Harry Merritt’s Haynes Residence

It’s rare to see a Harry Merrit home on the market; it’s far rarer to see one restored to the late architect’s original style and vision.

At a time when most suburban houses were designed with an inward eye, TheHaynes Residence opened the home to nature. Situated upon a 1.7 acre wooded lot that backs up to a large nature preserve on Newnan’s Lake, TheHaynes Residence features many of Merritt’s design trademarks including huge expanses of glass, Ocala Block construction, breeze-enhancing clerestory windows, custom wood built-ins and window casings, and a sunken living room. Over the past 6 months, the 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom plus office home has received a complete repipe with new plumbing, water heater, restored filtration and softener, two new HVAC units, new Kelly Wearstler and Herman Miller lighting, full kitchen remodel including appliances, full bathroom remodels, updated lighting and electrical, refinished terrazzo floors, and fresh paint inside and outside. An outdoor deck in the courtyard was also added during the restoration, offering beautiful views of the 400+ year old live oak in the middle of the home. Sliding glass doors on the sides open out to the deck offering unique indoor/outdoor entertaining.

Because this home is such a prime and well-preserved example of Merritt’s philosophy and style, its blueprints were just recently moved to the University Archives for research and preservation. The Haynes Residence is already receiving notoriety as the subject of a dissertation. Merritt designed the house just 5 years into a 35-year tenure teaching at the University of Florida; the current owners hope to see it become the next Merritt home to be recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.