Just north of
Dodgeville, Wisconsin, atop a rocky bluff with a view of a tree-filled valley,
sits an architectural marvel of unique rooms, streets and gardens called “House on the Rock.” Envisioned,
designed and mostly built by architect Alex Jordan Jr., this house is an
amazing combination of talent and whimsy. Built, literally, into the rock, with
trees in many places growing through the floor and ceiling, the rooms wind
around the natural landscape, creating wonderful vistas and cozy, cushioned
nooks just begging for someone to build a fire and snuggle in with a good book.
The house isn’t
one structure. It’s a complex of buildings surrounded by gardens and forest, including
the Gate House, the Organ Room, the Doll House Room, and the world's
largest indoor carousel, which boasts 269 handcrafted animals, 20,000 lights
and 182 chandeliers. The most incredible (and mildly unsettling) space is the
Infinity Room, a steel and glass “needle” that extends 218 feet out over the
scenic valley and 156 feet above the forest floor, with 3,264 windows
overlooking the valley. More than 140 of those 218 feet are unsupported,
hanging in mid-air.
Based on a short
piece on the either the History Channel or Discovery Channel, I expected a
grand house with sweeping rooms and awe-inspiring views. Instead I was completely
charmed by the hobbit-house feel with low ceilings with natural rock walls, the
glow of dozens of tiffany-style lamps, and tiny spaces crammed full of art and
books and thousands of whimsical creatures either made by Mr. Jordan or commissioned
by him to fill a particular spot in the house. All the while we were walking
through the structure, I kept wanting to settle in and talk or debate with
friends.
By all accounts,
Mr. Jordan
I think my
favorite spot was the room where a small organ, a harp and a piano were crowded
together and overshadowed by a great winged dragon.
If you haven’t
seen this delightful architectural marvel, add it to your bucket list. I will
definitely be going back.
Tracy, what an awesome adventure and so generous of the mastermind builder to share with all. He's a sheer architechtical genius to have mastermind such a wonder. If I ever get out there, I'll sure look up this marvel. Since I play the piano,and harp, and years ago an organ, I believe I'd become lost in that room for sure. Pictures are great and thanks so much for sharing-- have got on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of the place, but never been. Now you have me intrigued. Thanks, I think. Doris
ReplyDeleteThese out-of-the-way historic gems are fascinating.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating place! I've never even heard of this place before.
ReplyDeleteWell, I have never heard of this place, but after looking at these pictures and reading your article I think I can safely say this has to be added to my top 10 places to see. Totally weird. Songs around the dragon sure got my attention.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you, Tracy!
I'm familiar with the House on the Rock through Neil Gaiman's wonderful novel American Godd. It sounds fascinating but also claustrophobic to me, so I think I'll stick with enjoying your and Gaiman's descriptions!
ReplyDeleteAmerican Gods, not Godd, obviously!
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