Touring Tirranna: Today AD travels to Connecticut to tour Tirranna, one of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s final designs. Considered one of the greatest architects of all time, Frank Lloyd Wright produced over 1000 designs in a career spanning 70 years, revolutionizing architecture in the United States. A pioneer of organic architecture, Wright believed any building should exist in harmony with its inhabitants and surroundings–a concept that runs through the veins of Tirranna. Join Stuart Graff, president and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, as he walks you through one of the final designs of Wright’s career. Archival Photos:The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Archives (The Museum of Modern Art | Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library, Columbia University, New York) All rights reserved. \n Additional Drone Cinematography:Udor Photography, DBA ; Marsha Charles and Albert Safdie, Coldwell Banker listing agents Director: Skylar Economy Director of Photography: Eric Brouse Editor: Tristen Rogers Talent: Stuart Graff Producer: Joel Ahumada Associate Producer: Chloe Leung, Brandon Fuhr, Pita Taing Production Manager: Melissa Heber Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila Camera Operator: Lauren Pruitt Drone Operator: Ian Dudley Sound Mixer: Jeff Gaumer Production Assistant: Shahid Barraza Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew Supervising Editor: Christina Mankellow Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds Additional Drone Cinematography: Udor Photography, DBA Marsha Charles and Albert Safdie, Coldwell Banker listing agents Special Thanks: Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Touring Frank Lloyd Wright’s Tirranna in New Canaan, CT

Tirranna – the Rayward-Shepherd House – is a landmark mid-century home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1955. Nestled on a 15-acre wooded estate with a pond and waterfall, the house epitomizes Wright’s organic architecture, seamlessly blending into its lush landscapethrillist.comctinsider.com. “Tirranna” is an Aboriginal Australian word meaning “running waters,” a fitting name given the home’s tranquil riverside settingctinsider.com. Architecturally, it showcases Wright’s signature hemicycle (semi-circular) design, with expansive curving walls of glass, Philippine mahogany details, and concrete block construction that echo his Guggenheim-era stylethrillist.comarchitecturaldigest.com. Completed toward the end of Wright’s life (he died in 1959), Tirranna is one of his largest residential projects at ~7,000 sq. ft. and features unique elements like a circular pool, interior courtyard, rooftop observatory, and even a former bomb shelter turned wine cellarthrillist.comsfgate.com. An extension of the home – including the observatory and additional rooms – was finished in 1958 by Wright’s apprentices, following the architect’s plans shortly after his deathtownandcountrymag.com. Tirranna is often regarded as a late-career masterpiece; as one real estate broker noted, “If you likened it to the art world, it’s one of the masterpieces”townandcountrymag.com, exemplifying Wright’s principles of living in harmony with nature.

Tirranna’s design harmonizes with its environment – the house stretches along the Noroton River pond, embracing the water and woodsthrillist.com.

Public Tour Availability & Booking Details

Limited Public Access: Tirranna is a private residence – unlike more public Wright sites, it does not offer regular daily tours. However, architecture enthusiasts can occasionally visit during special events or by arrangement with preservation organizations. For example, the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society periodically includes Tirranna (when owners permit) in its biennial Modern House Day Tour + Symposium, a day-long event that opens multiple private mid-century homes for guided toursthrillist.com. During these events, attendees travel in small groups on shuttles or mini-buses to each property, led by knowledgeable docents or architectsnchistory.org. Advance booking is essential, as such tours are infrequent and tickets sell out quickly. Check the Historical Society’s “Events” page or local architectural forums for announcements of any upcoming Tirranna tour dates. In the past, ticketing has been handled online via the organizing institution’s website. For instance, the Modern House Day Tour requires purchasing tickets in advance (often priced in the hundreds of dollars for a multi-house tour with lectures or lunch) – in 2025 it was a full-day guided bus tour from 9:15am to 4:30pmnchistory.org. Prices and packages vary by event; some offer basic admission while others sell patron-level tickets as fundraisers. Always refer to the official event page for the latest schedule and pricing.

Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy Events: Another way tours occur is through the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy or other preservation groups. Tirranna has occasionally opened for one-time group tours in conjunction with conferences or fundraisers. For example, during the Conservancy’s annual conference in 2017 (celebrating Wright’s 150th birthday), attendees were invited to tour Tirranna as a conference highlightrelevanceinternational.com. Such opportunities are rare and typically limited to registered conference-goers or members of preservation societies. If you’re a Wright enthusiast, joining the FLW Conservancy or local modernist groups can provide notice of “Wright home tours” in the region.

How to Book: When a public tour is available, booking is usually done online via the host organization. The Historical Society or Conservancy will publish event details with a link to reserve spots. Be prepared to choose a specific time slot (tours might be staggered throughout a day) and pay in advance. No on-site or walk-up tickets are offered since these are private-home visits. It’s wise to join mailing lists (e.g. the New Canaan Historical Society’s newsletter or the FLW Conservancy alerts) to hear about Tirranna tour announcements. If you represent a group (e.g. an architectural school or private tour group), you might try contacting the New Canaan Historical Society to inquire about a private group visit. They indicate willingness to discuss private tours by appointmentnchistory.orgnchistory.org, though access to Tirranna would still require the owner’s permission. In practice, most group visits happen as part of the organized events described above, rather than stand-alone tours of Tirranna.

Tour Restrictions: Because Tirranna remains a private home, age and capacity restrictions often apply. Expect a minimum age (commonly around 10–12 years and up) for tour attendees, both for safety and to prevent disruptions. (For comparison, the nearby Glass House site requires children to be 10+ and bans infants on its shuttletheglasshouse.org.) Strollers and large bags are likely not allowed inside the house. Accessibility is somewhat limited – Tirranna’s 1950s design includes narrow passages, steps, and no elevators, which can make wheelchair access difficultrelevanceinternational.com. Event organizers may not be able to accommodate those with severe mobility constraints inside the home. If you have accessibility needs, contact the tour organizers in advance to see if any arrangements can be made (at minimum, parts of the exterior grounds might be viewable). Photography policies for interior tours tend to be strict: generally, no flash, tripods, or professional photography is permitted, and some owners may request no indoor photos at alltheglasshouse.org. Typically, you may snap exterior pictures for personal use, but respect the guide’s instructions on photography and refrain from touching anything inside the house. Remember, you are effectively a guest in someone’s home – follow any etiquette guidelines given (booties over shoes, staying with the group, etc.).

Getting There: Directions & Parking

Location: Tirranna is located on Frogtown Road in New Canaan, Connecticut (approximately 50 miles northeast of New York City)townandcountrymag.com. It sits in a quiet residential area about 3–4 miles from New Canaan’s downtown and train station. Driving is the most straightforward way to reach the area if you have tour tickets. From New York City, plan for about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive, depending on traffic. The route typically involves taking I-95 or the Merritt Parkway (CT-15) into Connecticut, then local roads into New Canaan (e.g. Route 123 or 124 from the Merritt Pkwy exits). From Hartford or central Connecticut, it’s roughly 1.5 hours by car: you can take I-91 south toward Meriden, then either I-95 or the Wilbur Cross/Merritt Parkway southwest toward New Canaan. New Canaan is in Fairfield County, near the border with New York’s Westchester County.

By Train: It’s quite feasible to visit via public transit from NYC. Take the Metro-North Railroad (New Haven Line) from Grand Central Terminal to New Canaan station (you’ll usually change trains at Stamford onto the New Canaan branch)theglasshouse.org. The train ride from Grand Central to New Canaan is about 70–90 minutes. Once in New Canaan, you’d need a short taxi or rideshare ride (10–15 minutes) to the Frogtown Rd area, unless a tour provides shuttle service from town. For special tours, organizers often designate a meeting point – sometimes the Historical Society at 13 Oenoke Ridge (near the train station) or a local school parking lot – and then shuttle visitors by bus to Tirrannanchistory.org. Always check the tour instructions: if transportation is provided or required, they will specify where to meet. Do not assume you can drive directly up to the house on your own, as unannounced visitors are not permitted.

