Gorgeous 1925 Spanish-Style Home in San Diego, California, With Barreled Ceilings, Wood Floors, and a Batchelder Fireplace
This exquisite 1925 Spanish-style home, nestled in the heart of north Kensington, San Diego, stands as a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century architecture, showcasing classic features like red-tiled roofs, barreled ceilings, original wood floors, and an iconic Batchelder fireplace. Its historical significance is enhanced by careful updates, such as a functional kitchen with stone floors and granite countertops, while preserving the charm of hand-troweled plaster walls and built-ins. The second-floor primary suite offers a serene fireplace, French doors to sweeping views, and a private balcony. A lush, landscaped backyard and resort-like pool create an idyllic retreat. Recent upgrades include solar panels, and flexible extra rooms behind the garage, with the home listed at $1,950,000 (plot area and total square footage not specified).
Pool Patio
A curved swimming pool provides a focal point for the terracotta-tiled patio, surrounded by lush greenery including broad-leafed plants and vines that climb up the stucco walls. The house features a warm earth-toned stucco exterior with blue-framed French doors on both the ground floor and an upper balcony. Wrought iron railings line the balcony, which adds a classic Spanish Revival touch. Decorative, hand-painted ceramic planters with thriving shrubs are clustered near the pool’s edge. Subtle exterior lighting and comfortable wooden seating arrangements create a welcoming, tranquil outdoor living space perfect for relaxation.
Front Garden Entry
A welcoming stone pathway leads through a lush garden filled with vibrant, tropical flora and colorful flowers, framed by tall palm trees and dense greenery. The tan stucco exterior of the home features a red-tiled roof and is accented by white-trimmed windows glowing warmly from indoor lights. An ornamental wrought-iron gate and decorative tilework on the entry steps add character, while a vintage-style lantern awaits guests near the entrance. The overall aesthetics blend Spanish Revival charm with a relaxed, tropical ambiance, creating a serene and picturesque entryway to the historic home.
Entryway Arch
A cozy entryway framed by stucco walls painted a warm, golden-yellow. The main feature is a rich, dark wooden arched door with vertical panels and decorative metal studs. Cream-colored molding outlines the door, giving it a substantial presence. To the right, an archway leads deeper into the exterior courtyard. The tiled floor is laid in a checkerboard pattern with earthy hues that harmonize with the walls. Wall-mounted elements include a classic lantern-style light fixture and a black mailbox. A potted plant with red foliage sits in the corner, softening the architectural lines and adding a welcoming touch.
Living Room Details
A cozy living room with warmly textured, buttery yellow stucco walls and a gently arched ceiling radiates vintage charm. The space features medium-toned hardwood flooring and a classic tiled fireplace at its focal point, framed by wooden trim. On one side, two bamboo-framed armchairs with striped fabric sit beside large windows shaded with woven blinds. Opposite, a plush sofa with floral and striped cushions enhances the inviting atmosphere. The glass-topped coffee table displays a white coral centerpiece, and a sandy beige area rug with palm tree motifs ties the space together. Seaside paintings reinforce a relaxed, tropical theme.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room features walls and a ceiling painted in warm, buttery yellow, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Large windows with wood trim line one wall, letting in natural light and framing lush greenery outside. The hardwood floor adds to the classic ambiance, enhanced by a palm tree patterned area rug beneath a glass-topped wooden coffee table. Two rattan chairs with striped cushions and a throw blanket sit adjacent to a plush couch with floral pillows. On the far side, a wooden dining table with matching chairs is situated beneath lively artwork, while arched doorways and trim add historic character.
Living Room Details
A cozy historic living room combines dining and seating areas with an open layout. Golden-yellow textured walls and ceiling create a soft, warm ambiance, highlighted by dark wood trim around doors and windows. Wooden floors flow through the space, complementing a live-edge dining table and matching chairs with natural wood grain details. Near the fireplace, a contemporary sofa and armchairs rest on a patterned rug. The fireplace features decorative tiles and a roaring fire, flanked by tall windows admitting gentle daylight. Artworks depicting beach scenes and subtle wall stenciling enhance the room’s relaxed, inviting character.
