With such a large number of Prairie School houses in Mason City, this is the only one that was designed by FL Wright himself. I am pretty sure it is also the only PS house you can visit unless you know the owner.
I loved that it was a home by Frank Lloyd Wright that an average family could really live in and it was perfectly restored.
I have seen lots of Frank Lloyd Wright homes and was particularly taken by this one due to its more modest size. Considerable effort has been put into caring for this historic landmark and it shows in the loving way that the guide and those at the Interpretive Center spoke about the home. While each FLW home has commonalities, they all have unique features and Stockman House is no exception. Well worth seeing!
It was pouring down rain, but the tour guide provided see through umbrellas and off we went to tour a magnificently restored Frank Lloyd Wright home. This home which was almost demolished was moved and has been beautifully restored. We had full access to this home -- to include the kitchen and bathrooms, (not always possible in Frank Lloyd Wright restored structures). The tour starts with an informative video presentation. The gift store has unique merchandise. If you are in Mason City, I highly recommend you stop by.
There were several tours during the day, on the hour. Our tour guide was very interesting and was a member of the group that helped rehab the property. It's a real architectural gem!
We arrived at the Stockman house at 11:20, so missed the 11:00 tour. The lady in the ticket office said "go have lunch and come back for the 1:00 tour". So we did, we arrived back at 12:40. The 1:00 tour was sold out. What. All she could say was that's too bad. So we left without seeing the Stockman house. Fortunatly, they were much nicer at the Park Inn Hotel. Highly recommend it. Hard to deal with the Older Ladies at the Stockman House.
The guides and the folks at the reception center were great. It was fantastic seeing a Frank Lloyd Wright house designed for the area and to have such competent guides,
The Stockman house is a real treasure, enhanced by a relatively new visitor center next door. Our docent was well-trained and knowledgeable about Frank Lloyd Wright and this home. A very enjoyable tour!
Tour guide was knowledgeable which stepped up the tour from the "lovely home" status to real understanding of FLW's intentions. Be sure to spend time in the architectural interpretive center. Tjhat'ws where you get your tickets and it is full of wonderful things.
The house tour was great. Our Docent was friendly, passionate and knowledgable. The Stockman House is a "must see" destination in Mason City and should be included in your walking tour of the Prairie Houses in the Glen Crest / Glen Rock neighborhood.