Unique Opportunity: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Spring House for Sale

Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Spring House, the only private residence designed by the renowned architect in Florida, is now on the market for $2,128,000. Built in 1954 for Clifton and George Lewis II, this remarkable home offers architecture enthusiasts a rare chance to own a piece of history, as Wright’s designs seldom change hands.

The Spring House embodies Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture, seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings. Nestled among cypress trees, the structure is designed to grow from the Florida soil, rather than impose upon it. This unique home belongs to an exclusive group of only 11 hemicycle designs that Wright created, a shape characterized by its curved geometries that provide both aesthetic beauty and functional living spaces.

Architectural Significance and Design Features

Wright’s Spring House represents a pivotal moment in his architectural evolution, completed during the same period as the acclaimed Guggenheim Museum. The hemicycle design signifies a departure from conventional rectangular structures, allowing for a fluid connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape.

The home features floor-to-ceiling windows that dissolve the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, maximizing natural light and offering stunning views of the lush environment. Wright understood the importance of climate control; the curved walls capture breezes while deflecting harsh sunlight, creating a comfortable living atmosphere in Florida’s humid weather.

Constructed with Ocala block, a material prevalent in mid-century Florida, and adorned with tidewater red cypress siding, Spring House showcases Wright’s commitment to using local materials that enhance the home’s authenticity and warmth. The property also includes a wedge-shaped carport, completing the sculptural composition that has attracted architecture enthusiasts for decades.

Historical Context and Market Opportunities

The Spring House has been maintained by the Lewis family until 2010, exemplifying careful stewardship of this architectural gem. Its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979 underscores its architectural significance and offers protection for future modifications. The designation also opens the door for potential buyers to engage in preservation efforts while personalizing their living space.

As the only residence designed by Wright in Florida, Spring House stands out in the current real estate market, where his works command high prices. Recent sales of Wright-designed homes have ranged from $850,000 for the Winn House in Michigan to over $2 million for the Eppstein House, also in Michigan. The Florida location offers year-round accessibility, avoiding the adverse winter conditions often faced by homes in northern climates.

The property’s ten-acre wooded setting provides privacy and an immersive natural experience that urban properties cannot match. While the home requires systematic restoration to address deferred maintenance, it presents a unique opportunity for buyers to contribute to architectural preservation while completing Wright’s original vision.

In summary, the Spring House is not just a residence; it is a living testament to Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy and his vision for organic architecture. This listing represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those seeking to own a piece of architectural history, while also participating in the preservation of Wright’s innovative designs.