Dining Nook
A cozy dining nook features golden tan textured walls and warm medium-toned hardwood flooring. A round wooden table with a yellow floral tablecloth is surrounded by four light wooden chairs. To the left, two vintage glass-front cabinets display colorful ceramics and dishes. Above the cabinets is a rectangular stained glass window with green, amber, and clear panels, bringing in soft natural light. The wall art includes a bright Mediterranean landscape framed in gold and a smaller painting beside the window. A wrought iron chandelier with frosted glass shades hangs from the ceiling, adding elegant, old-world charm. Large windows look outdoors, framed by earth-toned bamboo blinds.
Breakfast Nook
A cozy corner of the home featuring a round wooden table with a yellow floral tablecloth, surrounded by simple wooden chairs. The walls are textured with a warm, earthy tone, complemented by medium-toned wood trim around doors and windows. A wrought iron chandelier hangs above the table, contributing to a rustic yet elegant atmosphere. Art on the walls includes a framed colorful print of a Mediterranean scene and a vintage pasta advertisement. Through an arched doorway, a kitchen is visible, outfitted with natural wood cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel refrigerator, decorative pottery, and greenery atop the cabinets. The flooring transitions from wood to stone tile.
Kitchen Details
Warm brown cabinets with raised panels line both sides of a galley kitchen, accented by polished granite countertops with beige and golden hues. Three large windows with striped valances bring in sunlight and illuminate the natural stone tile backsplash and floor. A stainless steel refrigerator, gas range, built-in microwave, and dishwasher provide a modern touch to the traditional cabinetry and hardware. The cabinetry includes a display of ceramic dishes and a wine rack, enhancing the home’s historic elegance. The kitchen feels welcoming and practical, with strategic lighting, well-organized storage, and a comfortable, lived-in atmosphere.
Kitchen and Dining View
Warm earth tones fill this cozy kitchen, which features rich wooden cabinetry with decorative plates and ceramics displayed on an upper architectural shelf. The granite countertops have a textured, speckled pattern and pair beautifully with the creamy tiled backsplash and travertine flooring. Stainless steel appliances, including a gas range and microwave, add modern touches amid classic surroundings. Built-in wine storage and shelves offer practical elegance. A large window above the sink brings in natural light, highlighting cheerful ceramics. Through an arched doorway, a glimpse of the adjacent dining area is visible, where colorful decor and natural wood furniture create an inviting atmosphere.
Kitchen and Breakfast Nook
Warm tones fill this kitchen, with honey-colored wooden cabinets and a granite countertop stretching beneath two large windows. The backsplash features light stone tiles arranged in a diagonal pattern, creating texture. Roman shades with red and gold stripes cover the windows, coordinating with the earthy wall colors. Accents include ceramic plates and a decorative vase that add a touch of rustic charm. Stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher, blend seamlessly with the cabinetry. An arched doorway leads to a cozy breakfast nook, where light wood furniture and a classic chandelier evoke a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. Sunlight streams in, illuminating the space.
Bedroom Balcony View
A spacious bedroom with a serene, inviting atmosphere features wide French doors opening to a balcony with views of treetops and blue skies. Rich wood floors are complemented by dark wood ceiling beams and a matching ceiling fan. The bed, dressed in deep blue bedding, has a classic wooden frame and sits centrally atop an ornate area rug. Flanking the bed, matching wooden nightstands support elegant lamps with beige shades. Against one wall, a white stucco kiva-style fireplace adds warmth and character. Walls are painted crisp white, enhancing the room’s bright, airy feel, while a coastal painting above the bed provides color.
Bedroom Seating Area
A cozy bedroom styled with exposed wooden ceiling beams, dark hardwood floors, and white walls, blending warmth with rustic charm. A large bed with a blue comforter centers the room, facing a modern fireplace and a mounted flat-screen TV above. French doors open to a balcony, filling the space with natural light and garden views. To the left, a small round table with a patterned tablecloth and two woven chairs creates an inviting breakfast nook. The space features vibrant artwork, colorful hanging pendant lights, and iron railings, contributing to a relaxed, eclectic, and welcoming atmosphere.