Parking: On most tour days, on-site parking at Tirranna is prohibited for attendees. The property’s driveway is private and cannot accommodate a large number of visitor vehicles. If you are driving yourself to a tour, you will likely be directed to park in a designated area in downtown New Canaan (or another shuttle pickup location) and take a shuttle bus to the site. For example, the Glass House tours have visitors park in a downtown lot and use a shuttle from the Visitor Centertheglasshouse.org, and a similar approach is used for Modern House Day tours. Follow the event’s parking instructions carefully. New Canaan’s downtown has several municipal lots (such as the Park Street lot) where you can pay for all-day parkingtheglasshouse.org – some events might even offer a prepaid parking pass option. If no shuttle is provided and you have clearance to drive to Tirranna, note that Frogtown Road is a narrow residential road with no public parking lots. You would have to park along a shoulder or a pre-arranged spot at the property. Again, this scenario is rare; in almost all cases, tours arrange group transport to minimize traffic in the neighborhood.

Directions from Major Cities: If driving from Manhattan, take either I-95 N to Exit 15 (Route 7 connector) then Route 7/15 toward New Canaan, or take the Merritt Parkway (Exit 37 or 38 toward New Canaan). From Boston or Providence (if you happen to be coming from that direction, ~3 hours away), take I-95 S to Exit 15 or 38 in Connecticut. From Hartford/Springfield, use I-91 S to I-95 or I-84 W to Route 7 S – either way, you’ll end up on local routes to New Canaan. It’s wise to use GPS navigation for the final approach, as Connecticut back roads can be winding. The address (432 Frogtown Rd) may not have obvious signage, so keep an eye out for the driveway entrance as you near the GPS mark. Always allocate extra travel time on tour day – you’ll want to arrive at the meeting point at least 15–20 minutes early to check intheglasshouse.org.

Visitor Tips and Etiquette

Visiting Tirranna is a special experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your tour while being a respectful guest:

• Timing: Plan for about 60–90 minutes on site. A guided walkthrough of the house itself may last ~45 minutes, and often you’ll have a chance to stroll the immediate grounds. Don’t rush – this is a chance to absorb details of Wright’s design and the natural setting. Past tour groups have been encouraged to examine the cabinetry, admire the mitered glass corners, snap exterior photos, and wander the 15-acre gardens at a leisurely pacerelevanceinternational.com. If you’re on a multi-home tour, the schedule might be tighter, but generally an hour is allotted per house. It’s wise to use restrooms beforehand (there may not be any public restroom at the house for visitors).

• Photography: Ask about the photo policy at the start of your tour. Exterior photography is usually allowed (who wouldn’t want a souvenir photo of Tirranna’s stunning facade and reflecting pond?). Interior photography may be restricted. Some tours allow non-flash indoor photos for personal use, while others prohibit it entirely out of respect for the owners’ privacy and the artifacts. No tripods, drones, or professional photo shoots are permittedtheglasshouse.org. If photography is allowed, keep your flash off (to protect sensitive furnishings) and be mindful of time – don’t lag behind the group trying to get the perfect shot. The home’s dimmer interior may challenge your smartphone camera, but you’ll find plenty of breathtaking views outdoors as well. (The circular pool and curving patio are especially photogenic features of the house’s exteriorthrillist.com!)

• Attire & Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on grass or uneven paths outside. Stiletto heels would be a bad idea on the home’s original Cherokee-red concrete floors and may even be prohibited to prevent damage. You might be asked to put on protective shoe covers indoors. Dress for the weather, as parts of the tour (or waiting time) will be outdoors. The estate is heavily wooded – consider insect repellent in summer, and a coat in cooler months. Large backpacks or bags will likely need to be left in a secure spot or vehicle (to avoid accidentally bumping into priceless built-in furniture in tight spaces).

• Etiquette: Remember that Tirranna is a private home, not a museum with roped-off areas (in fact, much of the original Wright-designed furniture is still in place and in use). Follow your docent’s guidance on where to step and which rooms or areas are open to view. Do not cross any areas that are indicated as off-limits. Avoid touching surfaces, walls, or objects unless invited – the woodwork and finishes are historic. Photography of any residents or personal items (if present) is strictly off-limits. It’s good etiquette to keep voices low inside, both to hear the guide and to maintain the serenity of the space. If you have questions, your guide will usually welcome them – a tour at Tirranna is typically led by someone passionate about architecture, so an interactive dialogue can enrich the experience for all.

