Siesta Key architectural landmark sells for $2.56 million

An architectural landmark sold recently on Siesta Key.

The Ness House, built in the Sarasota school-style of design in 1961 and renovated a decade later by the original designer, local architect Tim Seibert, was named for its builders and original owners, Philip and Anne Ness.

The home at 7647 Sanderling Road sold for $2.562 million after 83 days on the market. The new owners, according to county property records, are William C. and Sloane McComb.

“The Ness House is more than a waterfront residence,’’ said Janet Moore, an agent with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty who represented both the buyer and seller, Federico and Sheba Matheu, in a press release. “It is part of Sarasota’s architectural history. Representing a property of this significance comes with a sense of responsibility, and it is gratifying to see this important example of Sarasota school architecture move into its next chapter.”

Image courtesy of Fabre Frameworks

Image courtesy of Fabre Frameworks

Image courtesy of Fabre Frameworks

Spanning 4,000 square feet, the property consists of a four-bedroom, five-bath residence on nearly an acre, with 135 feet of Heron Lagoon shoreline.

The residence received a historic designation in 2011. True to principles associated with the Sarasota School, the home responds directly to Florida’s subtropical climate and landscape. Its original design includes a rainwater collection system, roof outlets that help release heat and north-facing walls that contribute to natural cooling. 

A more recent renovation adapted the residence for contemporary living while retaining its modernist character. Large-format white tile floors and minimalist interiors provide a backdrop for the home’s architecture, while a gallery-style foyer leads into open gathering spaces and a reimagined kitchen. The Florida room is wrapped in retractable glass, allowing it to transition from an enclosed space to an open-air extension of the home.