Graycliff

Graycliff is a historic house in Derby, New York, built in the Prairie School style and spreading across three hectares along Lake Erie. The estate includes three separate buildings with horizontal stone walls, large windows, and projecting roofs that open toward the waterfront.

The Martin family commissioned the summer residence in 1926 and completed it in several phases until 1931. Over the following decades, the property changed hands multiple times before it was listed for protection.

The architect designed the estate so that windows and terraces act as a bridge between living spaces and the shoreline. Visitors today can still see how the design brings the water and sky into the rooms.

Guided visits last about one hour and cover both interiors and outdoor areas overlooking the lake. It helps to bring warmer clothing on windy days, as the terraces sit right along the water.

Inside the main house, there is a room built entirely with glass walls where you can see water on all sides. This room was originally meant to serve as a conservatory and remains one of the most unusual parts of the entire property.

Location: Derby

Architects: Frank Lloyd Wright

Architectural style: Prairie School architecture

Website: http://experiencegraycliff.org

GPS coordinates: 42.71338,-78.97290

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26