Sanibel Island’s ‘Spider in the Sand’ sells for $920,000

Nestled next to palm trees and surrounded by sand, the Walter Guesthouse on Sanibel Island has been in Eve Konstantine’s family for decades.

“We would all just pile into the guesthouse,” Eve said, “which I think my mother used as very clever leverage of having a larger house built.”

The guesthouse was built in 1954. It was designed by Paul Rudolph. While it is less than 600 sq. feet, the guesthouse gives you the basics for beach living. Eve told WINK News that bringing her children to the guesthouse are among her fondest memories.

Ted Benjamin, with VIP Realty, was selling the Walter family’s beachfront property. He said the Spider in the Sand is more than just an interesting looking structure.

“This is an iconic example of mid-century modern architecture,” Benjamin said. “This is a piece of art. We tried selling the property with the guesthouse included and I think some people are afraid of that because they don’t want to do anything to mess it up.”

That is why Eve said her family decided to put it up for auction. The highest bidder on Thursday got the guesthouse for $920,000. The buyer had to agree to move the structure somewhere else. Benjamin said he has had people flying in the last couple of weeks to check out the property.

“It’s a great, very peaceful structure,” Benjamin said.

“We wanted to make sure that the guesthouse was preserved and understood for what it is,” Eve said.

She said that because it is much more than a guesthouse. It is a masterpiece filled with memories.

“So I just pray and bless it and thank it and hope it goes to a new owner,” Eve said, “who will be equally enthralled by it.”