John Randal McDonald oversaw the design of hundreds of family homes globally, while also contributing ideas to the New Homes Guide magazine. Thanks to his popular designs, McDonald expanded his business and eventually became known for creating affordable homes in the vein of acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. He would purportedly refer to himself as the ‘poor man’s Wright’.

The only house McDonald designed in Alabama, it's captured here in a forlorn state before its renovation. Scattered with dust and rubble, the promise of this room with its clerestory windows and exposed brickwork was still clear to see, however. As well as this Alabama residence, McDonald also designed homes for a dazzling roster of celebrities including Bjorn Borg, Perry Como, James Garner and Maureen O’Hara.

This abandoned mid-century house was rescued from ruin