This beautifully preserved mid-century treasure couldn't have gone to a better steward than the author of Sarasota Modern, who not only recognized its historic pedigree but refined and restored it into a shining example of the east coast modernist movement. We love its expressive period features and impeccable vintage style, and its recent addition to the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation, means we're not the only ones.
The home, located in Lakeland, Florida, is part of the lesser-known Sarasota School of mid-century architecture. Developed and founded by famed architects Paul Rudolph, Gene Leedy and Mark Hampton, they were the vanguard of a thriving east coast architectural movement that closely mirrored the Case Study projects on the west coast.
Discovered by author and design authority Andrew Weaving, this heritage house at the epicenter of the region that is also home to the largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright structures in the world. Designed and built by Hampton in 1956, the home's original structure and furnishings are largely intact, and both the exterior and interiors have been immaculately preserved.
The low-slung horizontal silhouette was constructed of steel beams and open plan spaces that incorporate the natural environment with walls of glass. All of the original finishes, fixtures, and detail remain including walnut walls and cabinetry, terrazzo and marble, and beautiful stained-glass screens that divide the living and dining areas.
A finely curated collection of vintage art, decor, and furnishings complement the period architecture creating a living museum of mid-century style. With two en-suite bedrooms, the house sleeps four and is ideal for entertaining with a fully equipped kitchen and dining for six inside or poolside.
This is a rare and strikingly preserved treasure that transports you back in time with flawless style. To see a video of a guest's stay at the Weaving House, visit our Journal section here.
A MID-CENTURY ENCLAVE IN FLORIDA
Lakeland and the nearby Winter Haven and Lake Hollingsworth are part of a lesser-known mid-century architectural enclave of east coast modernism that is also home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world.
Just a short drive to Winter Haven, you'll also find many examples of the Gene Leedy buildings and homes here. Sarasota and the Sarasota School architecture buildings are just over an hour drive and Tampa and the bay areas of Clearwater and St. Petersburg are under and hour west. Miami lies a few hours south.
LOCATION
Lakeland Florida. Nearest airport: Tampa International (40 miles)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round