A
unique Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in Tallahassee, Florida is on the market for $2.12 million, offering a rare opportunity to own one of the architect's lesser-known works. The 1954-built Spring House, also known as "ship in the woods," boasts a boat-shaped design with porthole-like windows and curved lines that blend seamlessly into its wooded surroundings.

    However, potential buyers should be prepared for a significant restoration project. Listing agent Brian Proctor notes that the property requires deferred maintenance, including structural repairs and an exterior overhaul. Wright's designs are notoriously susceptible to the elements, and Spring House is no exception.

    Despite its need for TLC, the 2,040-square-foot home remains a treasure trove of Wright's original style, featuring warm yellow and red hues, organic curves, and massive windows that bring the outdoors in. The property's hemicycle design, characterized by concentric and intersecting circles, is considered one of Wright's final and shortest-lived stylistic phases.

    As part of its National Register of Historic Places listing since 1979, Spring House has been recognized for its unique blend of natural and architectural elements. For architecture enthusiasts, restoring this home would be a labor of love, offering a chance to preserve a piece of American design history.

    The property's history dates back to 1950 when the Lewises, a local banking family, approached Wright to build their dream home on 10 wooded acres. The two-story Spring House was built in 1954 and has remained in the Lewis family ever since, slowly falling into disrepair due to lack of funds.

    The seller, Byrd Mashburn, believes it's time for her family to pass on the property, which was added to the National Trust for Historic Places' list of endangered historic places in 2014. With its rich history and unique design, Spring House presents a rare opportunity for buyers to own a piece of architectural heritage that requires dedication and restoration.