Christie House
Bernardsville, NJ 1940
The Christie House, designed in 1940 by Wright, is a unique original Usonian house sited on seven very private wooded acres, constructed of cypress, brick and glass on a 2’ x 4’ modular grid concrete mat with radiant heat. The house has a brand-new roof, furnace and hot water heater. The 2,700-square-foot house is composed of an L-shaped plan that includes a raised glass-walled living room with clerestory windows and a fireplace that separates the dining area, workspace, office and powder room. Built-in seating, tables and chairs designed by Wright are included in the living/dining area. The deep carport and glazed loggia provides entry and transition between the living areas and the private sleeping wing, which includes a gallery passage to two bedrooms, each with bathrooms, and terminates with a custom crafted master suite.
Research indicates that a design for a future master bedroom suite was initially conceived by Wright, but was never realized by the original owners. In 2003 the award-winning studio of Tarantino Architect (specializing in preservation of Wright’s work) was commissioned to execute this master bedroom suite. The sunken suite includes a heightened clerestory lounge with built-in seating and a massive brick fireplace separating the sleeping area and master bath featuring a long vanity and double lavatories, Jacuzzi tub with rain shower, adjacent wardrobe/dressing area and private terrace.
A workshop and wood shed connected by a trellis to the carport is part of the original design of the house. Other buildings on property include a garage and 700-square-foot artist studio with fireplace.