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    Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff

    4.4 (34 reviews)

    Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff

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    Gerald H.

    Stopped here on our way back from Toronto and after having gone to the Martin house earlier in the day, this was a nice choice as an additional one to go to while in the area. I think that for the most part - this was a nice place to also visit. I liked the look of the house but making people wearing protective gear was obscene . Especially when one lady refused to do it - and one one made her. I would recommend this as a stop.

    Sarah K.

    Thursday nights in the summer for the market are an experience to not miss. Great vendors and a $10 donation gets you into the first floor of the estate.

    Nikki G.

    I signed up the night before for the 2-hour tour. Splurge on the 2-hour tour. You won't regret it. The tour had 3 people from the area, a couple from Philadelphia, and a couple from Wisconsin. Very intimate, and the perfect size. Everyone was a Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiast and had visited several of his houses, except for me. So both novices and experts alike will enjoy this. Our tour guide, Denise, was exceptional. She told us stories about the past inhabitants of the residence, geology, made it fascinating, so much so that I wanted her to continue to talk the entire day. The site is breathtaking with the first scene you see being the house, with the view of the lake next to it, and through it. The grounds are also great, and currently the tennis court is being restored. The entire house is restored. My favorite room was the room off the living room with the stone features and ivy plants indoors to make it feel like it was outdoors. If I lived there, I would grab a book and position myself near the windows.

    Graycliff in her glory!
    Hannah K.

    FANTASTIC. History buffs, architecture lovers, museum-goers, and Frank Lloyd Wright fans will absolutely LOVE Graycliff. After visiting the Filling Station at the Pierce-Arrow museum, I jumped right online and booked a tour at Graycliff. I don't know, something came over me and I had forgotten how intensely I love FLW's work and the history around him and the Darwin D. Martin family in Buffalo. This place is definitely a bit off the grid, 30 minutes from Buffalo but so worth the trip. It's tucked away in the lakeside neighborhoods of Derby, way back off the road and out of view. Also off the grid in the sense that I feel like not many people even know it exists! You book tours online; they offer 1-, 2-, and 3-hour tours of the grounds. I only booked the hour tour to dip my feet in. The grounds are clearly marked with a sign and have a gravel driveway for parking in. The M&T Bank Pavilion is where you go to check in for your tour, and also serves as the gift shop. I learned SO MUCH on this tour, that I'm already planning on returning in the summer. Now I've heard a lot about their restoration process over the years, but it seems like the main structures are definitely sound enough now to amaze and wow you. As of now the tennis court is under reconstruction, and the cliff behind the home has claimed the bridge to the beach and a stone bench to erosion. To see this building in such glory is truly remarkable. Our tour guide was absolutely amazing, pointing out small details in the structures we never would have noticed, providing insightful history on the estate and its' construction, and her pleasant attitude really kept our group interested and captivated! No question went unanswered, and we geeked out about FLW's architecture a whole after the tour. We lucked out on a spring day - it was relatively nice out, great for pictures. Touring this place is definitely best when it's clear, and you're better off visiting in the warmer months. The garden will be blooming by then, and the fountain in the front will be running. They also host Market at Graycliff here, with local artisans and food trucks starting in June!

    Lena H.

    Last summer we were passing by FLW's Graycliff, and spontaneously decided to stop in a take a tour - we were VERY impressed. Tip: Buffalo's got some of the most diverse Frank Llyod Wright designs, and this site is quite historic. All of the landscape is beautifully integrated, and the horizontal lines & vistas are perfectly planned. The whole place sits atop an eighty-foot cliff overlooking Lake Erie - don't miss out; come check it out!!

    Debra V.

    I've seen many home designs by this architect, and Graycliffe is a favorite. It was a project for Mrs. Martin along Lake Erie in Derby, N.Y. The house is full of Wright's visual designs, and this house is a comfortable home. The basic tour is a good hour. We took a walk around the grounds, understanding what Wright saw and the reasons for the house and driveway positions, the windows with the lake views, and the walls around the structures. Darwin Martin was a very rich man and died poor. The Martin story is interesting. Check the Foundation's website for tickets and consider a membership which is good for a year around the U. S.

    Joy N.

    I knew about the Darwin Martin House in Buffalo but I did not know about the Graycliff house until a fellow yelper organized a group outing. The outing peeked my interest so my husband and I signed up. If you love archItecture and history you will enjoy this tour. The Greycliff House was also owned by the Martin family. This was their beautiful summer home overlooking Lake Erie. When you get your first look at the property, your imagination immediately goes back in time to the glory days of the 1920s. The grounds of the property are beautiful and a part of me was wished I waited to take the tour later in the spring to see flowers in bloom and the water feature turned on. Our guide was informative and shared interesting facts on the construction of the home. We had opted for the Basic Tour, which tours the first floor of the home and the outside grounds. If you want to see the second floor you will have to check out the 2 or 3 hour tours. Since, we knew we wanted to come back for the full tour and since we have yet to see the Darwin Martin House in Buffalo we decided to purchase the Greycliff membership. They were nice enough to reimburse us the money for our basic tour and put it towards the annual membership fee. The membership is good towards free or discount tours to 30 other Frank Lloyd Wright houses. This will be the year of Frank :) I will keep you posted on our Frank Lloyd Wright adventures.

