West Lafayette Frank Lloyd Wright-Designed Home Reopens for Tours

On July 23, Samara, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home located in West Lafayette, will reopen for public tours following phase two of a comprehensive restoration at the house, considered one of the famous architect’s most fully realized Usonian designs in the United States.

Completed for John and Catherine Christian in 1956, the house offers visitors a rare and immersive opportunity to experience Wright’s work just as if they were guests of the family. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2015, the property opened for public tours in 2023 following a $2 million restoration that addressed structural and mechanical issues, refreshed finishes, and ensured visitors could once again enjoy all areas of the home.

Recently completed, the second phase of the restoration focused on repairs to the roof, including removing existing tar and gravel down to the house’s wooden deck and replacing it with a new high-performance membrane. The project necessitated removal of the house’s decorative copper fascia, which was carefully catalogued and stored before reinstallation. Remarkably, this work marks only the second time in the home’s 70-year history that the roof has been replaced.

Beginning July 23, tours will be offered on a regular basis, Wednesdays through Sundays, through November 23. Tickets must be purchased in advance at samara-house.org. Samara is one of seven Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes in Indiana and the only one open for ongoing public tours. In 2024, more than 4,300 people from all 50 states and five countries visited Samara.

In the early 1950s, Purdue University professor Dr. John Christian and his wife Catherine dreamed of a home that would serve both their desire to entertain friends, staff, and students while being a structure that would grow with their family. Research, perseverance, and a touch of luck led the Christians to Frank Lloyd Wright. In turn, Wright and his associates worked with the Christians to realize the architect’s vision in every aspect of their new home. Everything, from landscaping, furniture, accessories, and linens, bears the architect's imprint. Indiana Landmarks co-stewards Samara with the John E. Christian Family Memorial Trust.

WHAT: Public tours of Samara, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home and National Historic Landmark in West Lafayette

WHEN: Wednesdays through Sundays, beginning July 23, 2025

WHERE: Samara, 1301 Woodland Ave., West Lafayette, Ind.

COST: $20 general public; $18 for Indiana Landmarks members; $5 children (ages 6-11)

TICKETS: Advance ticket required and may be purchased at samara-house.org