Wine Cellar Storage
Rows of natural wood wine racks line the right wall, each holding several bottles of wine on their sides with labels facing out for easy selection. The space feels cozy with white painted walls and a low ceiling, enhancing its cellar-like atmosphere. On the left, wooden shelving units store bottles, additional supplies, and a stack of plastic bins containing potatoes and onions. The overall color palette is earthy and warm, dominated by the honey tones of the wood and muted whites. The room is organized and functional, designed specifically for wine preservation and pantry storage.
Balcony View
Standing at a decorative wrought-iron balcony, the perspective looks outward over a lush tropical backyard dominated by tall palm trees and vibrant greenery. Below, a narrow, blue swimming pool stretches alongside a terra-cotta tiled patio area. The outdoor space features classic stucco walls with blue trim and is framed by potted plants perched on the balcony railing, adding a touch of color and life. Beyond the yard, rooftops and trees extend into the distance, set against a bright blue sky dotted with a few small white clouds, creating a serene and sunlit Southern California ambiance.
Covered Patio Lounge
Warm terracotta walls and exposed wooden beams create a cozy, Mediterranean-inspired patio space. Three large archways let in natural light, framing lush green foliage and glimpses of palm trees beyond. Wicker furniture, including a slim sofa and two armchairs, is upholstered in tropical patterned fabric with coral and green leaf motifs. A glass-top coffee table sits at the center, with side tables adorned with decorative objects such as a lantern and dish. Clay tiles with decorative inlays cover the floor, while leafy potted plants and climbing vines add a vibrant, inviting feel. A ceiling fan featuring palm-blade design offers cooling comfort.
Bedroom Details
A cozy bedroom features warm orange textured walls bordered by crisp white trim, creating a vibrant yet inviting atmosphere. The bed sits against one wall, dressed in white bedding with golden and green accent pillows and a colorful plaid throw. Hardwood floors complement the rich wall color, adding to the room’s warmth. Over the bed, vibrant framed artwork provides a lively focal point. Two large windows with brown woven shades allow natural light to illuminate the space. A chest of drawers stands between the windows, topped with a flat-screen television. To the right, sliding mirrored closet doors reflect the room’s colors and enhance the sense of space.
Bathroom Vanity and Shower
A cozy bathroom featuring a spacious walk-in shower with large, earthy-toned stone tiles and a black metal frame. The walls are painted a rich teal blue, contrasting with the warm gold and tan hues of the countertop and shower enclosure. The vanity has a round white sink with a dark bronze faucet, set into a thick marble-like surface. Above the sink, a broad mirror reflects the room and two windows dressed in woven bamboo shades. Decorative yellow orchids in turquoise pots and framed artwork add an elegant, inviting touch to the overall design.
Home Gym Corner
A sunlit corner room painted in cheerful yellow, used as an exercise area. A stationary bike and elliptical machine sit atop black rubber mats on the wood floor, providing a designated space for workouts. Two adjustable dumbbells rest close to the machines. Three large windows with white trim allow natural light to flood in, each adorned with brown woven shades partially rolled down. Framed artwork with bright, playful scenes adds a touch of personality to the walls. A wooden-framed glass door leads outside, revealing lush greenery just beyond, bringing a vibrant, airy energy to the space.
Home Office Retreat
A cozy home office space extends lengthwise alongside a wall of windows and glass doors, leading out to a lush backyard with a swimming pool. The workspace features a long wooden desk with a monitor, office essentials, and a comfy rolling chair, positioned to make use of ample natural light. On the opposite wall are neatly hung framed artwork, adding character and color. The room has white walls and a ceiling fan with wooden blades. Richly patterned oriental rugs layer over warm hardwood floors, while an open closet with hanging clothes and shoes is visible to the left, enhancing the lived-in feel.
Poolside Entryway
Double glass doors open directly onto a sunlit patio with terracotta tiles leading to a kidney-shaped swimming pool. Lush greenery, including tall palms and dense shrubs, creates a natural privacy screen, while blue sky and overhead utility lines are visible above the foliage. To one side of the doors stands a bookcase filled with colorful books and a framed photo, adding a cozy indoor touch. A framed landscape painting hangs on the opposite white wall, contributing to the inviting atmosphere that blends indoors with the outdoor pool area for a seamless and tranquil transition.
