Settling in Kane County in the 1860s as dairy and crop farmers, the Muirhead family left an architectural mark on Hampshire with their Usonian-style home designed by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Muirhead Farmhouse, designed and built by Wright, is 3,200-square-foot and now on the National Register of Historic Places. Owners Robert and Elizabeth Muirhead wanted a modern home for their growing family. Working with Wright to develop the plans, the farmhouse design reflects the requirements of the Muirhead family in the late 1940s, constructed of Chicago common brick, concrete and red tidewater cypress. Built between 1951 and 1953, it now welcomes visitors for tours on select dates from April through October each year.
Members of the Muirhead family still own the home, and in 2003, extensive restorations helped preserve the landmark. The Muirhead Springs Preserve surrounding the house features a nearly 4-mile limestone trail loop for walkers, bicyclists and horse enthusiasts.
To learn more and for tour dates, visit muirheadfarmhouse.com.
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