Karl Zerbe House – 1956 Post and Beam

Designed and built in 1956 for artist and Florida State University professor Karl Zerbe, this remarkably intact post-and-beam residence sits quietly beneath a canopy of mature live oaks on nearly an acre in Tallahassee’s Indian Head area. Carefully restored over the past several years with an emphasis on preservation rather than reinvention, the house retains its original exposed structure, 3-inch tongue-and-groove ceilings, polished and scored concrete floors, two Ocala brick fireplaces, original built-ins, cabinetry, doors, windows, and many original light fixtures. Expansive east-facing walls of glass fill the interior with soft morning light while framing views into the surrounding woods and landscape. Major systems including roofing, HVAC, electrical, drainage, and water heating have been thoughtfully updated without compromising the architectural integrity of the home. Historic photographs of Zerbe in the house remain preserved in the Florida State Archives, underscoring the property’s significance as both a residence and an enduring example of authentic mid-century modern architecture in Florida.