    Thursday Market with live music.

    Beautiful historic home with excellent tours and knowledgeable docents. Be sure to support the Thursday Market. Free entry to the grounds and live music. Great place to watch the sunset over Lake Erie.

    Roberta M.

    It's been years since I had seen progress on the restoration and it's absolutely terrific progress, even the grounds and landscaping. Roger was our docent for the 1 hr tour, who patiently answered questions. If you've not been to this property, it's lovely and worth a little drive to see and learn about its fascinating history. During the summer they host Friday food trucks and music. Check on the time to enjoy this summer treat.

    Graycliff
    Kari S.

    Graycliff is a work in progress. The Graycliff Conservancy is doing the "Wright Thing" and slowly attempting a restoration. Although not restored (yet? ever?) to its original glory, this is a house of significant local importance and beauty. It was the summer house of the Martin family whose Buffalo house Wright also designed. And, because Mrs. Martin bemoaned the lack of light in her Buffalo home, this one in Derby is practically all windows. From standing outside the foyer, one can see all the way past the house to the cliffs overlooking Lake Erie and the seventy foot drop to Erie's shore. It is laudable that a group of dedicated volunteers is undertaking to preserve this bit of Wright's legacy. Don't go expecting a polished historical landmark. Rather, go with an open mind, heart, and imagination. Most of the place is "original" for prior to being owned by the Conservancy, and after being turned over by the Martins, this was a Piarist Monks' monastery and school. As the tour guide said, although the monks didn't have the money to maintain the house, they also didn't have the money to muck it up. So, expect a bit of shamble and embrace it. The volunteer docents give basic level tours, making the atmosphere quite homey and cozy. For an extra homey touch, they offered complimentary-tour umbrellas as it had started to rain. Aw. Although the interior is a bit shoddy (they are working on it!), my first thought upon walking in was that this was a place that I could live. It was quite simple for it's day, coming in under a modest 3000 square feet - much smaller than the average summer home in the area. I could definitely live there, although the ambient temperature would necessitate a slanket most of the time. Unfortunately, I could not afford to re-furb it -- from the pace of the current restoration it must be quite an expensive undertaking. If you are a big Wright fan, consider taking the master architectural tour, led by one of the board's chairpersons. On this tour, you get to see the basement which houses an impressive wine collection (thanks to the Piarist monks who knew their grapes) and the recently redone carriage house. Next time that I'm in the area, I will definitely spring for it, come armed with my slanket, and see if perhaps I can get "lost" on the grounds.

    Front exterior
    Jessica W.

    After touring the Martin House earlier this year, my husband and I were looking forward to visiting Graycliff. We took his parents with us to Graycliff, even though they haven't been to the Martin House, because we figured it would still be a great tour regardless. If you skip the rest of the review, let me just say if you only visit one house, either the Martin House or Graycliff, go to the Martin House. If you visit both houses, go to the Martin House first, and go to Graycliff knowing that it's not as far along in its restoration. In general, tour guides I've had do a fine, good or excellent job. Unfortunately, our Graycliff guide was far from the best. We booked the in-depth tour, which is supposed to be about two hours long. Our tour wound up concluding half an hour early, and might have even ended an hour early if people in our group didn't ask a lot of questions at the end. Our tour guide was clearly very passionate and knowledgeable about the house and its restoration, but she kept starting with one train of thought, and then jumping to another, without returning to the first thing she had said. At first, I hoped that maybe she was just a little nervous, and would get better as the tour continued, but this was consistent throughout the tour. She hustled us through the rooms, and I would have preferred if she allowed time for questions before we left each room, instead of just asking us if we had questions at the very end. Our group was fairly large, with 11 people, and our guide would often start talking about a room before everyone in the group had a chance to enter, so if you were at the back of the group, you might not hear her or understand what she was talking about. We were in a similar sized tour group at the Martin House, and the Martin House used two volunteers with our group--one guide did the talking, but the other guide was helpful in bringing up the back of the group, and the first guide only started talking once everyone was in the new room, including his partner. This system worked well at the Martin House, and I'd strongly recommend that they do the same at Graycliff. The best part of the house in its current stage of restoration is its big windows (though no art glass here) and lakefront location. We visited on a nice day, and it was just stunning: blue sky, blue water. But while most of the ground floor of the Martin House is pretty much fully restored now, Graycliff is farther behind. Even the furnished rooms are far from done. One positive note is that the photography policy at Graycliff is not as strict as at the Martin House. Indoor photography is OK. But I wound up taking mostly outdoor shots anyway, since the interior is so unfinished. I still think Graycliff is worth a visit, but only if you've already been to the Martin House, and are aware that Graycliff isn't on par with that. And hopefully you'll have a better tour guide.

