Architecture Across Three Centuries

Architecture Across Three Centuries

A tour of distinctive homes in Fairfield, Iowa

Fairfield homes having aesthetic and historical significance will be open for public viewing on Saturday September 30th from 10am to 4pm. Tourists can visit the homes in any order and ask questions of the current owners. These homes are rarely open and have never all been open on the same day.

The Rodham Bonnifield House 1838, Waterworks Road

It is oldest home in Fairfield and the oldest two story log cabin in Fairfield. Originally built 8 miles east of before Iowa was a state. It was Mrs. Bonnifield that who suggested the town name of Fairfield. By the early 1900s, the cabin was deteriorated.  It was saved, moved to its current location and restored.  From B Street, go east on Waterworks Road to the first log cabin on the right.

James A. Beck House, 1896, 401 East Burlington Avenue

This Queen Anne house was built with plans by George Barber, an architect who marketed house plans via catalogs. Barber’s enchanting designs combined with his willingness to customize his plans for a modest fee led to the sale of 20,000 plans in the late 19th and early 20th century. Owned by restoration enthusiasts Richard and Kendra Lint, they are bringing the house back to its full glory.

James F. Clarke House, 1916, 500 South Main Street

This home was designed by the prominent Prairie Style architect F. Barry Byrne, who worked with Frank Lloyd Wright. This home is one of the most architecturally distinctive in the Midwest. Byrne engaged the artisan Alfonso Iannelli to design the furniture, carpeting, light fixtures, and wall stenciling. The house is currently owned by Sam and Jessica Garchik. Parking is available on 2nd Street.

The FarmHouse at Hickory Highlands, 2329 Kale Blvd.

The house crafted nearly completely by the owner-builders to look and feel as though it emerged from the earth in which it nestles. It was built of locally sourced materials including straw bale walls, earthen plaster, adobe floors, whole tree framing, a garden roof, and solar electric. Susan’s garden is looking good. From AmericInn, go west one mile to Kale Blvd, then south 7/10th mile to driveway on the left, proceed to the end.

Tim and Debbie Freeberg Renwick cottage, 1105 W. Fillmore Ave

Designed and built with reclaimed materials by the owners in 2000, this 572 square foot house has implemented many space saving features inspired by Scandinavian rural architecture, houseboats, and gypsy wagons. It has a cat friendly spacious interior with a small footprint. In 2019, it was moved to its current  location at 1105 W Fillmore Ave and workspaces were added. From Main St, turn west on Fillmore Ave and after you pass 7th St, keep to the right. When you get to the ‘NO OUTLET’ sign, follow the red balloons by the gravel lane down to their home.