Faubus House: Fay Jones’s Cantilevered Catwalk Poised Over a Bluff

HUNTSVILLE ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE

Faubus House: Fay Jones’s Cantilevered Catwalk Poised Over a Bluff

A two-hour guided visit that combines the hour-long interior tour with the lower cantilevered area and optional gardens, ideal for fans of site-specific modern architecture.

Faubus House: Fay Jones’s Cantilevered Catwalk Poised Over a Bluff.

Duration
2 hours
Location
Huntsville
Operator
E Fay Jones Conservancy
Category
Attraction
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Discover the Faubus House, a Fay Jones masterpiece that hangs along the edge of a bluff and is best known for a dramatic catwalk that projects outward; the standard tour reveals the design’s relationship to the land, the house’s interior details, and the surrounding gardens and lower property where Jones’s vision began.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ARCHITECTURE

A House That Hovers

Completed in 1967 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 7,356-square-foot Faubus House exemplifies Fay Jones’s practice of designing buildings specifically for the land on which they sit, with much of the residence cantilevered along a bluff edge.

THE CATWALK

The Dramatic Projecting Walkway

The tour focuses on the house’s signature catwalk that projects outward over the bluff, a cantilevered element that frames views and anchors the property’s memorable silhouette.

THE SITE

Gardens and the Lower Property

Beyond the house itself, the property’s gardens and the lower area beneath the catwalk—where Fay Jones’s design intentions can be seen taking shape—are part of the experience and often included on the visit.

What the day feels like

What the Tour Feels Like

The Faubus House Standard Tour moves at a deliberate pace: an hour inside the house to study joinery, spatial sequences and the cantilever’s impact, followed by optional time on the lower property beneath the projecting catwalk and a chance to stroll the gardens—altogether scheduled as a two-hour experience.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this visit suits — and who should make other plans.

1
Architectural EnthusiastsIdeal: the tour emphasizes Fay Jones’s site-specific design, the cantilevered catwalk and period details; you’ll appreciate the house’s National Register status and the way it sits on the land.
2
PhotographersGood for exterior photography of the catwalk and site; note that no interior photography is allowed and exterior shots must follow the no-tripod/drones/stabilizer rules.
3
Mobility-Limited TravelersNot fully ideal: the house is not fully wheelchair accessible (built as a private residence decades ago), though walkers and canes with rubber tips are permitted to protect flooring—contact the operator with questions.
4
Visitors with Pets or Service AnimalsPets are not permitted on the tour, but service animals as defined by ADA Title II and III are allowed; plan accordingly.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The overall program is scheduled as a two-hour visit, with the house portion lasting approximately one hour.

What to Bring

Wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Shoes are not allowed inside the house: you may tour in socks or use complimentary surgical booties provided; leave backpacks, large purses, strollers or infant carriers in your vehicle.

On-Site Services

No concessions are available for the Standard Tour and outside food or drinks are not allowed inside the house; complimentary water will be available.

Meeting Point

Meet at 640 Governor Rd, Huntsville, AR 72740 for the start of your Faubus House Standard Tour.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Faubus House Standard Tour?

The full visit is scheduled for two hours, with the house portion lasting about one hour.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting location is 640 Governor Rd, Huntsville, AR 72740.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Exterior photography is allowed on all tours, but no interior photography is permitted under any circumstances; tripods, selfie sticks, stabilizers and drones are not allowed.

Are restrooms available on site?

Restrooms are not available except for emergency situations.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

Pets are not permitted; service animals as described by ADA Title II and III are allowed.

Do I need special footwear for the interior?

Shoes are not allowed inside the house; you may tour in socks or use complimentary surgical booties provided by the operator.

Is the house wheelchair accessible?

The house was built as a private residence and is not fully wheelchair accessible; walkers and canes are permitted provided they have rubber tips to protect the flooring—contact the operator with questions.

Who should I contact with additional questions?

For any additional questions, email [email protected].