Edwin H. Cheney House - Image 1
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Edwin H. Cheney House

4.4
·8 reviews·Oak Park, United States

Stay overnight in a historic Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie School masterpiece, offering an intimate architectural immersion.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds for a peaceful stay

CrowdLow
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Edwin H. Cheney House - Image 1

Edwin H. Cheney House

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds for a peaceful stay

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Stay overnight in a historic Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie School masterpiece, offering an intimate architectural immersion.

4.4
(8 reviews)

"Me and my wife stayed there overnight, the owner was running out the basement as bed and breakfast. He gave us a tour of the house pretty cool."

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TIP

Book Your B&B Stay

The house is a B&B! Book your overnight stay in advance for a unique architectural experience.

Ask for a Tour

The owner often provides tours, sharing insights into the house's history and design.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School Design

Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School Design

Entire Residence

Experience a quintessential example of Wright's early Prairie School style, featuring a low-slung profile and integrated living spaces.

Intimate Overnight Stay

Intimate Overnight Stay

Guest Rooms

Sleep within the walls of a historic Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, offering a truly unique and memorable accommodation.

Architectural Details

Architectural Details

Windows and Eaves

Admire the thoughtful design elements, including windows nestled between wide eaves and a substantial stone sill.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Stay in Advance

The Edwin H. Cheney House operates as a bed and breakfast. To ensure your desired dates, especially during peak seasons, it's highly recommended to book your overnight stay well in advance. This unique experience offers a glimpse into Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural genius.

Embrace the Historic Ambiance

This is not a typical hotel. Visitors often describe the experience as intimate and unique, offering a direct connection to architectural history. Be prepared for a stay that prioritizes authenticity and historical preservation over modern hotel amenities.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds for a peaceful stay
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Book Your B&B Stay

The house is a B&B! Book your overnight stay in advance for a unique architectural experience. Reddit

Ask for a Tour

The owner often provides tours, sharing insights into the house's history and design. Reddit

Appreciate the History

This is a historic home; embrace its unique character and architectural significance. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

Book Your B&B Stay

The house is a B&B! Book your overnight stay in advance for a unique architectural experience. Reddit

Ask for a Tour

The owner often provides tours, sharing insights into the house's history and design. Reddit

Appreciate the History

This is a historic home; embrace its unique character and architectural significance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(8 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Edwin H. Cheney House for its unique status as a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed bed and breakfast, offering an intimate architectural experience. Guests appreciate the opportunity to stay overnight in a historic masterpiece and often highlight the insightful tours provided by the owner. Some find the experience 'not for the faint-hearted,' suggesting it's a unique stay that prioritizes historical authenticity.

"Edwin H. Cheney House (1903) located in Oak Park, Illinois, United States, was Frank Lloyd Wright's design of this residence for electrical engineer Edwin Cheney. The house is part of the Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture Historic District. It is a brick house with the living and sleeping rooms all on one floor under a single hipped roof (reminiscent of the design Heurtley House). Here, however, there is a less monumental and more intimate quality to the house partly because it is not raised a full story off the ground, and partly because of the way its windows are nestled in between the wide eaves of the roof and the substantial stone sill that girdles the house. Cool house"

Kyle Johnson

"Me and my wife stayed there overnight, the owner was running out the basement as bed and breakfast. He gave us a tour of the house pretty cool."

David Rhines

"I have been here. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived to tell the tale. Not for the faint hearted. 💔❤️‍🩹💔"

Yev Chornenkyy

What People Like

Historic Frank Lloyd Wright design
Intimate overnight stay
Owner-led tours

What People Dislike

Unique, not for everyone

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Edwin H. Cheney House is located in Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Oak Park is accessible by car via major highways and also by public transportation, including the CTA Green Line train. Parking in Oak Park can be challenging, so consider public transit if possible. Reddit

Information regarding specific parking availability for guests staying overnight at the bed and breakfast should be confirmed directly with the property owners when booking. Street parking in Oak Park can be limited. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Edwin H. Cheney House primarily operates as a bed and breakfast. While tours may be offered by the owner, access is generally tied to overnight stays. It's best to inquire directly with the property about tour availability. Reddit

As a bed and breakfast, the 'operating hours' are centered around guest check-in and check-out times. Specific tour times, if available, would need to be confirmed with the owners. Reddit

