A. P. Johnson House, Prairie School cottage in Delavan, United States.
The A. P. Johnson House is a cottage with horizontal wood siding, low-pitched hip roofs with broad overhanging eaves, and single-story porches that face toward the water. It sits on a wooded hill overlooking the south shore of Lake Delavan, positioning it to take in views of the lake from its elevated location.
The residence was designed in 1905 during a shift from classical forms toward the fully developed Prairie School style. This house marks an important moment in the evolution of architectural thinking during that period.
The leaded glass windows feature colored panes arranged in repeating patterns that flood the interior with filtered light. These design choices work together with the open floor plan to connect the living, dining, and study spaces into a unified whole.
The property spans about 6 acres with access from the south shore road running along the lake. Allow extra time for your visit since the location sits somewhat apart from the main town area.
The architect left on horseback after discovering the house had been painted white instead of his chosen dark natural finish. This dramatic reaction to a color change reveals how intensely the designer cared about every detail of this creation.
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