BIRDSONG Minnesota Estate & BirdWing by Frank Lloyd Wright Jr.
One of America's Great Estates
Minnetonka, MN USA
History of Birdwing Home at Birdsong
Birdwing was architecturally designed by the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright Jr. Plans were initiated in 1960, but not until the perfect site was revealed in Minnetonka, MN (a beautiful suburb of Minneapolis) was the home completed in 1965 on the spectacular 12-acre parcel. Lloyd Wright designed and built his last home in 1963 at Rancho Palos Verde in California. Accordingly, Lloyd Wright’s architectural plans were provided to Donald E. Mustad, Architect, and his builders in Minneapolis who completed the project. The original building site for this 6500 sq ft prairie style home was to be the Parkwood Knolls neighborhood in Edina, MN. Due to factors that would limit the full potential and beauty of this creation, they determined that site was too small and would not provide unobstructed open views of the landscaping for each room in the home which were the goals of the architectural design. Therefore Birdwing was built in the Twin Cities suburb of Minnetonka on 12 pristine acres.
Brilliant Architecture of Birdwing
Birdwing was mindfully designed to create breathtaking views through particular angles and structure of the home so that every room in the house displayed the beauty of the surrounding landscaping. One of Lloyd Wright’s underlying principles of organic architecture is that the trees are the forms and the space within the forms is sacred space. His brilliance and talent shines through this property.
Lloyd Wright’s designs were done in a more practical fashion for today’s living means in contrast to his father’s trademark design of small kitchens & baths. The quality of the construction and amenities, plus the upkeep and preservation of the home are uncompromised. Birdwing has been immaculately maintained over the years with custom carpeting, additions of solid walnut/ebony wood cabinetry, bathroom updates, epoxy garage floors, etc. Elaborate Canadian Black Granite and Copper that is paramount on the exterior of the home is tastefully used in the interior spaces; as noticed in the foyer, kitchen, two of the three fireplaces, and several accent walls. Unique angles and designs are eminent throughout home, again creating the utmost private views of the surrounding nature.
A unique element found in this home are the "bird wings" on the sides and rear of the home and cedar striated wood soffits designed to control the outside sunlight entering the home due to the substantial use of glass windows throughout. Several rooms within the interior of the home have full glass walls creating a brighter open feel to the layout. The main level has two inviting entrances both with ½ bathrooms for guests. Three generously sized rooms with a main floor office that can convert into a legal bedroom are on the NW wing of the house with jack and jill full bath and a master suite. The master bedroom has an elaborate black granite wall with vaulted ceilings, a walkout to private patio that walks down to the the back yard, three large closets, and a massive walk through bath with dual entrances, dual sinks, updated granite shower, and darling make up counter. Home is equipped with full intercom system and lighting operation in every room.
The common areas of home have an open flow and pristine views of the ponds and tress. The views achieved in the kitchen are unmatched as the layout is of an uncommon one yet makes for a wonderful space to entertain. Kitchen features a grand island with massive copper hood. Floor plan makes for an ideal area to take in the indoor cooking to the outdoors just steps away from the upper patio stamp overlooking the enchanting lot. A wide sweeping staircase takes you to the lower level leading to a large family room with a masculine fireplace, an executive office with several built-ins and display cases, a bedroom conveniently across the way from a ¾ bath with walk thru to a 6-8 person sauna, a cedar closet for climate clothing storage, and one of two impressively large walk-out patios overlooking the lakes and ponds.
A favorite room discovered in the far NW corner beyond the office is the ‘Old Room’. The Old Room is a one of a kind getaway room finished with aged barn wood on the walls and vaulted beamed ceilings with a massive vintage brick fireplace. Last but not least in the lower level you will discover plenty of storage closets, a useful work bench, and an ease of access to utility space with a sophisticated security system, and a furnace complex with three high efficiency furnaces with complimentary air conditioning systems.