Frank Lloyd Wright’s only private residence in Florida, the iconic Lewis Spring House, has been listed for sale for the first time in its 71-year history. Located near Tallahassee, this unique "hemicycle" or "pod-shaped" home, completed in 1954, is a rare opportunity to own a piece of architectural history.
Key Takeaways
- Florida’s only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed private home is on the market.
- The Lewis Spring House, completed in 1954, is listed for $2.1 million.
- The home features a distinctive ship-like "hemicycle" design and sits on 10 acres.
- It has been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and was once named one of America’s most endangered historic places.
A Unique Architectural Gem
The Lewis Spring House, commissioned by George and Clifton Lewis, was designed to accommodate a growing family and serve as a space for public and private functions. Wright, renowned for his organic architecture, integrated the 2,000-square-foot home with its natural surroundings, including a 10-acre wooded parcel with a natural spring. The design draws inspiration from nautical themes, featuring a curving silhouette and porthole-like windows in the living area.
Design and Features
Completed in 1954, the same year Wright finished his work on Florida Southern College, the Lewis Spring House showcases his signature "hemicycle" design. The two-story residence boasts a spacious, curved living area on the ground floor with double-height windows, a sculptural fireplace, and built-in benches crafted from native tidewater red cypress. The upper level contains three bedrooms and two bathrooms. While some of Wright’s planned furnishings and site elements, such as a terrace wall and reflecting pool, were not completed, a "Pod" low table echoing the home’s silhouette was built in 2022 according to Wright’s original plans.
Preservation and Legacy
The home has a significant preservation history. The Spring House Institute was established in 2013 to support its upkeep, and in 2014, the National Trust for Historic Preservation designated it as one of the 11 Most Endangered Places in the country. Despite facing weather-related damage, substantial repair work has been undertaken over the years. The residence was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, cementing its status as a vital piece of American architectural heritage.
A Rare Opportunity
After decades of ownership by the original family, Byrd Mashburn, daughter of the original owners, has decided it is the right time to pass the home on. The listing agent, Brian Proctor, described the sale as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" for a buyer to become a steward of history and usher in a new chapter for this extraordinary architectural landmark. The property is listed at $2.1 million, a significant figure compared to Tallahassee’s median list price, reflecting its unique historical and architectural value.
Sources
- See Inside Frank Lloyd Wright’s Only Florida Home—Now For Sale, ELLE Decor.
- Florida’s Only Frank Lloyd Wright Home Hits the Market: Ship-Shaped Design Is Listed for First Time With
Asking Price of $2.1 Million, Midland Daily News.