For any horror movie fans or aspiring horror filmmakers out there, having an inn of your own would provide the perfect canvas for reenacting your favorite horror moments, such as the shower scene from "Psycho" or “Here’s Johnny!” from "The Shining" (come to think of it, if you ever find yourself in a scenario reminiscent of a horror movie, stay away from the bathroom). But for one particular inn that just hit the market, it isn’t just horror movie buffs that might be interested in making the $665,000 purchase, but fans of architecture, as well.
The Usonian Inn, which was previously known as the Rest Haven Motel (which sounds like a name that could have been taken directly from an old horror movie), is an 11-room motor lodge in Spring Green, Wis., that was constructed in 1952. What makes this particular inn noteworthy is that Jesse C. Caraway, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the structure.
As Curbed.com reports, the Park Inn in Mason City, Iowa, is the only hotel still in existence that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright himself, but The Usonian Inn proudly displays many Wright-inspired characteristics. The most prominent of which is without question the use of cantilevered overhangs.
The V-shaped building was one of the first to use aluminum siding, which was provided by Reynolds Metals for free as a promotional tool, and was also once considered for a feature in Life magazine. Currently, the inn is listed on the State and National Register of Historic places.
And don’t let the old horror trope of haunted or creepy inns scare you away, the Usonian Inn has undergone more than a few facelifts in an effort to keep the structure looking young. In 1992, the inn’s grounds were freshly landscaped and the current owners, Carolina and Theo Dursina, have provided significant upgrades, as well, such as the addition of sustainable fixtures and double-glazed windows and a new roof.
While the $665,000 price tag certainly isn’t cheap, the building’s unique history and quality location near Spring Green, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin home and studio, and the Wisconsin River do make for an intriguing purchase.
Related Stories
Hotel Facilities | Jul 17, 2017
This space hotel design from MIT won NASA’s graduate design competition
The project team consisted of MIT graduate students across five departments.
Mixed-Use | Jul 7, 2017
ZHA’s Mandarin Oriental hotel and residences employs ‘stacked vases’ design approach
The mixed-use tower will rise 185 meters and be located in Melbourne's Central Business District.
Hotel Facilities | Jul 5, 2017
It only took 26 days to complete construction on the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport hotel extension
PPVC techniques allowed the project to save time and manpower.
Hotel Facilities | Jun 29, 2017
Luxury, plant-covered hotel unveiled for site near the River Seine
Kengo Kuma is designing the hotel, which will feature a large garden and a plant-covered façade.
Hotel Facilities | Jun 28, 2017
This floating hotel in Sweden freezes in place during the winter
The hotel will feature a cold bath and be in a good location for viewing the northern lights.
Hotel Facilities | Jun 14, 2017
Finalists selected for Radical Innovation award
Original hospitality design concepts lean on enhancing traveler comfort and mobility.
Hotel Facilities | May 19, 2017
Beyond market niches: Designing hotels that can flex
There’s a shift from accommodating to specific market niches towards places that can adapt to changing moods and activities.
Hotel Facilities | May 18, 2017
Manchester modular hotel is constructed of shipping containers
The 220-room Holiday Inn Express hopes to be completed in less than 12 months.
Events Facilities | Apr 27, 2017
20-acre lagoon highlights $1.5 billion Paradise Park planned for Las Vegas
The Wynn Resorts board recently gave the go-ahead for the project, which may begin construction on its first phase as early as December.
Hotel Facilities | Apr 12, 2017
Hotels embrace place
Today’s hospitality environments emphasize unique, localized experiences to attract and engage guests.
