Paul Rudolph’s rendering of the Walker Guest House. © The estate of Paul Rudolph, The Paul Rudolph Heritage Foundation

A Classic is relocated in order to preserve it

The Walker Guest House - one of Paul Rudolph’s most iconic designs - was sold at auction last December by Sotheby’s in New York City. The house was built in the early 1950’s, and loved (and maintained with meticulous care) by three generations of the Walker family.

We are happy to report that the house is now ready to move to its new home. Composed of economical off-the-shelf lumber, it was partially disassembled and protected so that it can be moved by semi-trailer truck to its new home.

Preparing for a Road Trip

Since the sale, Rudolph fans wondered where the house would ultimately wind up. Potential buyers suggested it would stay in Florida, or possibly move to a location where it could be open for public tours. Regardless of its ultimate destination - the sale and relocation will save the historical structure from possible demolition, given the property it sits on is for sale and it could be torn down as part of any future redevelopment by a new owner.

Now we know the final destination of the Walker Guest House - California. The site shares some of the original wilderness feeling that the original site had back when the house was built.

The Walker Guest House at its original location in Sanibel, Florida. Photo by Michael Berio. © 2015 Real Tours.

While no longer near the beach, we think the views from the house will be equally spectacular.

We are following the relocation and will provide an update when it is finally installed at its new home. And thank you to Janet Minker for sharing the news with us and to the Walker family and new owner for making the preservation of this important architectural icon possible!