Backyard Pool Area
A serene backyard features a rounded swimming pool encircled by terracotta-hued tiles. Lush greenery and tall palm trees create a secluded, tropical atmosphere on one side, forming a natural privacy screen. The opposite side of the pool sits alongside a stucco home with earthy, clay-colored walls, accented by navy doors and large windows that glow with warm interior light. Two deep blue cushioned lounge chairs and a small table provide a cozy seating area for relaxation. The ambient lighting, combined with vibrant greens and rich warm tones, evokes a tranquil and inviting oasis perfect for evening gatherings.
Pool Patio
Curved steps lead into a sparkling swimming pool surrounded by terra cotta tiles, contrasting against warm ochre walls. Deep blue doors and window frames add pops of color and a classic touch. A small patio with cozy blue chairs and a low table sits beside potted plants and natural greenery, while an adjacent table with simple wooden chairs creates a relaxed setting. On the second floor, a wrought-iron balcony overlooks the courtyard, adorned with potted flowers. Subtle, warm wall lighting enhances the inviting atmosphere, and large leafy plants frame the foreground, enhancing the secluded, Mediterranean-inspired ambiance.
Home Gym Corner
A small exercise room with terracotta-tiled floors and white-painted walls and ceiling. A Bowflex home gym unit occupies the center of the space, accompanied by a black pedestal fan. The room features a large window on the left letting in natural sunlight and views of green foliage outside. On the right is a dark wood vanity with a white sink and black faucet, topped by a decorative bronze-framed mirror reflecting greenery. The area evokes a practical, utilitarian vibe, combining workout equipment with a basic wash-up area. Two plain interior doors and minimalist decor complete the subdued, functional aesthetic.
Patio Seating Area
This patio area features warm terracotta tile flooring and textured adobe-colored walls, creating a rustic, Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic. A small round mosaic bistro table with two wrought iron chairs invites intimate outdoor dining or relaxing. Ferns in ceramic planters and hanging pots add vibrant greenery, enhancing the courtyard ambiance. A decorative stone fountain with water provides a tranquil focal point, while exposed wooden beams line the ceiling above. To one side, a covered grill sits ready for use, and a single glass door with a lantern sconce beside it offers access to the interior of the home. A window overlooks the patio, adding natural light.
Patio Entrance
A Spanish-style stucco exterior with a clay tile roof and iron balcony railings is framed by lush, mature palm trees and flowering vines climbing up the facade. The patio below features terracotta tiles, a small round wooden table with two chairs, and is shaded by surrounding trees and foliage. French doors with vibrant blue trim provide entry to the home on both levels, accompanied by ornate exterior light fixtures. Planters and potted flowers decorate both the balcony and entryway, adding color and charm. Warm earth tones dominate the house, giving an inviting Mediterranean ambiance.
Pool Courtyard
A curving, turquoise-blue swimming pool is nestled in a private courtyard, surrounded by lush tropical plants and mature palm trees, evoking a serene oasis atmosphere. Terracotta tiles create a warm, earthy border around the pool and lead to an adjacent building with a rustic, ochre exterior. The building features deep blue doors and several windows, with large potted plants flanking the entryway. Soft, ambient lighting highlights the entry and greenery, while the evening sky is painted in soft gradients of blue and purple, with silhouettes of palm trees creating a tranquil coastal ambiance.
Neighborhood Overview
An aerial view of a residential neighborhood at sunset, with the horizon aglow in warm orange and golden hues. Palm trees line the streets, creating a lush, tropical ambiance. Rows of homes with white, terracotta, and tan roofs are arranged neatly, most with small front yards bordered by green lawns and shrubs. A red map pin highlights the location of a particular property among the other houses. The layout is characterized by tree-lined avenues and a mix of architectural styles, blending classic charm and mid-century influences, with a tranquil suburban atmosphere and vibrant natural lighting enhancing the inviting feel.
Listing Agent: Patrick H Mercer of Keller Williams La Jolla via Zillow
