TOP MCM HOMES TO ROAD TRIP TO THIS SUMMER — PART FOUR
Benjamin Ehinger
Taking a road trip to visit wonderful MCM homes is possible in nearly every area of the country. We’ve already covered the MCM homes you can visit in the southwest, northeast, and Midwest of the United States.
While these three areas tend to have the largest number of mid-century modern homes, there are a few others spread out throughout the country. In this post, we will look at the other MCM homes you can enjoy not found in one of the three main areas.
MCM Homes in Other Areas of the United States
The homes on this list are found all throughout the country including Oregon, New Mexico, Texas, Nebraska, Kansa, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina
Graceland in Memphis, TN (Remodeled 1957)
Even if you’re not a fan of Elvis Presley, visiting Graceland in Memphis, TN is worth it. The American Colonial-style mansion was built in 1939 and later remodeled in 1957 by Elvis after he purchased the home. The renovations were extensive and turned this home into something amazing from the infamous jungle room to the tan limestone.
This may be the most lavish MCM home you will find in the United States open to the public. You can visit Graceland throughout the year and enjoy all kinds of things, Elvis, along with this amazing MCM home.
Gordon House in Silverton, OR (1957)
A Frank Lloyd Wright home, The Gordon House offers a look at some of the finest MCM architecture in the country. It’s the only home designed by Wright in Oregon and you can enjoy a guided tour by reservation.
Georgia O’Keefe Home/Studio in Abiquiu, NM (Renovated 1945)
You can visit the home of one of the most amazing artists to ever live. The Georgia O’Keefe Home/Studio is one of the two homes Georgia owned in the area. She also owned the Ghost Ranch in Santa Fe. Tours of both homes are available by appointment.
When Georgia purchased the home in Abiquiu in 1945, it was in ruins. However, she restored the home over the next four years and created an amazing place to call home, which you can visit today.
Tours provide plenty of stories about the home and the theories of the architecture. The home was commissioned by an Oregon farm family and was nearly destroyed in 2000. However, it was rescued, moved, and reconstructed in Silverton next to The Oregon Garden.
Allen-Lambe House in Wichita, KS (1918)
Another Frank Lloyd Wright home, this MCM home is one of the best for your summer road trip. They offer summer tours, but they do fill up pretty fast.
The Allen House was commissioned in 1916 and completed in 1918. It was named for Henry Allen and his wife Elsie. They originally owned the home, which is known for the living room. Some writers have said the living room in this home is “one of the great rooms of the 20th century.”
Along with touring the home, those willing to road trip to Wichita will enjoy more than 30 pieces of furniture designed by Wright.
Wilson House in Temple, TX (1951)
If you want to know where laminates really got their state, visit the Wilson House in Temple, TX. This is the house that launched the Wilsonart laminates. The home’s interior was nearly destroyed, but Grace Jeffers rescued it before it was demolished.
The home was originally created as a residence for Ralph Wilson Sr. It was also created to show off the laminate company he owned and as a test-lab for the products he manufactured.
Tours of this great MCM home are available by appointment during the week. The home can also be used for events.
Other MCM Homes Found Throughout the United States for Your Road Trip
The mid-century modern homes listed above are great choices for a visit on your road trip. You can also add the following options to your list:
- LBJ Ranch in Stonewall, TX (Remodeled 1951)
- 1950s All-Electric House in Shawnee, KS (1954)
- Rosenbaum House in Florence, AL (1939)
- Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC (1838)
- Barton Country Museum Lustron Home in Great Bend, KS
If you’re planning a fun summer road trip or a trip any time of the year, these are some of the best MCM homes you can see throughout the country. Make sure to check out the other three parts to this blog post for even more mid-century modern homes to visit throughout the country.
