Onion House

Architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg Pioneers a Daring Architectural Adventure

Otherworldly but entirely organic and innovative in form, this famed holiday home in Hawaii was the result of a highly improbable and daring adventure in architecture. We love the unusual translucent forms, the natural island materials used in its construction and the fascinating story behind it all.

Designed and hand built in 1962 by budding architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg for the McCormick Spice family, this stunningly unusual holiday home in Hawaii is a unique vacation experience set in lush tropical gardens above the Kona coast. Featured in Architectural Digest, The New York Times, HGTV, The Travel Channel and many more, it's part of an unforgettable slice of Hawaii's history. Set on over an acre with gorgeous views of the Pacific, the compound is very private with staggered outdoor terraces and gardens surrounding the striking structural forms.

The project was the dream of an eccentric McCormick heiress who's passion for adventure and Polynesian culture led her to enlist Kellogg to create a work of art in harmony with the natural environment. A pioneer of organic architecture, Kellogg's life's work would expand the vocabulary of structure beyond any buildings that had yet been conceived. Constructed of fiberglass with metal work by former Lloyd Wright collaborator William Slatton who forged the gate and spires, and stained glass by James Hubbell, the home was entirely hand crafted. Falling into severe neglect in the intervening years, the home was rescued and lovingly restored by artist Beth McCormick (niece of the original owner).

Comprised of two main spaces, a covered outdoor walkway connects the master bedroom with a private walled meditation garden to the main structure, which houses two smaller bedrooms, one bath, and a fully equipped kitchen. All of the living areas are illuminated day and night by the translucent fiberglass and colorful stained glass where from the main fireside living area you'll enjoy stunning views.

Lava Rock walls create a high terrace overlooking the sea, where the two arched domes lie surrounded by a wrap around pool and tropical gardens where you can lounge and dine in paradise.

With single minded passion and visionary talent, it stands today as a testament to the imagination, creativity and grit of two kindred souls that created something rare and memorable and the woman who saved it from ruin.

THE BIG ISLAND

Pristine beaches, lush jungle, snow-capped peaks, and lunar deserts, this is an island of contrast and natural wonder with eleven out of the world's thirteen known climates. Just five minutes from the bustling resort town of Kona, The Queen's Highway coastline takes you past the dazzling five-star resorts and some of the island's best beaches including Hapuna and Mauna Kea to the north and Captain Cook and Kealakakua to the south.

Many of the provincial turn of the century homesteads and remnants of early plantations and coffee processing plants are scattered along the road as a lasting reminder of Big Island life and identity.

Historic Hilo can be reached in just under two hours' drive on the interior Saddle Road or head through the southern route past the archeological site of the City of Refuge in Honauna.

North Kohala and Waiamea lie just over an hour north with a charming and eclectic mix of historic plantation style towns of art galleries, cafes and the stunning Pololu Valley at road's end. It's a great stopover on your way to Honokaa and the magnificent Waipio Valley in the historic Hamakua district.  Head up the Belt Road and into the treetop rainforests of Volcanoes National Park at Mauna Loa or the sometimes snow covered landscape of Mauna Kea where you truly can ski or snowboard in paradise. 

LOCATION

Kona, Hawaii. Nearest Airport: Kona International (30 min)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Tropical and warm year-round, the Big Island features all but two of the world's recognized micro-climates depending on the area. Fall can get a bit rainy but is rarely a wash out.