Purcell-Cutts House, Prairie School residence in East Isles, Minneapolis, US
The Purcell-Cutts House is a two-story single-family home in the Prairie School style in Minneapolis, marked by strong horizontal lines, a low-pitched roof, and wide overhanging eaves. Large art glass windows face the garden on multiple sides, and the interior features built-in wooden furniture and continuous wood paneling throughout.
William Gray Purcell and George Grant Elmslie designed the house in 1913 for Purcell's own family near Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Institute of Art acquired the property in 1985 and carried out a thorough restoration to return it to its original appearance.
The house was designed by one of its owners for his own family, which makes every detail a personal choice rather than a commission. The built-in furniture, art glass, and wood trim were all conceived as one whole, so nothing in the interior feels added or accidental.
The house is open through guided tours that run on select weekends, so checking availability in advance is a good idea. Groups are kept small, which means you will have a close look at the rooms and details without crowding.
Purcell built the house for around 6,500 dollars, which was modest even by 1913 standards, by managing costs carefully and sourcing materials directly. A portion of the original furnishings survived and can still be seen inside, which is rare for a house of this age.
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