• Children: Young children are generally not allowed on Tirranna tours. The minimum age is often around 10-12 years. Even if older kids are permitted, consider whether they have the interest and patience for an architectural tour. There are open water features and fragile decor; if you do bring a teen, ensure they stay with the group. No childcare facilities are available on site, so plan accordingly.

• Accessibility: As noted, the house was built in the 1950s and was not designed with modern accessibility codes. There are multiple levels (at least one short staircase between wings), narrow doorways, and portions of the tour route that involve stepping outside onto lawns or stone pathsrelevanceinternational.com. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, reach out to organizers well in advance. They may be able to accommodate you for an exterior-only portion of the visit, but full interior access is not wheelchair accessible in a historic home like this. There are no elevators or ramps within Tirranna. That said, the beauty of the setting can still be appreciated from the driveway or courtyard level if special arrangements are made.

• Amenities: Note that there are no food or drink concessions at Tirranna. It’s a private estate, so no café or gift shop (you might receive a brochure or be able to buy a guidebook through the hosting organization separately). Bathrooms – if available – might be portable toilets at the shuttle meeting area or a powder room designated for tour use. It’s smart to bring a water bottle and have a snack before or after, especially if you’re doing a long tour day. New Canaan’s town center (see below) is the best place to find coffee, lunch, and restrooms before heading to the tour.

The home’s curving patio and circular pool are highlights of Tirranna’s design (seen here from the exterior). Visitors should wear comfortable shoes to walk this expansive terrace and the surrounding grounds.thrillist.com

Nearby Attractions & Dining in New Canaan

One benefit of touring Tirranna is that you’re in the midst of Connecticut’s “Modernist Alley.” New Canaan is famed for its concentration of mid-century modern architecture (the “Harvard Five” architects built many homes herethrillist.comthrillist.com). Consider extending your visit to enjoy these nearby attractions and the charming town itself:

Architectural Sights:

• The Glass House (Philip Johnson, 1949): Just a few miles from Tirranna, Philip Johnson’s Glass House is a must-see for architecture fans. This National Trust Historic site offers multiple tours from April through Decembertheglasshouse.org. You’ll experience the iconic glass-walled house and its 49-acre landscape dotted with modern pavilions and art galleries. Tours depart from the Visitor Center in downtown New Canaan (advance tickets required). The Glass House and Tirranna complement each other – one a transparent minimalist pavilion, the other a sprawling organic estate – demonstrating two very different takes on blending architecture with nature. (If time permits, book a morning Glass House tour and an afternoon Tirranna visit or vice-versa.)

• Gores Pavilion at Irwin Park: A small gem for mid-century lovers, this 1960 pool house (by Landis Gores, one of the “Harvard Five”) is the only other modern house in New Canaan regularly open to the publicthrillist.com. It’s now a mini-museum and can be viewed by appointment through the New Canaan Historical Societythrillist.com. The pavilion’s design was influenced by Wright’s principles (horizontal lines, integration with landscape) and it often hosts exhibits. Irwin Park itself is a lovely spot for a short walk.

• Grace Farms: A 10-minute drive from downtown, Grace Farms is a contemporary architectural attraction – a 2015 riverside complex designed by Pritzker-winning firm SANAA. Nicknamed “The River Building” for its snaking, glass-enclosed roofline, Grace Farms is open to the public with free admission and welcomes visitors to explore its 80 acres of open meadows, walking trails, and modern structuresthrillist.comthrillist.com. It’s part community center, part arts and nature hub. Even after touring Tirranna’s historic design, you might enjoy seeing this ultramodern architecture that likewise emphasizes harmony with the environment. (There’s also a pleasant cafeteria on site – a good pit stop for coffee or teathrillist.com.)

• Other Modern Homes: New Canaan has numerous private modernist homes (by architects like Marcel Breuer, Eliot Noyes, John Johansen, etc.). Most are private and viewable only from the road. If you’re interested in a driving tour, pick up a map or guide from the Historical Society’s “Modern New Canaan” exhibit. For instance, you could drive by Noyes House (Eliot Noyes, 1952) or the Breuer House II on Chichester Rd. Keep in mind these are private residences; do not trespass – enjoy from the public road only.

Dining Options: After your tour, you’ll find New Canaan’s downtown has a variety of restaurants and cafes to refresh you. Here are a few popular choices (all centrally located near Elm Street and Main Street, about 10 minutes from Tirranna):

• Solé – A top-rated Italian/Mediterranean restaurant known for its pasta, seafood, and robust wine listtripadvisor.com. Upscale yet friendly atmosphere. Great for a relaxing lunch or dinner (they’re typically open midday through evening).

• Farmer’s Table – A cozy spot emphasizing farm-to-table American cuisinetripadvisor.com. It’s a local favorite for brunch and lunch, with fresh salads, sandwiches, and more – perfect if you want something healthy after a morning of touring.

• Elm Restaurant – A chic New American bistro/bartripadvisor.com. Elm offers seasonal dishes crafted by a renowned chef. It’s on the higher end (ideal for foodies), and dinner here would nicely cap off a day of culture and touring.

• Local Cafes – For something quick, New Canaan has terrific cafes like Zumbach’s Coffee (a local coffee roaster) and Dolce Italian Café for pastries. If you’re in town early, these are great for breakfast before a tour.

• Picnic Option: If the weather’s nice, you might grab sandwiches from Tony’s Deli or Greenology (organic cafe) and have a picnic at Mead Park or Irwin Park. While you can’t picnic at Tirranna, you could enjoy lunch in a public park and reflect on the architectural wonders you’ve seen.

New Canaan also offers boutique shopping and a walkable village charm, so it’s worth a stroll down Elm Street if time allows.

Ownership & Preservation

Current Ownership: Tirranna is privately owned. In early 2024 it was purchased by an undisclosed buyer for $6 millionnews.artnet.com, following several years on and off the market. The new owners are reportedly dedicated architecture enthusiasts – the selling agent noted they were remarkably well-informed about the home’s history and design on their very first visitsfgate.com. They have made Tirranna their primary residencesfgate.com. This means there is no public managing organization in charge (unlike, say, the Glass House which is run by a trust). The owners’ stewardship is a positive sign for the house’s preservation: having bought it specifically for its architectural value, they’re expected to maintain Wright’s design meticulously. (Indeed, the property comes with original built-in furniture, custom lighting, and landscape features that the owners appear keen to preserve rather than altersfgate.com.)

Prior to this, Tirranna was long owned by Ted and Vada Stanley (from 1990 until their passing), who famously invested in a comprehensive restoration of the house in the 1990srelevanceinternational.com. The Stanleys were generous caretakers – they even allowed the 2017 Wright Conservancy conference tour, reflecting their support for preservation effortsrelevanceinternational.com. After the Stanleys, the home changed hands in 2018 (selling for $4.8M)ctinsider.comctinsider.com, and then again in 2024 to the current owners. Throughout these transitions, the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy kept a watchful eye, listing the home in its real-estate alerts and advocating for buyers who appreciate its significancerelevanceinternational.com. Fortunately, no drastic changes have been made to Tirranna – it remains a remarkably intact Wright design.

Because Tirranna is not a public museum, preservation oversight falls to local and private initiatives. The property is eligible for historic designation (it’s already listed on New Canaan’s modern houses survey and is well-known to preservationists), though it’s not a National Historic Landmark at this time. Any exterior alterations would likely undergo scrutiny by local historic review boards or the Conservancy. The good news is that the current owners’ passion effectively makes them informal curators of Wright’s legacy in Connecticut.

Managing Organization: There is no formal managing organization that administers tours or upkeep (unlike the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust that runs sites like Fallingwater or Taliesin). Instead, tours happen through partnerships – the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society coordinates when the owners agree to open the house, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation/Conservancy sometimes facilitates virtual exposure (more on that below). If you need to contact someone regarding a visit, the Historical Society in New Canaan is the best starting point; they liaise with the owners for any public access requests. The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy can also field inquiries about Wright sites, but they will refer you to local channels for Tirranna.

Special Events, Virtual Tours & Seasonal Offerings

Seasonal Access: Unlike many historic houses, Tirranna doesn’t have a set “tour season.” Opportunities to visit are sporadic and often tied to special dates (for example, the Modern House Day Tour tends to occur in the fall, around October in odd-numbered yearsthrillist.com). If a tour is offered, it will likely be during mild weather months (spring or fall), since the property’s appeal is greatest when the gardens are in bloom and travel is easy. Keep an eye on September–October and May–June timeframes, when architectural organizations often schedule house tours. Note that in 2024, due to the change in ownership, there might be a lull in public openings as the new owners settle in. The Glass House tour season (April–December)theglasshouse.org draws many visitors to New Canaan, and occasionally Tirranna tours have been timed to piggyback on that interest (for instance, an open house when it was on the market, or special tours during architecture conferences).

Virtual Tours and Media: If you can’t align your schedule with an in-person tour, there have been some excellent virtual looks at Tirranna recently. In January 2024, Architectural Digest released a video as part of their “Unique Spaces” series that offers a guided walk-through of Tirranna’s interior and groundsdeseret.com. In the video, Stuart Graff (CEO of the FLW Foundation) narrates the home’s design features, giving viewers a rich sense of the space and Wright’s philosophydeseret.comdeseret.com. This 360° video tour (available on YouTube via AD’s channel) garnered hundreds of thousands of views within daysdeseret.com – a testament to the public fascination with Tirranna, which had been a mysterious, seldom-seen residence for decades. We highly recommend watching this video either before or after your visit; it’s both educational and will heighten your appreciation when you see the real thing. Additionally, the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy and the Historical Society have occasionally hosted live virtual tours or Instagram Live sessions from Tirranna, especially during 2020’s pandemic closures. These are not regular occurrences, but keeping tabs on their social media might reward you with impromptu peeks inside the house from afar.

Community Events: Given the private nature of Tirranna, don’t expect a regular events calendar on-site. However, New Canaan as a community sometimes uses its architectural heritage in events – for example, charity home tours (like the New Canaan CARES Home Tour each May) have featured notable houses in town. Tirranna hasn’t been on those more general home tours as of 2025 (they tend to showcase more readily accessible luxury homes), but if it ever were, it would be a highly publicized headline house. Preservation fundraising events are another angle: the owners might occasionally allow a small benefit event in support of the Conservancy or a local museum. These would be rare, ticketed at a high donor level, and by direct invitation or limited sale.

Upcoming Offerings: As of the latest update, there isn’t a public schedule for Tirranna tours in 2025 beyond the Modern House Day (which in 2025 focuses on other homes). But interest remains high, and it wouldn’t be surprising if by 2026 or 2027 the Historical Society arranges another Tirranna tour, especially as Wright’s work continues to captivate new generations. Keep checking official sources – the SaveWright.org site, NewCanaanMuseum.org, and reputable news outlets – for any announcements. When Tirranna was last listed for sale, it generated buzz in Architectural Digest, Dwell, Artnet, and local pressnews.artnet.com, so any future public opening will likely be noted in the press as well.

In the meantime, visiting Tirranna (when possible) is absolutely worth the logistical planning. It offers a serene, inspiring glimpse into Frank Lloyd Wright’s genius in his final years – a house that truly feels “married to the ground”thrillist.com and to the flowing water below. By following the guidance above, you’ll be well prepared to enjoy a memorable tour of this architectural treasure. Enjoy your trip to Tirranna and New Canaan!

Sources: Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation & Building Conservancy reports; New Canaan Museum & Historical Society guides; Architectural Digest and Town & Country features on Tirrannathrillist.comtownandcountrymag.comctinsider.comctinsider.comrelevanceinternational.comnchistory.orgtheglasshouse.orgtheglasshouse.orgtheglasshouse.orgtownandcountrymag.comsfgate.comsfgate.comdeseret.com, plus local news coverage (CT Insider, SFGate, Artnet) for the latest updatesctinsider.comnews.artnet.com.

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