For Sale at 2408 1st Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego Mills Act For Sale | California Mills Act | Unlisted
A Residence as Grand as San Diego’s Rich Tapestry
San Diego is a city of great heritage and culture, with some stories etched into magnificent structures that stand tall to this day. One such marvel is the Long-Waterman Mansion, an historic legend located in the prestigious Bankers Hill at 2408 First Avenue.
A House with a Timeline as Old as the City Itself
The year 1850 was significant for San Diego; it received its city charter and California became a state. However, just two years later, financial troubles led to the state revoking the city’s charter. It wasn’t until 1889 that San Diego regained its status as a city. Interestingly, this was also the year the Long-Waterman Mansion was built, emblematic of the city’s rebirth and resurgence.
Built for businessman John Long, who unfortunately ran out of funds mid-construction, the mansion soon found another owner in the outgoing California Governor, Robert Whitney Waterman. Governor Waterman completed the construction but tragically passed away a few months later.
A Masterpiece in Architecture
The mansion is a testament to the Queen Anne Victorian architectural style. Listed as site #37 on the National Register of Historic Places, its sprawling 6,180 square feet stands on a generous 14,415 square foot lot. The mansion’s close proximity to the iconic Balboa Park makes its location even more enviable.
One cannot help but be captivated by the detailed craftsmanship of the mansion. The turrets, balconies, and ornate ironwork are reminiscent of an era gone by. The grand foyer, with its intricately carved anaglyph on the staircase, is a stunning visual treat. The house boasts four opulent fireplaces made of mahogany, Italian tile, and beveled glass, capturing the essence of its vintage. | PROPERTY DETAILS AND PHOTOS
The exterior is equally mesmerizing. A grand magnolia and a majestic jacaranda tree stand tall, having witnessed history unfold. The colossal camphor tree, one of the largest in California, shades the estate, adding to its timeless beauty.
Rich in History and Significance
The mansion’s history is intertwined with the city’s own. It stands as a testament to the boom of the 1880s in Bankers Hill, designed by the renowned San Diego architect D.B. Benson. Its impeccable maintenance and preservation over the years are commendable, having remained in the same family since 1897.
A House with Many Tales and Possibilities
The original Carriage House, now utilized as commercial office space, complements the main residence. The property’s zoning permits both commercial and residential use, providing flexibility to potential owners. Moreover, the mansion’s approval under the Mills Act promises substantial tax benefits, making this a tantalizing proposition for those keen on owning a piece of San Diego’s history.
Currently owned by the Ernst Family Trust, this historic beauty hit the market for the first time in late May at a listed price of $6,485,000.
For those with a penchant for history, luxury, and architectural magnificence, the Long-Waterman Mansion is more than just a house; it’s an experience, a story, and a legacy waiting to be embraced.
Address:
Long-Waterman Mansion
1208 First Avenue, San Diego, 92101
Asking Price: $5,750,000
Features: 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, 7,710 sq ft
A Glimpse into San Diego’s Victorian-Era Gem: The Long-Waterman Home
Nestled in San Diego’s prestigious Bankers Hill district stands a rare Victorian-era marvel, reminiscent of an era when gas-lit evenings and white-glove soirees were the norm. The 1889 Queen Anne-style abode, flaunting a distinctive dome-topped tower, intricate gingerbread porch, a historic carriage house, and a meticulously preserved interior, is now listed at well under $6 million.
Bruce Coons, a renowned architecture historian and the Executive Director of the San Diego-based Save Our Heritage Organisation, lauds, “This is one of San Diego’s best. It effortlessly ranks among the top 10 Victorian-era homes in the city.”
Interestingly, while many of San Diego’s Victorian homes have been altered over time, the Long-Waterman residence, named after its initial owners, stands as a testament to preservation. This majestic four-bedroom house has enjoyed the privilege of preservation-minded proprietors, including an impressive eight decades of continuous family ownership between 1897 and 1977.
Constructed for John and Kate Long, this 6,180-square-foot house has earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places. Located just a short 7-minute stroll from Balboa Park, this three-story beauty boasts intricate designs from its attic eyebrow dormers to its elegantly designed finials. The dome of the tower is strikingly covered with diamond-shaped terne plates.
The front porch, wrapping around the property, is a visual treat. Detailed fretting, turned spindles adorned with rosettes, and sunburst designed spandrels enhance its charm.
The house’s redwood cladding, featuring a unique pattern-on-pattern design, was recently painted in a modern greige, contrasted beautifully with classic white trims. An intricate weathervane, originating from the dome’s pinnacle, further emphasizes the meticulous care bestowed upon this structure for over a century.
