Spring House

On Sunday afternoon I toured the only private residence designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the entire state of Florida. 

The residence, Spring House, is tucked into a quiet Tallahassee neighborhood just a few blocks away from busy Interstate 10.

  

The main entrance to Spring House is less than captivating. A portion of the roof has succumbed to weather and age.

  
But the view from this angle is still breathtaking. Typical of Wright’s designs, the home blends into the natural beauty of its surroundings. 

Check out the website:

http://www.preservespringhouse.org

Built in the 1940’s, Spring House has been in decline for several years; however, the Spring House Institute works to raise money to purchase the home in order to restore it to its original state. 

Part of their fundraising includes offering tours of the home on the second Sunday of each month. If you are interested in architecture, and particularly in the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, I highly recommend the tour. 

  
We weren’t allowed to take photos inside the home, but it was incredibly odd and weirdly functional. The main floor featured a stunning sitting area looking out onto the beautiful north Florida flora. 

Above that were the sleeping areas for two adults and four children. Each room had an impressive view. I especially liked the boys’ sleeping area which featured windows all around. It felt like a camp cabin. 

I purchased some souvenirs, along with paying the tour fee, in order to help the Institute reach its goal. Places like Spring House need to be cherished and preserved for future generations.

If you haven’t read the book, Loving Frank by Nancy Horan, you really should. He wasn’t a particularly nice man, but definitely a genius. 

  
Peace, people!

Third World?

I. Third World you might say,

Or developing country

Depends on viewpoint.

 

II. Looking at my world

With fresh eyes and open heart

What might our guests see?

Saint Augustine, FL

III. Our ruins are fresh

Compared with Antigua’s own;

Centuries apart.

Guatemala

IV. Yet ruins abound

And for many life is hard.

Poverty lays claim.

Guatemala
United States

V. Third World existence

Among First World convenience

Which is most honest?