The Cuneo Estate

The Cuneo Estate, a wide parcel of bay front land in the Indian Beach Subdivision, is home to 4 historic properties with multiple historic buildings, many locally and nationally designated, is currently on the market for $22 million.

Assembled as the estate of John Cuneo Jr., the land was originally owned in 1890 by Dr. Frederick K. Williams of Bristol, CT, and later parceled out with a group of investors as the ideal location for a winter home during Boom Time development. Located just north of the Ringling Museum and the Ca D’Zan, this pristine parcel is threatened by potential development and demolition.

Included are 4511 Bay Shore Road, a 1924 Mediterranean Revival built by Clare Hosmer with an addition by Frank Folsom Smith known as ‘Etowah’ with a historic boathouse later made part of the adjacent estate. Etowah is a locally designated historic structure and in 2019, the SAHP fought Cuneo’s attempt to obtain a demolition permit and won. The beautiful estate was then honored as the site of the Jewels on the Bay Designer Showcase.

Also included in the Ainsley Place Parcel is 4521 Bay Shore Road, a locally and nationally designated property known as The Earle House. Built in 1929 by Clas & Shepherd (the architects for the Ringling Building) in the Classical Revival style with Georgian influences, the property also includes a 1929 guest house. George W. Earle was the President of the NY Blueprint Company.

4645 Ainsley Place, which served as Cuneo’s own residence, was built in 1935 in the Plantation Colonial style. The 4.15 acre property is also home to a 1927 cottage with garage and a c.1930 guest house. 4600 Bay Shore Road is a 1930 Colonial Revival which is listed on the FMSF as being eligible for local designation and as part of a district.