The current owners, Allegra and John Ernst, who purchased this masterpiece in 1993, express a profound emotional bond with the property. “We’ve never taken it for granted. It’s truly a work of art,” asserts John Ernst.
As you step inside through the intricately carved redwood door, you are welcomed by a grand staircase, a hallmark of Anglo-Japanese design, reminiscent of Victorian tastes from the United Kingdom. The foyer exudes luxury, with a diamond pattern slate floor and a lavish fireplace adorned with fluted columns.
Maintaining its authenticity, the house still flaunts four original fireplaces, possibly crafted by the American Encaustic Tiling Company, founded in 1875. Under the Ernst’s stewardship, significant improvements were introduced without compromising the Victorian essence.
The Long-Waterman house owes its architectural brilliance to the Irishman, Domenick P. Benson, who migrated to the U.S. in his early 20s. Apart from designing several Victorian-style homes, Benson is acclaimed for his intricate interior woodwork.
The legacy of the house was further enriched by John Parker, a previous owner and the proprietor of San Diego’s KYKY Radio, who undertook an extensive four-year renovation in 1977. This refurbishment brought modern touches, like a new foundation, updated mechanical systems, and fresh landscaping.
The Ernsts, not just content with a Mills Act contract which offers tax breaks to owners committed to preservation, secured a historic building facade easement with the City of San Diego, ensuring the property’s facade remains untouched.
Though Bankers Hill boasts around 50 Victorian homes, many, as Allegra Ernst points out, have been desecrated with modifications. In her words, “The highest and best use of this property is realized in its current state – a magnificent work of art.”
Such historic homes, with their rich tapestry of stories and designs, serve as bridges to our past, reminding us of the architectural brilliance of bygone eras. The Long-Waterman home, with its enduring charm, stands as a timeless jewel in the heart of San Diego.
The Craftsmanship of Yesteryears: Diving Deeper into the Long-Waterman Home
One cannot help but be entranced by the very essence of the Victorian era that permeates the Long-Waterman home. This aura isn’t just the result of its large and dominant structure, but more so due to the minute details and the stories they narrate.
As one ambles across the wraparound porch, the elaborate woodworking speaks volumes of the artisans of that epoch. It’s almost poetic how the meticulously carved spandrels and balusters blend with the sawn patterns, reminiscent of the craftsmanship that flourished during the Victorian age. Every inch of this porch, from the turned spindles to the fretting, seems like a page out of a history book, narrating tales of gatherings, soirées, and tales of yore.
Moving inside, the original weathervane atop the dome deserves a special mention. In an era without modern weather forecasting, weathervanes were more than ornamental – they were functional, guiding households about wind directions. The ornamented heart at the base of the Long-Waterman’s weathervane perhaps symbolizes not just the weather but the heartbeats and passions of those who once resided here.
The camphor tree in the backyard, reported as one of California’s largest, stands as a silent observer to the changing times. Imagine the tales it could narrate if trees could talk! From the gas-lit evenings of the Victorian era to the present-day hustle, this tree has witnessed the world evolve around the steadfastness of the Long-Waterman home.
The home’s redwood cladding also has a tale to tell. Redwood, known for its resilience and beauty, was a popular choice in Victorian-era architecture. The pattern-on-pattern design of the cladding, complemented by the recent greige paint, is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Another noteworthy detail is the house’s chandeliers. While some have been part of the residence for years, others were handpicked by the Ernsts from various antique shops. Some of these luminous treasures even trace their origins back to Austria, adding a touch of European elegance to this Californian marvel.
A mention must be made of the house’s adjacency to Balboa Park. Established in 1868, the park has been a cornerstone of San Diego’s cultural and recreational life. The proximity of the Long-Waterman house to such a landmark not only heightens its real estate value but also emphasizes its historical and cultural significance in the tapestry of San Diego’s history. | MORE
San Diego Mills Act For Sale | California Mills Act | Unlisted
The Long-Waterman house isn’t just a structure of bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to an era gone by, echoing tales of craftsmanship, elegance, and a passion for preserving history. Every nook and corner, every carved spindle, and every ornate fireplace narrates a story, making it not just a residence, but a chronicle of times gone by. | SEE LISTING
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Copyright © This free information provided courtesy Entar.com with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker DRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller or developer. For more information, contact 888-240-2500 or visit WeSellCal.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Text and photos created or modified by artificial intelligence. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.
