Frank Lloyd Wright's Only Florida Home: The Spring House Listed at $2.1M

For the first time in 71 years, Frank Lloyd Wright's only private residence design in Florida, the historic Lewis Spring House, is available for purchase. Listed at $2.1 million, this Tallahassee property represents a rare opportunity to own a meticulously preserved piece of architectural history. The home is a prime example of Wright's late-career hemicycle design and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What Makes the Lewis Spring House Architecturally Significant?

The Spring House is significant as Frank Lloyd Wright's sole private home design constructed in Florida. Completed in 1954, it is a manifestation of Wright's principle of organic architecture, a philosophy he pioneered where the building's design is harmoniously integrated with its natural surroundings. The home is built to resemble a ship, featuring a prow-like structure, horizontal wood walls, and continuous bands of windows that overlook a rural 10-acre parcel with streams and a natural spring. This design directly honored the original owners' "deep-rooted love for the water." The property is also a key example of Wright's hemicycle design, characterized by its curved geometric forms.

What Are the Key Features of This Frank Lloyd Wright Home?

Spanning approximately 2,000 square feet, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence contains many of Wright's signature design elements. These include:

• Cherokee Red Concrete Floors: A distinctive color choice Wright used in many of his projects.
• Built-in Banquettes: Space-saving seating integrated into the architecture.
• Walls of Windows: Floor-to-ceiling and half-moon windows that flood the interior with natural light and blur the line between inside and outside. The home's current condition, based on our experience assessment, will likely require further investment in restoration, as it was listed among the National Trust for Historic Preservation's "11 Most Endangered Historic Places" in 2014.

How Does the Asking Price Compare to the Tallahassee Market?

The $2.1 million asking price positions the Spring House as a premium property in the Tallahassee market. According to mainstream market data, the current median listing price for homes in the area is approximately $330,000. This significant disparity underscores the property's unique value as a historic landmark and architectural artifact rather than a standard single-family residence. The price reflects the home's provenance, rarity, and the responsibility of future preservation.

What Should a Potential Buyer Consider?

Prospective buyers should view this as a stewardship opportunity rather than a conventional real estate transaction. The next owner will be responsible for maintaining and restoring a nationally significant structure. The existing Spring House Institute has used guided tours to help offset maintenance costs, a model a new owner could continue. The decision to sell, made by the original owners' daughter, Byrd Mashburn, comes after decades of family care, signaling that "the right time" has arrived for a new chapter.

Purchasing a historic home of this caliber requires a clear understanding of the ongoing commitment to preservation. The key takeaway is that this is a long-term investment in cultural heritage, offering unparalleled architectural integrity but also demanding specialized care and funding.