IN considering the work of Mr. Lindeberg it is fair to take the Carr house as illustrative of many important points, many things which make Mr. Lindeberg's country houses definitely different from the usual country house. Different, specifically, from virtually all other work, which, in its general character could he taken as of the same class for purposes of comparison.
The Carr house is one which will long be conspicuous as an expression of a happy freedom of American domestic architecture from the tyranny of "style." Its style is positive
and personal and entirely outside the category of copy-book architecture or "paper" architecture. It is a living proof of its architect's belief that departure from precedent does not need to imply architectural vagary.
From the beginning of his career, Mr. Lindeberg has evidenced his strong architectural convictions in a succession of unusually vigorous solutions of the problems of modern country house design. Nor can these houses be discussed in terms of "style" as "style" is generally understood. They have a distinct "manner" but no "style"—a manner which seems individual and varied when viewed casually, but which adheres with extraordinary consistency to certain essential traits.
This manner, so vitally inspiring in the Carr house, seems to be a direct result of a fearlessly independent spirit, which respects precedent, but is not constrained by it.
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| Plot Plan and Floor Plans Residence Clyde M. Carr, Lake Forest, Ill. |
Reverting again to the Carr house, a mention of its ingenuity of plan should form part of any critical estimate, for the plan is unusual in itself, while characteristic of the practical resourcefulness of its architect. The plan in this case was devised to afford absolute privacy, not only to the garden front, but also to the front commanding a view of the lake. This was attained by throwing the entrance drive off at an angle and screening it with heavy planting. ***C. Matlack Price 1920***
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| ENTRANCE FRONT Residence Clyde M. Carr, Lake Forest, Ill. |
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| Entrance Residence Clyde M. Carr, Lake Forest, Ill |
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| Entrance Door Residence Clyde M. Carr, Lake Forest, Ill |
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| View Through garden wall Residence Clyde M. Carr, Lake Forest, Ill |
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| Detail of Service Wing and Yard Residence Clyde M. Carr, Lake Forest, Ill |
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| Entrance Hall Residence Clyde M. Carr, Lake Forest, Ill |
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| Stair hall Residence Clyde M. Carr, Lake Forest, Ill |
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| Morning Room Residence Clyde M. Carr, Lake Forest, Ill |
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| Mantel in Living-Room Residence Clyde M. Carr, Lake Forest, Ill |
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| Loggia Residence Clyde M. Carr, Lake Forest, Ill |
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| South Front Residence Clyde M. Carr, Lake Forest, Ill |
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| Wrought Iron Entry Arch with a Large Coach Lamp Residence Clyde M. Carr, Lake Forest, Ill |
"Wyldwood" was a Country House of Character chosen by Architect Harrie T. Lindeberg.
I knew this house well as boy in the 60s, and again with another owner in the 70s. Its confident casual layout was like that of a big american greyhound curled up in the shade taking in the cool breezes of the lake.
ReplyDeleteAt that time there was a pool at the far end of the Southwest lawn ...the last view you show is an eerily familiar of what I remember from looking back at the house.
The one thing thats never pictured is the coach house-its rather large symmetrically arranged around a courtyard with steep slate roofs and modernist cupola.
Do you know who owned the house in the 60's and 70's? Last name will do.
DeleteNotable metalwork by Oscar B. Bach - diamond window grille with rooster, bronze door surround and transom arch with animal motifs, bronze side window grilles, bronze main entrance door with zodiac and other symbols, lead leaderheads dated 1916 and monogrammed CMC, lamp brackets. Arched wrought iron frame hangs over the entrance drive with a couch lamp as a "crown" - photo added.
ReplyDeleteThe coach building or garages are just inside the iron arch that youve posted- to the imeadiate left as you drive in. Its as pretty as any Lindeberg house- I wish I could tell you were to see a photo, it must be documented somewhere. You can see it on google and bing maps, and the swimming pool is still there too, although it was simply pool no cabana when I was a boy.
ReplyDeleteHey I love your blog! Could you please tell me where you got the original commentary (is it all from C. Matlack Price?), plus that gorgeous color illustration. Looks like it came from a publication. I'd appreciate any help -- I'm researching the landscape design work of Rose Standish Nichols, who is credited with working with Manning on this. Thanks!
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