Golden Gate Villa, 1891 Queen Anne Victorian in Santa Cruz, California


There is so much history available on this house. Too much to add to the blog, but most of it is covered on two websites. Early history of the home, including an extensive history of the first owner, Major Frank McLaughlin, can be found here. Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Edison are rumored to have visited the home. A Room on the second floor is named "Teddy Roosevelt Room". One of the videos claims that Thomas Edison wired the house for electricity. Many of the lighting fixtures in the home are still set up for gas or electric light. The first listing agent that I could find for this house, he represented the owner at that time who had been living in the house since 1967, had quite an extensive website to sell the house. Some of it is still online and he has a page of history as well. This house was added to the National Historic Registry in the 1970's by the owner at that time, Patricia. She appears in a few of the photos as well as the PBS video below.

This post is a compilation of photos from several listings. For the current photos only, follow the links below to your preferred real estate website or the Listing Agent website.

LISTING DETAILS

Known as the Crown Jewel of Santa Cruz, this one-of-a-kind Villa was exquisitely designed by Thomas Welsh in Queen Anne Victorian style. The Golden Gate Villa was completed in 1891 with its original character immaculately preserved to this day, a monument to the lavish era of elegance and craftsmanship in which it flourished. With over 10,500 square feet of living space, this magnificent residence features 10 Suites, 11.5 Bathrooms, including a penthouse overlooking the ocean and the city, a turreted carriage house, beautifully landscaped grounds and ample off street parking. A Gold Parlor modeled after one of the rooms in the Palace of Versailles with a pure Onyx-faced fireplace and gold-plated chandelier, speaks well of the rest of the Villa. The grand entry with the sweeping stairway, intricately carved mantels of exotic woods, high ceilings with plaster rosettes, 20 museum grade Tiffany quality stained glass windows throughout the house, gilded ornamental detailing throughout.

PREVIOUS LISTING DETAILS

There may be no other property in Santa Cruz as well known as Golden Gate Villa. This lavish and ornate Queen Anne Victorian was built on Beach Hill in West Santa Cruz from 1890 to 1891. Boasting approximately 10,500 square feet which is shared between three levels, the master craftsmanship can be spotted as soon as one enters the home. Surprisingly, the quality still awes those who experience it and what was astonishing 100 years ago remains astonishing today. 
 
You'll find some of the most beautiful, Tiffany grade stained glass windows to be found anywhere graciously spread throughout the home. The staircase window which was renovated in 1990, was reportedly appraised for $450,000 and is a spectacle that refracts the late afternoon sun throughout the 2nd level. Most of the rooms have views and depending on which side of the home you're in, you can enjoy those of the ocean or of downtown Santa Cruz.

There's also a detached Carriage House and a basement so adequate room is never an issue. There's also parking for approximately 9 cars. This spectacular home is priced for an immediate sale. If you've ever dreamed about living in a famous and well appointed vintage masterpiece, do not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Features; 10,500 Sq. Ft. (approx), 20,735 SF Site, Gated Entrance, Guest apartments, Detached Carriage House, Historic Designation, 8+ Bedrooms, 9+ Bathrooms, Grand Ballroom, Views, Original Collectible Lighting Fixtures, Imported Fireplaces, Current Rent $15,700/Mo, Do not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

PREVIOUS LISTING DETAILS

Previously listed for $10 million! Golden Gate Villa is one of the most important and lavishly ornamented Victorian landmarks anywhere. This captivating property transforms time and space and is the premiere stage for entertaining. Numerous museum grade stained glass windows, pure onyx fireplace shipped from Greece, detached carriage house and basement.
 
PREVIOUS LISTING DETAILS

Picture yourself forty years ago. That is when the Golden Gate Villa last changed hands. Maybe then you couldn't afford it, but now you can. 

This site can only begin to describe the absolutely unique opportunity that now exists to own the "Crown Jewel of Santa Cruz," the choicest property in one of California's favorite beach-front cities. The Golden Gate Villa stands as the sole example of a landmark Queen-Anne style mansion overlooking the ocean and the City of Santa Cruz. Main Street in Santa Cruz begins at the Main Beach and ends at Golden Gate Villa on Beach Hill, as it has for more than a century.
The mansion comes with a vastly rich history, incorporating tales of Teddy Roosevelt and Thomas Edison, along with one of the most spectacular success stories of California mining history and even an intriguing family murder mystery. If your success allows, you can now preserve this magnificent historical landmark in the style it deserves. Take the tour. Read the history. As you enjoy this site, imagine yourself the owner of the Crown Jewel of Santa Cruz. The Golden Gate Villa is now for sale.

BACK ON THE MARKET   $5,900,000
BACK ON THE MARKET   $2,499,950   $1,799,950   $2,100,000   SOLD   $2,500,000
BACK ON THE MARKET   $3,150,000      
FOR SALE   $3,650,000   $3,500,000   SOLD   $3,250,000    
924 3rd St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
10 beds  |  10/1 baths  |  10,500 sqft  .48 acres

LINKS:
Listing Agent, Zillow, Realtor 1, Realtor 2, Penthouse Airbnb, Previous Agent website, Previous Agent's Video, Previous Agent History of House, "Find" PBS Show Video, History, More History via Santa Cruz Public Libraries Local History Cllection, Another Previous Agent Listing, Wikipedia,  

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THE PENTHOUSE: FOR RENTAL ON AIRBNB