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A rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Usonian home, the Willard Keland House in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, is on the market for $725,000. This marks the first time the architecturally significant property has been offered for sale since its completion in the 1950s. The six-bedroom, 6.5-bath home is priced significantly above the village's median listing price due to its architectural pedigree, pristine preservation, and expansive 3.2-acre ravine setting. For buyers seeking a historically important property, this listing represents a unique opportunity to own a work by America's most famous architect.
The Willard Keland Home is a prime example of Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian style, a series of homes he designed for middle-income American families. The style is characterized by integration with the natural landscape, efficient use of space, and signature design elements like built-in furniture. Commissioned in 1954 by Karen Johnson Boyd, daughter of an S.C. Johnson president, and her then-husband Willard Keland, the home has remained in the same family for decades. Its significance is amplified by its direct connection to Wright and its exceptional state of preservation, offering an authentic experience of his architectural vision.
Spanning 4,978 square feet, the layout is notably larger than most Usonian homes. Key features include a copper roof, brick exterior, and an interior filled with Wright's hallmark built-in shelving and banquette seating. The home's most dramatic feature is a cantilevered living room that extends over a ravine, a design choice that blurs the line between the interior and the surrounding natural environment. Expansive windows throughout the home further enhance this connection to the outdoors.
Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophy of organic architecture—where buildings harmonize with their environment—is fully realized in this property. The home is built into a bluff, making the landscape a central component of the design. The living room's cantilevered structure provides panoramic views of the ravine, creating a sense of floating among the trees. This strategic positioning takes full advantage of the 3.2-acre lot's topography, ensuring privacy and a constant engagement with nature, a key consideration for any buyer valuing a serene setting.
Beyond the original Wright design, the property includes modifications made in 1961 by the architect's chief draftsman, John “Jack” Howe. These updates, which include a new front entry, a breezeway connecting to a new garage, and a primary bedroom above the carport, were completed with respect to Wright's original intent. The home now includes a two-car garage and features mature, established gardens that complement the natural ravine setting. With six bedrooms, and all but one being en suite, the property is well-suited for hosting guests or accommodating a large family while maintaining privacy.
The asking price of $725,000 is substantially higher than Mount Pleasant's approximate median listing price of $275,000. This premium is attributed to several factors intrinsic to the property. The architectural significance of a Frank Lloyd Wright design carries considerable value in the real estate market. The home's meticulous preservation means a new owner acquires a historically accurate residence without the immediate need for costly restoration. Furthermore, the large lot size, unique ravine views, and the sheer square footage contribute to the valuation. Based on our experience assessment, the price reflects the property's status as a unique, non-fungible asset rather than a standard residential comparable.
The home's original owner, Karen Johnson Boyd, had a lifelong connection to Wright's architecture. She grew up in Wingspread, another Wright-designed estate in nearby Wind Point that is now owned by the Johnson Foundation. This commission demonstrates a multi-generational appreciation for the architect's work within the family, adding a layer of historical narrative to the property. The home's continuity within the same family for over half a century has been instrumental in preserving its architectural integrity.
For potential buyers, the key considerations are:
