A Frank Lloyd Wright Apprentice Designed This $2.3 Million Home in California’s Sierra Foothills

Architect Arthur Dyson was an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright, so it’s no surprise that one of his homes in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains in Central California has hints at the iconic designer’s organic style.

Known as the Lapp RiverHouse, the $2.3 million two-bedroom, two-bath residence near Sanger, about 30 miles east of Fresno, is an eye-grabbing collaboration between Dyson and the sellers—Deborah and Greg Lapp. The retired educators, a writer and a composer, respectively, happened upon the land while kayaking down the adjacent Kings River, and as soon as they returned to their phones, they called the agent selling the property and made an offer on the spot. Layla Granata and Nader Assemi at SME Real Estate now hold the listing.

Deborah had worked with Dyson previously to create the Hobbit House (also in Sanger) with her late husband, Dennis, so she knew the imaginative architect was the right fit for the new project. The Lapps collaborated with Dyson to build a home that plays off the natural landscape, which includes gorgeous views of the Kings River and the Sierra Foothills, both easily visible through floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room and primary bedroom.

“It is a calm and relaxing place,” the Lapps said in a statement. “The way the light dances through the house in different ways at different times of the day is inspiring.”

In the great room, along with the living and dining areas, you’ll find the modern kitchen, which is centered around a sleek, circular island. Sliding wood doors open into a cozy den with a TV. The primary bedroom, with built-in shelving, is adjoined by a grayscale bathroom, where windows by the shower look out over the river, too. There’s a wine room and a laundry room to boot.

Outside, the ovular pool is accompanied by a couple of seating areas, one situated around a fire pit. A covered patio includes room for dining alfresco. Horses are allowed, and there’s a separate barn-like structure that sits on the almost nine-acre lot. There, the Lapps turned the upstairs into an apartment with two beds, a built-in desk, and a kitchenette. Downstairs, Greg used the space for woodworking, winemaking, and brewing.

From afar, you can marvel at the home’s curvilinear design, meant to mimic the rolling hills in the distance. And while the environment served as a strong touchpoint during the building of the residence, the love of nature is also evident in the many sustainable and energy-efficient features, such as double-paned windows, deep overhangs, and passive cooling techniques.

Click here to see all the photos of the Central California home.