Marc Jacobs Details 4-Year Renovation of $9.2M Frank Lloyd Wright Home

Fashion designer Marc Jacobs undertook an extensive four-year renovation of a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed property in upstate New York, which he purchased for $9.17 million in 2019. Jacobs, 63, now primarily resides at the property with his husband, former model Charly Defrancesco, 45. The couple, who married in 2019, initially did not anticipate living outside of New York City. Defrancesco shared with Vanity Fair that he would have considered it "no chance" if asked a decade prior about Jacobs wanting to live outside the city. However, Defrancesco noted that Jacobs has fully embraced suburban life, describing the property as a "sanctuary" for the designer. Jacobs has found peace in the quiet surroundings, nature, and has developed a routine of feeding local wildlife, humorously attributing a boom in the chipmunk population in Westchester County to their efforts. The details of this transformation were revealed by Jacobs in the December 2024 edition of Vogue, where he also elaborated on the motivations behind his impulsive purchase of the dwelling. The property itself is a significant piece of architecture, designed by the renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright, who lived from 1867 to 1959, is celebrated for his unique Prairie School style and organic architecture, often integrating buildings with their natural surroundings. The house's location in upstate New York, specifically in Rye, offers a stark contrast to the urban environment of New York City, providing the "sanctuary" Jacobs sought. The renovation process, spanning four years, involved meticulous attention to detail, reflecting Jacobs' own design sensibilities, albeit applied to a historic architectural masterpiece. The acquisition of the property in 2019 for $9.17 million marked a significant shift for the couple, who had built their lives and careers in the bustling metropolis. Defrancesco's comments highlight the profound impact the property has had on Jacobs' lifestyle, moving from a city dweller to someone deeply connected to nature and the tranquility of his home. The narrative of the renovation and the couple's adaptation to a more rural setting underscores a broader trend of seeking refuge and a slower pace of life, even for individuals deeply embedded in high-profile, fast-paced industries like fashion. The involvement of Vogue in featuring the story further amplifies the cultural significance of the renovation and the property's architectural heritage.