Tickets are not typically sold for general admission. Entry is usually through booking an overnight stay as a guest of the bed and breakfast. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Staying at the Edwin H. Cheney House offers an intimate experience within a historic Frank Lloyd Wright design. Guests often describe it as a unique and memorable architectural immersion, with owners sometimes providing insightful tours. Reddit

The Edwin H. Cheney House is a prime example of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School of Architecture style, characterized by its horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs, and integration with the natural landscape. Reddit

Yes, the owner of the bed and breakfast often provides tours of the house, sharing its history and architectural significance. This is a highly recommended part of the experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

As it operates as a bed and breakfast, breakfast is typically included as part of your overnight stay. Confirm details with the property when booking. Reddit

Oak Park has a vibrant dining scene with numerous restaurants offering various cuisines. You'll find options ranging from casual cafes to more upscale dining experiences within a short distance. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies may vary. If you are staying overnight, you will likely be able to take photos of your room and common areas. For external shots, be respectful of the property and any ongoing guest activities. Reddit

The exterior, with its distinctive Prairie School design, offers excellent photographic opportunities. Pay attention to the interplay of the roof eaves and the stone sill. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Edwin H. Cheney House offers a unique historical experience, it may be best suited for families with older children or those with a keen interest in architecture. The focus is on preserving the historic integrity of the home, so it might not have the typical amenities or space found in family-resort hotels. However, for families looking for an educational and memorable stay, the opportunity to sleep in a Frank Lloyd Wright house is unparalleled. The owner's tours can be engaging for curious young minds, offering a tangible connection to architectural history. Reddit

🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts

For architecture enthusiasts, the Edwin H. Cheney House is a must-visit. As a prime example of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School of Architecture, it offers a deep dive into his early design principles. You'll have the chance to study the characteristic horizontal lines, broad eaves, and integrated living spaces up close. Staying overnight allows for extended appreciation of the home's atmosphere and details, far beyond what a typical tour might offer. Reddit

Don't miss the opportunity to engage with the owner, who often provides insightful tours. This personal touch can significantly enhance your understanding of the house's historical context and architectural significance. It's a chance to experience Wright's vision of 'organic architecture' in a truly immersive way. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School Influence

The Edwin H. Cheney House is a significant example of Frank Lloyd Wright's early Prairie School of Architecture. This style, which emerged in the American Midwest around the turn of the 20th century, sought to create a distinctly American architectural idiom that was in harmony with the flat, open landscape of the prairie. Key characteristics include strong horizontal lines, low-pitched hipped roofs with broad overhangs, bands of windows, and an open floor plan that emphasizes flow between interior spaces. The Cheney House embodies these principles, offering a more intimate scale compared to some of Wright's later, grander Prairie Style homes. Its design reflects a move towards integrating living and sleeping areas under a single roof, creating a unified and organic whole. Reddit

Wright's philosophy for the Prairie School was deeply rooted in the idea of 'organic architecture,' where the building and its site are seen as interconnected. He aimed to break away from the ornate, European-inspired styles that were prevalent at the time, instead drawing inspiration from the natural environment. The Cheney House, with its grounded presence and the way its windows are thoughtfully placed between the eaves and the stone sill, exemplifies this connection to the earth. The design is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a living space that feels natural and comfortable for its inhabitants, reflecting their lifestyle and the surrounding environment. Reddit

An Intimate Architectural Stay

The Edwin H. Cheney House offers a unique lodging experience as a bed and breakfast, allowing guests to live within a piece of architectural history. Unlike a museum visit, staying here provides an immersive opportunity to experience the scale, light, and atmosphere of a Frank Lloyd Wright design firsthand. Visitors often highlight the intimate quality of the house, noting how the design fosters a sense of connection and comfort. The owner's involvement as a host and guide adds a personal touch, often including insightful tours that enrich the understanding of the home's significance. Reddit

This type of accommodation appeals to architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a travel experience beyond the conventional. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the details of Wright's work – from the way light filters through the windows to the flow of the living spaces – in a way that is not possible during a brief public tour. The experience is often described as memorable and deeply personal, offering a rare chance to connect with the legacy of one of America's most influential architects. Reddit

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