drywall makes an old house look so much better than uneven crumbling plaster. On a recent flip, a drywall specialist charged about $3,000 to do the walls and ceilings in three rooms that totaled about 500 square feet.
  • Furnace/hot water heater: I had a brand new forced air furnace system installed for about $5,000 this year. To replace just the furnace is about $2,500 and a hot water heater about $800.

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How much do I spend when I repair a house?

On my most recent fix and flip that is about to be put up for sale, I spent about $18,000 on the remodel. That included interior and exterior paint, new carpet, new doors, new trim, some electrical work, some new drywall, trash out, landscaping work and many little fixes. On a flip that is about to have the work started, I will spend over $50,000 on the repairs. That house needs new plumbing, new electric, new paint everywhere, siding work, new windows, new doors, new drywall, new baths, new kitchen, new floors, new fixtures, new trim and more.

Where do I buy materials to fix up my houses?

I shop at Home Depot for most materials including fixtures, doors, windows, door handles, kitchens, baths, and all the little stuff. I have a pro account with Home Depot, which gets me huge discounts on the materials we buy for flips and rentals.

Conclusion

Repairing a house does not cost $50,000 or $100,000 for basic cosmetic repairs. I see kitchen remodels on television that cost $50,000 and I can’t believe my eyes and ears! Even if you use high-end materials like granite counters and custom cabinets you should not spend $50,000 on a kitchen unless it is in a million-dollar home. Repairs can add up quickly on remodels and I always expect about $5,000 more in costs that I plan to spend due to unknowns. Find a great contractor, make sure that contractor does their work and shop around for the best prices to keep your costs down. Remember these costs are what I pay to fix up homes in my area. If you live in an expensive town, your costs may be significantly higher.

My book Fix and Flip Your Way to Financial Freedom, goes over exactly how I flip houses! It covers how to find deals, finance properties, what repairs to make, and how to market finished flips! It is available as a paperback and ebook on Amazon.

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Categories Fix and Flips

Source: investfourmore.com