Frank Lloyd Wright’s One-of-a-Kind Circular Sun House Lists in Arizona
By: Wendy Bowman
Original Article Published by Dirt.com
Featured in Robb Report and crafted by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this eye-catching Arizona residence is recognized as the designer’s final project before his death. Consisting of a series of overlapping concentric circles — and displaying crescents, circles and triangles cut out of its curving concrete block exterior — the innovative structure was commissioned in 1959 and built in ’67 by shipping magnate Norman Lykes and his wife Aimee. It’s one of only 14 circular homes created by Wright during his lengthy career.
Last sold to an out-of-state buyer at auction for nearly $1.7 million in 2019 — and subsequently floated for sale at almost $8 million, before it was spruced up and transformed into an Airbnb rental — the notable midcentury property has again popped up on the market, this time asking a speck under $9 million.
Completed by Wright’s apprentice John Rattenbury in 1967, the “Circular Sun House” — also known as the “Lykes House” — was extensively updated and remodeled in the early ’90s by the same architect, without any alterations to the original footprint. In its current iteration, the three-bedroom, three-bath house has just over 3,000 square feet of split-level living space highlighted by slate floors, mahogany walls, extensive built-ins and meandering hallways. Expansive arched windows also offer picturesque canyon, mountain and city lights views.
Nestled on a rocky hillside parcel of land spanning a little more than an acre — in the Palm Canyon neighborhood of Phoenix, bordering the Phoenix Mountains Preserve — the striking all-white, desert dwelling is fronted by a porte-cochère with parking for two cars. Inside, a spacious living room sporting a massive fireplace and banquette seating serves as a definite focal point, with an adjacent dining area connecting to a functional kitchen outfitted with stainless countertops and appliances.
A narrow spiral staircase heads upstairs to an office; and elsewhere in the house are a den and library, plus a master retreat holding a private balcony, as well as a marble-clad bath equipped with a dressing area, spa tub and shower. Outdoors, the walled-in backyard hosts a crescent-shaped pool lined with mother-of-pearl tiles and an accompanying water feature surrounded by a sprawling terrace ideal for al fresco lounging and entertaining.
The listing is held by Deanna Peters of HomeSmart.
