Seven (7) Night Stay In The Fully Restored 1956 Home of Gene Leedy, A Founding Architect of the Sarasota School of Architecture

This is an exceptional opportunity to stay for one week in the fully restored 1956 home of the Sarasota School of Architecture architect, Gene Leedy, for two (2) couples or up to four (4) guests.  There are two primary suites. 

Also included is an In-Depth Tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Florida Southern Campus, the world's largest single-site collection of FLW's architecture (20 min drive from house);  a new copy of the recently published Subtropic: The Architecture of [STRANG] (2023 ORO Publishers) a value of $150;  and a paperback copy of the out-of-print book, The Sarasota School of Architecture, 1941 -1966. 

About the House - Welcome to 1518 Drexel Ave, the life-long residence of iconic architect, Gene Leedy. A founding member of the Sarasota School of Architecture, Gene moved from Sarasota to Winter Haven, FL in 1954 and began to leave his mark on the small, citrus town, now known to locals as “Leedy Land”. 

One of his first projects, now recognized in the National Register of Historic Places as the Craney Spec Houses Historic District, consisted of eleven mid-century modern homes built on a crest between an existing Grapefruit grove and Lake Elbert. At the time Gene’s modern design was deemed radical for its use of open floor plans, lack of ornamentation, exposed framing, sliding glass doors used as walls, and use of common, “honest” materials in uncommon ways. These elements which are now commonplace in modern design, helped establish Gene and the Sarasota School of Architecture’s lasting legacy on modern architecture and explains why he occupied the home for over sixty years.

The house has 2 primary suites, perfect for 2 couples, private pool with pool deck furniture, living room, full kitchen w/cookware, place settings, glassware, utensils, etc, ready for you to move in and enjoy the home.

After Gene’s passing in 2019, the residence was purchased by architect and long-time family friend, Max Strang, FAIA, Founder and Managing Partner of [STRANG], an interdisciplinary architecture and design firm based in Miami, FL., and the generous donor providing this stay.

Max, who spent many of his younger years visiting the house, realized the opportunity to honor his former mentor and restore the residence back to its previous state. While the property has undergone many changes, Max’s vision for the property was to not only rehabilitate, but restore, many of the elements that were present in the original design. While some additions have been made, you’ll find even more original elements restored, including most of the original Herman Miller furniture that’s been in the home for over sixty years.  

About Winter Haven: Winter Haven itself is a very interesting destination, perfect for architecture and history aficionados.  Just in Winter Haven and surrounding communities of Polk County, there are 76 National Register of Historic Places, with 23 of them Historical Districts.  If you can tear yourself away from the pool, you’ll have a lot to see and do!  Winter Haven is a 1hr drive from the Orlando International Airport. 

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Things To Know:

Winning bidder must complete their stay by December 01, 2024.  Maximum 4 adults (ideal for two couples), age 21+ only.  No smoking and no pets, please.  Booking well in advance appreciated, with dates to be mutually agreed upon between guest and homeowner.  Provide optional date should first date requested not be available.  Booking details provided at conclusion of auction. Non-refundable.  

• Company Name : [STRANG]
  Name : Max Strang