Introduction to Spring House
A boat-shaped Tallahassee, Florida home designed by the renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright is on sale — but potential buyers should prepare to batten down the hatches. The $2.12 million listing marks the first time the nautical-style abode has hit the market since its 1954 construction, the Tallahassee Democrat reported. The landmarked design, called Spring House, is Wright’s sole residential work in the Sunshine State.
The Property and Its History
Spring House sits on 10 wooded acres on the outskirts of Tallahassee.
Natural light floods the large, curved living room. The three-bedroom property is known as Wright’s “ship in the woods,” thanks to its prow-shape and porthole-like windows. The 1950s home is far from seaworthy, however.
Current State and Needed Repairs
Listing agent Brian Proctor of NAI TALCOR told The Post that the next steward of Spring House will have to contend with “deferred maintenance,” from minor structural issues to an overhaul of the exterior. “It’s going to be a project,” Proctor said. The famous architect’s designs are known to be particularly susceptible to the elements, and this Tallahassee home is no exception. The lofty living room features a lengthy built-in bench and a circular fireplace. Large windows and organic lines blend the outdoors into the indoors. Wright specially designed the family’s built-in dining table. The modest kitchen sits inside a curved stone tower. A bedroom ceiling shows signs of disrepair.
Unique Architectural Features
The 2,040-square-foot abode’s hemicycle design — defined by concentric and intersecting circles — is considered by architectural historians to be one of Wright’s final and shortest-lived stylistic phases. The uniqueness of the home earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, just 25 years after it was built. The interiors boast a treasure trove of Wright’s original style. Warm yellow and red hues, organic curves and massive walls of windows bring the natural world into the home. The bathrooms, kitchen and specially designed built-ins — including a lengthy living room bench and a dining table — are original. A balcony juts out from the prow-like edge of the facade. Spring House recently got a new roof, but ample work remains.
The Story Behind Spring House
Spring House is on the smaller side for a Wright design. A historic local banking family, the Lewises, approached Wright to craft their home in 1950, according to the family’s non-profit the Spring House Institute. Clifton Lewis and George Lewis II reportedly told the architect that they had “a lot of children and not much money.” Wright agreed, and told the couple to buy land. The two-story Spring House was subsequently built on 10 acres on the outskirts of Tallahassee in 1954, right alongside a babbling spring. It’s stayed in the Lewis family ever since. Lacking funds, the property slowly fell into disrepair. It was added to a list of the country’s most endangered historic places in 2014 by the National Trust for Historic Places.
Selling and Preservation
The seller, Byrd Mashburn, told the Democrat that it’s the right time for her family to sell. Spring House isn’t the only property that needs elbow grease. Wright’s gravity-defying Falling Water home is undergoing $7 million in repairs due to leaks — a side effect of Wright’s penchant for flat roofs and other drainage-averse stylings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spring House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright home in Florida, is in need of rescue. With its unique architectural features and rich history, it is a labor of love for any architectural enthusiast. However, the property requires significant repairs and maintenance, making it a challenging but rewarding project for the right buyer.
FAQs
Q: How much is the Spring House listing?
A: The Spring House listing is $2.12 million.
Q: What is the condition of the property?
A: The property requires significant repairs and maintenance, including minor structural issues and an overhaul of the exterior.
Q: Is the property historically significant?
A: Yes, Spring House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of Wright’s final and shortest-lived stylistic phases.
Q: Who is the current owner of the property?
A: The current owner is Byrd Mashburn, a member of the Lewis family who originally commissioned the house.
Q: Why is the property being sold?
A: The seller has stated that it is the right time for the family to sell the property.
