Architecture Wednesday: Swiss Chalet Craftsman

This 109-year-old gorgeous Swiss Chalet Craftsman embodies the character and craftsmanship of the early 20th century, but has been lovingly restored with modern amenities, and is now as vibrant today as it did when it was built in 1913.

The original home sat on Ocean Blvd across from the art museum but was slated for demolition until the current owner saw an ad for the home, giving it away for free … as long as it was moved to a new site. And so she took it and moved it to its present location, and then made certain that virtually every detail was resurrected through renovation, like … spacious rooms, beautiful hardwood flooring, custom built-ins, coffered ceilings, and original art glass windows, and a spectacular curved staircase.

Now the home sits in Bluff Park, just blocks to the Pacific Ocean. And even though she has some age on her, the home feels spacious and open like a more modern home, providing the perfect balance for both entertaining and living spaces. A massive living room showcases the dramatic fireplace wall with original built-in bookshelves, original art glass windows and an exposed wood-beamed ceiling with Mica chandeliers crown this amazing room. A spacious dining room with original built-ins—seen here as a billiards room—a sunroom, a breakfast room and a guest bath flow throughout the first level leading to the newly upgraded kitchen with high-end appliances and finishes, along with historically inspired custom cabinets.

Ascend the spectacular staircase to the second level to find four bedrooms, three of which have en-suite bathrooms; the primary bedroom features a dressing room and show-stopping bathroom with a steam shower and soaking air bath.

The private backyard, artfully landscaped with a combination of entertaining and private spaces, invites your imagination for outdoor living at its finest and set at the far back of the property are two one-bedroom, one-bathroom rental apartments built behind the house at its original location in 1924 and moved to the new site as well. In addition, there are five garages with alley access.

All that, the gorgeous history, the attention to detail, the modern amenities, the income-producing rentals, and a stroll to the beach can be yours for just $3.4 million.

Dwell