One of the most famous works of modern architecture is finally off the market: the iconic Ferris Bueller's Day Off House, also known locally as the Ben Rose House. The Highland Park, Illinois property, which recently sold for $1.06 million, has earned its place in pop culture as the character Cameron Frye's home in the 1986 John Hughes classic. For decades, visitors have flocked to see the setting of one of the most climactic scenes of the film, in which Cameron accidentally knocks his father's Ferrari through the glass wall of the garage, crashing it into the ravine below.
Although the residence is best known for its role in the popular comedy, it's a prized home in its own right, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that allow for spectacular views of the surrounding woods and deep ravine. In architectural circles, the dwelling is valued for its distinctive style and ties to famed architect Mies van der Rohe. The house was designed in 1953 by A. James Speyer, a student of van der Rohe's, while Speyer's own student David Haid designed the glass pavilion two decades later.
The modern home has faced many challenges in being sold in the past five years, including constant upkeep costs, struggles to heat the glass walls, and disturbances by curious tourists. However, Ferris Bueller fans can rest assured knowing that the new owners plan to love the house and to restore it to its original elegance. “We were familiar with the Ben Rose property, and have long held a goal of owning a classic example of mid-century modern architecture such as the A. James Speyer home and David Haid pavilion,” they said. “We believe the home utilizes a unique combination of commercial grade steel and glass, and is an historical timepiece reflecting post-World War II utilization of redundant industrial materials.”
Ben Rose House on Realtor.com
via [The Coolist], [Time], [Highland Park News]