    Exterior of home with pond.

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    What a great place full of history and the grounds are amazing, my niece had her wedding there. I live very close by just up the hill.

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    Ask the Community - Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff

    Review Highlights - Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff

    Not quite as stunning as the Darwin Martin Complex in the city of Buffalo, but this house is really incredible.

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    McKinley Death Rock

    McKinley Death Rock

    5.0(9 reviews)
    16.4 miNorth Buffalo

    Road trip side step…read more On my way to my final destination I made a stop in the Buffalo area to see some things before I could check into my hotel. I have been in search of some Presidential sites recently and came across this while browsing for things to do before I left for my vacation. If you happen to stop by the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site they kind of point you in this direction. If not done on purpose, it's in a passing manner. There you will understand my Teddy had his swearing in ceremony because of what happened near this site. In this beautiful, planned out community you will stumble upon a median in the road that holds mostly trees and a variety of plants. Every so often it is dotted with rocks. This rock was purposefully put here. This community once held the Pan-American Expo, an expansive exposition of the countries from the Americas. With the expo there were many makeshift buildings built that could easily be torn down once the expo reached completion. The building that this stones represents, in a manner, was the Temple of Music. Just outside the temple, President McKinley would be shot by a man and ultimately pass away due to the gunshot. This stone is meant to be a monument or maybe a placard to remind you of what once happened in this area. It is well maintained and as other reviews have stated, usually flanked by small American flags. Some housekeeping here. Be mindful of the area, this is a neighborhood and you are visiting. Do not block a driveway. It is a road, be aware of your surroundings and traffic. Do not trample the area. Lastly, make it quick, there isn't much else to see here.

    It may seem morbid, but it is history. The Pan American Exposition was build to be leveled…read moreafterwards, so nothing (save one building, I believe) remains. So, this rock is the only thing to remind the USA of McKinley's assassination and the only president to be inaugurated outside of DC. If you're looking for the full tour, add a stop to Delaware and W. Ferry, which is where McKinley died (there's just a sign there). And then go to the Roosevelt Museum/National Park. It's work the small price of admission and is a small, yet well done museum (perhaps a bit too patriotic, but that's to be expected I suppose).

    Photos
    McKinley Death Rock
    McKinley Death Rock - Flag and houses in view.

    Flag and houses in view.

    McKinley Death Rock

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    Rich Twinn Octagon House - Dining room

    Rich Twinn Octagon House

    4.8(4 reviews)
    32.2 mi

    Wow! This house is a hidden gem. Built in the 1850s, the house features three floors of exhibits…read moreand a cupola. The furniture and decor was intentionally acquired to only feature pieces from the late nineteenth century, including East Lake furniture and a few other pieces original to the home. The volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable, and led guided tours throughout the house. The tour is 1 hour and costs $8/adult. I highly recommend visiting the house!

    I love octagon houses and this is a rare opportunity-- Newstead Historical Society, 1870 Octagon…read moreHouse, leave message 716-542-7022. Gift Shop. Trolley car ride available between the Octagon and Knight-Sutton Historic House Museum. Director_RTOH@newsteadhistoricalsociety.org $12 a person - group of one to five people $10 a person - group of 6 or more people. In depth tours available. membership@newsteadhistoricalsociety.org * collections@newsteadhistoricalsociety.org * https://newsteadhistoricalsociety.org/rich-twinn-octagon-house/ Another is the 1856, Camillus Octagon House (5420 West Genesee Street, 13031, near Syracuse, Rte 5, 315-488-7800, https://octagonhouseofcamillus.org/special-events/ https://octagonhouseofcamillus.org; octagonhouseofcamillus@gmx.com), FREE! donations welcome! 5 floors, great views from cupola, open FREE on Sundays 1-5 PM (OR by app't) for guided tours in Spring-Fall or, rent for your family functions! rest room off 1st floor kitchen, informative website (floor plans, info on Fowlers, phrenology, listing of FREE events (special FREE event in Nov--inc great chances on specially, often themed, decorated, lighted, 3 ft trees, 2nd weekend of Nov; home made food available (pie by the slice, 6 sugar cookies, coffee, hot chocolate to eat at Grandma's table!), stories, with live music inc choirs & pump organist (moi!), gold octagon ornaments $6) Not to be missed! Near the Camilus Erie Canal Park, http://eriecanalcamillus.com/boat.htm, (680) 800-5298, 5750 Devoe Road, Camillus, NY 13031. Open Sundays, 1, 2, 3 PM, Wed's, 1, 2, 3PM precisely for inexpensive historic, narrated vintage boat rides (45 min) with music over aqueduct (wheel chairs accomodated!), special cruises upon request for your family gatherings! with walk/bicycle paved way (Adult $5, 5-12 aged $3PM, under 5 FREE, max $15.00 per family!); historic fully stocked air conditioned Sims General Store, exhibits, costumes for kids' dress up, quaint inexpensive gift shop, original Canal big tools, wonderful doll house!, lock keeper's house, bugle, and original wooden lock from the Canal, school tours, please ask for the small, water recreation of how a lock works without electricity!, map of 362 mile Canal (365 days in a year! easy way to remember!mo, the original Erie Canal w/ path (there were 3 Erie Canals!), the new walk/bicycle way, FREE Towpath Day in August!, modern rest rooms ! Also see the Camillus Martisco Station Railway Museum, http://www.townofcamillus.com/default.aspx?PageID=85 MAKE A DAY OF IT

