frank lloyd wright’s ‘fountainhead’ residence, a rare usonian, hits the market in mississippi

Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house opens for sale in Mississippi

A rare opportunity to inhabit a piece of American architectural history arrives with the listing of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fountainhead residence in Jackson, Mississippi. Priced at €2.13 million ($2.5 million), the three-bedroom home is one of the few Usonian houses ever built and the only Frank Lloyd Wright property in the state, making it a remarkable example of organic architecture. Designed in 1948 when Frank Lloyd Wright was 81 years old, Fountainhead reflects his continued involvement in architectural work late in life. The design stays consistent with the ideas he had developed over decades, showing that his approach remained steady rather than changing to fit newer trends or outside pressures.

images courtesy of Crescent Sotheby’s International Realty

Fountainhead’s Diamond Shape Guides Every Aspect of the Design

Fountainhead sits at 306 Glenway Drive in Fondren, a lively mid-century neighborhood in Jackson. Wright designed the house specifically for its site, staying true to his belief that architecture should work with the landscape. The building’s diamond-shaped shell, based on a parallelogram, came directly from the shape of the lot. The shape carries through the entire design, appearing in the pattern of the concrete floors, guiding how the walls are positioned, and even influencing the scale of the doors, creating a quiet sense of cohesion that feels deliberate without drawing too much attention to itself.

Built in 1951, the 330-square-meter house was constructed without stud walls, drywall, or paint, a deliberate choice that leaves the materials exposed. The architect used Tidewater Red Cypress for the walls and ceilings, a durable wood with a rich, reddish color that brings warmth and texture to the interior. The original copper roof is still in place, a testament to the solid construction of the building and carefully chosen materials. Wide stretches of glass open the house to its surroundings, letting in daylight and views of the garden. Inside, built-in furniture and storage, a signature of Wright’s work, keep the spaces uncluttered and quietly functional.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fountainhead residence in Jackson, Mississippi hits the market for the first time

a name that reflects inspiration

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fountainhead holds a special place in Mississippi’s cultural history. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands as both a private home and a reminder of the architect’s approach to how people live. The house sits on nearly 4,000 square meters of land, surrounded by lush greenery that provides privacy, yet it’s still just a short walk from Fondren’s mix of shops, restaurants, and art spots.

Wright is said to have named the house Fountainhead to reflect the idea of a source of creativity. Today, the home still feels like that, a wellspring of thoughtful design and clear vision.

the three-bedroom home is one of the few Usonian houses ever built