If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind that imposing brick serpentine wall on Shell Road on Siesta Key, well, it turns out to be a 1.5-acre estate designed by famed architect Tim Siebert. There are several structures—a main house, a guest house, and several others including a greenhouse—all designed by one of the masters of the Sarasota School of Architecture.

Restoring the place to its former glory could well be the ultimate rehab project.

The home was built back in 1957 and Siebert always considered it one of his favorites, due in no small part to the incredible site. The lot juts out into Big Pass with a view of the gulf and Lido Key. There are gardens and pathways, fountains and pools, trellises covered with flowering vines, making it a unique indoor-outdoor living experience.

The main house seems to be in pretty good shape, with an enormous, high-ceilinged living room that does justice to the estate’s scale and an impressive wood-paneled library. You’ll also find a lap pool and a private dock.

The lot is so spectacular that I fear someone will tear the place down and put up a brand new estate. Let’s hope the right buyer comes along to do justice to this spectacular and historic home.

4173 Shell Road is priced at $3.7 million. For more info call Jeannie McDermott of Premier Sotheby’s at (941) 400-3551.