    Photos
    Rich Twinn Octagon House - Outside

    Outside

    Rich Twinn Octagon House - Wallpaper. The flower in the design matches what's on East Lake furniture.

    Wallpaper. The flower in the design matches what's on East Lake furniture.

    Rich Twinn Octagon House - East Lake furniture

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    East Lake furniture

    Electric Tower - Electric Building (patterned after Pan-AmTower of Light); erected 1912

    Electric Tower

    4.9(8 reviews)
    13.2 miDowntown

    Had no plans for for New Years Eve. Decided to stop by with the family to watch the ball drop. The…read morelast time I visited for the holiday I was a young girl. It was crowded as I expected, but we had penlty of room to socially distance ourselves. The kids enjoyed it; was there 1st time watching the ball drop in person. The fireworks were awesome. Happy New Years!!!

    We're gonna rock down to Electric tower. And then we'll take it higher…read more Actually they won't take it higher, I think it would be ridiculous to try and expand or raise the roof (literally, not party-wise) in this amazing Buffalo landmark. I've been in here many times. I had my car stolen from right in front of this tower, years ago. And one of my good friends (Candy) works inside here. I think she reads my reviews sometimes. Hi Candy! Have a great work day! How's the baby!? I come to this building fairly regularly for business and pleasure ... such as to see the baby! Anyway. It's absolutely gorgeous. One of the most instantly recognizable buildings in the city. It's also one of my favourites. Not just in this city but in any city. Inside and out it's excellent. Just don't get too close, because sparks are often flying off the roof of this building which glows red, green, blue, and such, alternately at night. They call these sparks the "Electric Shower." And if you give a buzzing toy to a girl and she uses it to educate herself, is that an "Electric Deflowering"? Probably.

    Photos
    Electric Tower
    Electric Tower - Electric Building (patterned after Pan-AmTower of Light); erected 1912

    Electric Building (patterned after Pan-AmTower of Light); erected 1912

    Electric Tower

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    The Guaranty Building - Louis Sullivan was the main architect back in the day

    The Guaranty Building

    5.0(2 reviews)
    12.8 miDowntown

    The architecture at its best becomes a work of art that we can move through and work or live in…read more Henry Louis Sullivan designed this beauty in 1896 in Buffalo, a city of great expectations in those years. The building is so impressive that you want to see it from a distance first and come close and touch it next. It's facade from terracotta is beautiful like a wedding dress. It is not too tall or too short. It is rich but not kitschy. Once you see this red beauty you will never forget the feeling of admiration and you will wonder - where did the true craftsmanship disappear?

    1896. That's the year this building was finished. Think about that. Long before modern…read moretechnology. And it still stands tall and proud in Buffalo, NY. It was one of the first skyscrapers in town. Sullivan and Adler were the design team. It started as an idea by Mr Taylor, but he passed before it was completed, and the Guaranty Construction Company took it over. They named it after themselves, but it was supposed to be "The Taylor Building" when thought of by Mr Taylor. Timing was perfect. It was a specutlative building, located near the courthouses and other downtown businesses so getting tenants was not a concern. In addition, Buffalo was just getting electricity from Niagara Falls at this time, so it was all illuminated. The outside of the building has hieroglyphics on the walls, and depictions of Egyptian Temples all around. The red terracotta stood (and still stands) out. Sullivan felt this would increase the "curb appeal" for prospective tenants. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, it remains one of the 50 tallest structures in Buffalo.

    Photos
    The Guaranty Building - Almost steam punk style in a way

    Almost steam punk style in a way

    The Guaranty Building - Built in 1895 - way ahead of his time!!

    Built in 1895 - way ahead of his time!!

    The Guaranty Building - Looking up from across the street

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    Looking up from across the street

    Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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