Peter A. Beachy House, Prairie School residential architecture in Oak Park, United States.
The Peter A. Beachy House is a residence with seven gables and strong horizontal lines that seem to stretch the structure outward. The design uses natural materials and sits on the largest residential lot in Oak Park, giving the building space and openness.
The design came from a transformation in 1906 when an earlier Gothic cottage was completely redesigned. Only portions of the original foundation in the basement were kept, while a new building emerged based on Prairie School visions.
The residence shows how people could connect their living spaces with nature through wide roof lines that draw the eye outdoors. This building approach was typical for many homes in the neighborhood and shaped how residents thought about their houses.
The building is today a private residence and can be viewed from the sidewalk, especially during guided tours of the historic architecture district. Visitors should keep a respectful distance and explore the area on foot to notice the details of the exterior and grounds.
The interior contains custom-made furniture and leaded glass created to match the design, but only the windows use carved wood frames instead of tinted glass. This mix of handcrafted details shows a balance between craft and practical needs.
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