Explore Historic Homes in San Diego
If you’re in the market for a historic home, you probably know all about the unique architectural styles that make historic homes in San Diego so special. From Spanish Colonial Revival resembling the best of Balboa Park to American Craftsman bungalows, the city has a little bit of everything when it comes to its most impressive historic properties. People who are looking to buy a home in San Diego are often drawn to these features because they offer more character and individuality compared to the modern type or nondescript type of homes.
If you’re just interested in historic sites in San Diego, the city has plenty of that, too, and many of these historic homes are open to visitors wanting to learn more.
The Davis-Horton House
The Davis-Horton House may not be the oldest house in San Diego — that title usually goes to Casa de Carrillo, an adobe structure in Old Town — but it is the oldest house in downtown San Diego. The building has been here since 1850, and it serves as The Gaslamp Museum today. On your visit, move from room to room to experience each period of time in the days since the home was built. It’s one of the city’s best historical landmarks.
Heritage County Park
You can’t get more bang for your buck than a visit to Heritage County Park, a historic district in Old Town dedicated to the preservation of San Diego’s most impressive Victorian homes. The San Diego historic properties you’ll see here all came from elsewhere in the city, placed here in this park as part of the city’s preservation efforts.
Visit The Temple Beth Israel, the city’s first synagogue on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Bushyhead House, built in an Italianate-style. The Bushyhead House was built by Edward Wilkerson Bushyhead, a Cherokee man who marched in the Trail of Tears in the 1830s before working as both a newspaper owner and San Diego police chief.
If you have more time, visit the McConaughy House. It’s home to the Coral Tree Tea House, a cafe that hosts traditional afternoon teas.
Long-Waterman House
This Queen Anne-style Victorian in Bankers Hill was built in 1889 for John Long, then head of the Coronado Fruit Package Company. It later became the home of former California Governor Robert Whitney Waterman, the 17th governor of the state. The mansion is a remarkable example of preserved Victorian architecture in the city, although you can’t go see it for yourself. This San Diego historical home has been a private residence under the same ownership since 1981 when it sold for just $200,000.
Dryden Historic District
The North Park homes within the Dryden Historic District are a mix of American Craftsman bungalows, an offshoot of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and Spanish Colonial Revival-style homes.
The area runs along 28th Street and Pershing Avenue, bordered by Landis and Upas streets on either end. It gets its name from architect and property builder David Owen Dryden, who designed many of the homes in the neighborhood. His influence there is a reason the historic district even came to be, with the designation coming from the San Diego Historical Resources Board back in 2011.
With 136 homes within that district, you will see some real estate movement within the neighborhood from time to time. With varied architectural styles across its six blocks, expect variety with the interiors, as well. Some will have open floor plans that predate the historic designation, while others will have preserved more historical details.
How to Maintain and Restore Historic Homes
Maintaining a historic house involves distinct duties for homeowners to fulfill the task effectively; they need to focus on revitalizing the authentic elements such as wooden floors and windows, alongside contemporary enhancements while adhering to preservation standards outlined by the Mills Act to safeguard its historical essence intact.
San Diego’s Preservation Societies
Organizations like Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) located in San Diego work towards protecting and advancing conservation initiatives within the region They provide assistance services such as workshops on house restoration and advice, on attaining property recognition By connecting with these groups homeowners can gain valuable insights into effectively managing their homes and contribute towards preserving the diverse cultural heritage of their community.
Historic Homes Can Have Tax Incentives and Financial Help
The Mills Act provides financial benefits for owners of historic homes by cutting property taxes by as much as 50% or more. For example, a property valued at $1.2 million with annual property taxes of $12,000 to $15,000 could see those taxes drop to $6,000 to $8,000 under the Mills Act, delivering significant savings. Additional monetary perks include Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits for eligible renovations and local funding opportunities aimed at supporting home restoration endeavors.
Historic Homes Have Long-term Value
Historic homes in San Diego often increase their worth over the years due to their rarity and appeal to buyers who value authenticity and charm intertwined with a hint of history connected to them. Areas rich in residences foster a sense of community that sparks curiosity and stabilizes property prices even during market ups and downs. For individuals looking to invest in something timeless and rich, in tradition exploring San Diegos history can offer the opportunity to own a piece of that legacy through these historical dwellings.
Interested in Buying Historic Homes in San Diego?
If you’re in the market for the best historic homes San Diego County has to offer, the McT Real Estate Group can walk you through the process. Historic San Diego homes aren’t just lovely to look at; they come with additional things to navigate. Some may already be under the Mills Act program, for example. It’s a California law that regulates the private ownership of historic places in San Diego, including the kinds of improvements you can make on the exterior portion of the home. These homes tend to sell for a bit more than the average home. However, the tax benefits that come with owning a historic home in San Diego are incredible and definitely worth considering.
If you are considering buying or selling a historic home in San Diego, contact us right away. We would love the opportunity to help you with this process.