Frank Lloyd Wright's Lewis Spring House, the renowned architect's sole design in Florida, has officially been listed for sale. Located on the outskirts of Tallahassee at 3117 Okeeheepkee Road, this extraordinary property spans 10 acres of pristine hardwood forest and represents one of Wright's most unique residential creations from his late career.
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence offers 2,040 square feet of living space and showcases Wright's distinctive hemicycle style, characterized by sweeping curves and fluid architectural forms. The house was conceived in 1952 and completed in 1954, during the same prolific period when Wright was designing the iconic Guggenheim Museum in New York. Both projects demonstrate Wright's bold geometric approach using arcs and curves, reflecting his lifelong commitment to organic architectural principles.
What makes the Lewis Spring House particularly remarkable is its distinctive boat-shaped layout, which was specifically created as a tribute to the Lewis family's deep love of nature and water. The structure is one of only 11 hemicycle-style homes that Frank Lloyd Wright ever completed throughout his entire career, and it stands as one of just two designs featuring a ship-like form. This rarity makes it an exceptionally significant piece of American architectural history.
The house exemplifies Wright's mastery of blending interior and exterior spaces through its curved walls, extensive glazing, and careful selection of natural materials. Built from Ocala block, a concrete material that was commonly used in mid-century Florida construction, the residence is finished with tidewater red cypress both inside and out. This material choice perfectly reflects Wright's fundamental principle of harmonizing architecture with its natural surroundings.
The architectural plan incorporates sophisticated design elements including mezzanine levels and large windows strategically positioned to frame views across the wooded site. The continuous sense of openness created by the curved walls and extensive glazing effectively erases the traditional boundaries between indoor and outdoor living spaces, a hallmark of Wright's organic architecture philosophy.
While the structure remains a notable example of Wright's architectural experimentation during the final decade of his career, some exterior elements from the original design were never fully realized. These include a planned reflecting pool and terrace wall that would have further enhanced the property's integration with its natural setting. Despite these incomplete elements, the Spring House continues to stand as a testament to Wright's innovative approach to residential design and his ability to create harmony between built structures and their environment.
