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The meticulously restored Frank Lloyd Wright K.C. DeRhodes House in South Bend, Indiana, is on the market for $750,000, presenting a rare opportunity for a preservation-minded buyer. The sale, managed by an estate, requires a cash offer or a pre-approved mortgage letter and includes unique Wright-designed furnishings protected by a conservation easement. This guide outlines the property's historical significance, restoration quality, and key considerations for a potential purchaser.
Built in 1906 for Laura and Kersey DeRhodes, this Prairie-style home is a mirror image of the Barton House in Buffalo, NY. The Prairie style, pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright, is characterized by horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves, and an emphasis on integrating with the surrounding landscape. The DeRhodes House is one of only seven remaining Wright-designed homes in Indiana. Its historical value is underscored by a Wright Spirit Award presented to the previous owners, Tom and Suzanne Miller, for their decades-long, dedicated restoration. The home has had only four owners, contributing to its well-documented provenance.
The listing price is approximately five times South Bend's current median listing price of $145,000. This premium reflects the property's exceptional craftsmanship, historical importance, and the extensive, high-quality restoration work completed by the Millers. Key restored elements include all 65 stained-glass windows, the original stucco exterior, a brick fireplace, and oak trim throughout the 2,769-square-foot, five-bedroom home. The half-acre lot also features a two-car detached garage and matching terraces. Based on our experience assessment, the price aligns with the value of a architecturally significant, turnkey property of this caliber.
The sale includes several original Wright-designed elements: a sofa with a documented history, a dresser, and a light fixture. Critically, these items, along with the home itself, are protected by a preservation easement held by the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. A preservation easement is a legal agreement that permanently protects a historically significant property by limiting alterations that would damage its character. This easement specifies what can and cannot be changed regarding renovations and restorations. The goal is to collaborate with the buyer to maintain the home's architectural integrity, not to hinder reasonable ownership.
While preserving its historical integrity, the home includes thoughtful modern conveniences. The kitchen has been updated with a built-in dishwasher, quartz countertops, and stainless-steel appliances while staying true to Wright's original layout and design. A new half-bathroom has been added on the main floor, complementing the two full bathrooms upstairs. One upstairs bathroom features a walk-in shower with its original tile in excellent condition. These updates ensure modern livability without compromising the home's authentic feel.
The ideal buyer is likely someone with a deep appreciation for Frank Lloyd Wright's work and a commitment to preservation. This could include a University of Notre Dame faculty member or a buyer with ties to the South Bend area. The market has shown interest from Northwestern Indiana and the Chicago area, attracted by South Bend's lower cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. The buyer must be prepared to work within the guidelines of the conservation easement.
Purchasing a historic landmark like the K.C. DeRhodes House is a unique undertaking. Prospective buyers should thoroughly review the conservation easement and secure financing that acknowledges the property's specialized nature. This is not just a real estate transaction but a stewardship opportunity for a piece of American architectural history.
