Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House

The basics

While the two historic properties are very different, they both reflect important parts of US heritage, culture, and design. Visitors can take guided tours of each house or both; a combined tour of the two homes is offered a couple of times per day in season. The houses are only a 5-minute walk from each other. While you can only go inside the houses on guided tours, anyone can look around the grounds for free, during regular opening hours.

Things to know before you go

• Guided tours of one house take 1–1.5 hours, while tours of both houses take 2–2.5 hours.

• If you’re staying in the area, you don’t need to take both tours on the same day. You can get a discount on the second tour after purchasing a tour of one house.

• The houses are not fully wheelchair accessible, though some parts of each house are. The restrooms are not accessible.

How to get there

Alexandria is just south of Washington DC, and the site is about 20–30 minutes south of Alexandria via the Richmond Highway (Route 1). You’ll need your own car to get there. From the highway, turn onto Woodlawn Road from the lights at an intersection and follow the signs. The entrance is past the Quaker Meeting House.

When to get there

The two houses are open to visitors between late April and late December, Thursday–Monday, from mid-morning to late afternoon. Guided tours of each house are offered several times a day, in the mornings and afternoons, and tours of both properties are held twice a day.

See George Washington’s Mt. Vernon

While you’re in the area, consider a visit to the nearby historical site at George Washington’s Mt. Vernon. The mid-18th-century mansion overlooking the Potomac River is the former residence and plantation of the first president of the US. Visitors can tour the home, gardens, and museums to learn more about Washington and his times. It’s open 365 days a year.