The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: October fifth, observing that two Wrights can't be wrong.

Fallingwater, the magnificent harmonious country home that Frank Lloyd Wright designed for department store owner Edgar Kaufmann, has been labeled the most important building of the last century. Cantilevered over Bear Run, a creek in the Laurel Highlands of southwest Pennsylvania, Fallingwater has attracted admiring visitors from around the world. That's especially true in this season, when Autumn's colors transform the forested hillsides into bright tartans.

But most Fallingwater pilgrims come and go without seeing all the Wright stuff the area has to offer. Only five miles away is another residential masterpiece of the great American architect.

Sited on the brow of Kentuck Knob, a rocky hill high over the Youghiogheny River valley, is the house built by the Hagan family, who were friends of the Kaufmanns. The plans Wright produced for the Hagan's are a pure expression of the Usonian principles he espoused for the final 25 years of his life. Built around a hexagonal grid courtyard, the single story, three bedroom home is a superbly crafted execution of Wright's vision, though he was willing to bend his vision a bit to accommodate Mrs. Hagan, as well as the advice of Herman Mayer, the local contractor who built the house. The Hagans moved into the house in 1956, and lived in and loved it for four decades.

Kentuck Knob's present owners are Lord and Lady Palumbo, English art and architecture patrons who purchased it in 1995. In addition to restoring and refurbishing the house and grounds to its designer's vision, they've opened Kentuck Knob for public tours and appreciation. For details, check our website: travelersjournal.com.

FMI Fallingwater, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy - www.wpconline.org/fallingwaterhome.htm 724-329-8501

Kentuck Knob www.kentuckknob.com 724-329-1901

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