
Tour Descriptions
The Graycliff Conservancy offers a variety of different tours, from "just the Basics" to enticing tour packages. Please see below for details.
Select Tours Below
The most basic tour of the Graycliff Estate, this tour lasts one hour, and is led by a trained docent. It includes building exteriors, first floor of Isabelle R. Martin House, and Graycliff history.
Two Hour Tour Led by Master Docent
Explore areas of the estate not included on Basic tours, including both floors of the Isabelle R. Martin House and first floor of the Foster House. Learn about the evolution of Wright’s plans for Graycliff during its design in the mid 1920s; Wright’s architecture, during the development of his mid-career natural or organic style. For those who seek a more thorough understanding of Graycliff and Wright’s architecture.
Admission: $30
Students (10 – 22 with I.D.): $25
Three hour tour led by Patrick Mahoney, AIA, President of the Graycliff Conservancy and Wright expert, or other Board member.
Explore all areas of Graycliff, and get a "behind the scenes" view. Learn about Wright’s special design for Graycliff roofs, his solution to fire hazards, his unique approach to gutter and drainage systems, and other aspects of Wright’s design unique to Graycliff.
Discover how Graycliff’s design compares and contrasts with those of other earlier and later Wright designs. This is a tour for the serious architecture, design and/or Wright buff!
Want Graycliff all to yourself? You and your guests (up to 6 people) will experience Wright’s lake-side masterpiece in an intimate and leisurely tour led by a Master Docent. Tour the three buildings and expansive grounds of this historic complex in a small group that will allow ample time for a personalized, one-of-a-kind experience. This is the perfect gift for the Frank Lloyd Wright aficionado who has everything, for that once-in-a-lifetime visit, or to thank someone for something special.
We welcome your social group, church group or even a large family outing for a tour of Graycliff.
We also welcome tours organized by professional private tour operators.
School groups are welcome at Graycliff, too, for ages 10 and up.
Please contact Shannon at 716-947-9217 or email her about group tours for more information.
Darwin and Isabelle Martin had two homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright: their city home, the Darwin D. Martin House in Buffalo (1903-05) and the Graycliff Estate, their summer home on Lake Erie in nearby Derby (1926-27). Both are open for tours. You can save on your admission at both sites when you purchase a combination ticket to the Darwin D. Martin House complex and to the Graycliff Estate. Your purchase can be made at either historic site and has no expiration date - so you can tour both in one day - or save one for a future visit.
Four combination ticket packages available (prices not valid on group tours)
- Basic 90-minute tour of the Darwin Martin House and one-hour tour of Graycliff - $26 (value $30)
- In-depth tour (2 hours) of both the Darwin Martin House and Graycliff - $56 (value $60)
- In-depth tour of Darwin Martin House and basic tour of Graycliff - $41 (value $45)
- Basic tour of Darwin Martin House and In-depth tour of Graycliff - $41 (value $45)
Reservations are required at both sites. The Darwin Martin House is located at 125 Jewett Parkway, Buffalo, a 30-minute drive from Graycliff. Contact the Martin House directly to make your reservation 716-856-3858 or Darwin Martin House

