San Diego, CA
A Grand San Diego Victorian Looks Dapper After 134 Years
The Long-Waterman home, built in 1889, is considered one of the finest examples of Victorian-style … [+]
A rare Victorian-era home―its gas-lit heyday marked by white-glove soirees―has come to market in San Diego’s Bankers Hill district.
The 1889 Queen Anne-style home, with its dome-topped tower, wraparound gingerbread porch, carriage house and impeccably maintained interior is priced at $6.485 million.
“This is one of San Diego’s best,” says Bruce Coons, an architecture historian and Executive Director of San Diego-based Save Our Heritage Organisation. “It’s one of the top 10 Victorian-era homes in the city.”
The Queen Anne-style is located in the heart of Bankers Hill near downtown San Diego and Balboa … [+]
While numerous other San Diego Victorians have been disfigured, the four-bedroom Long-Waterman home, named for its first two owners, has been graced by preservation-oriented buyers. That includes eight consecutive decades of family ownership, from 1897 to 1977.
Built for John and Kate Long, the 6,180-square-foot home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The timeless residence is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as site No. 37.
Set on a prominent corner that’s a 7-minute walk from Balboa Park, the stately three-story home is drenched in decorative excess. Attic eyebrow dormers flank gables faced with ornamented bargeboard, their peaks inset with a fan design. Elegant finials rise from the crests. The tower’s dome is roofed with a diamond-shaped terne plate.
The wraparound front porch is a mélange of fretting and turned spindles, their blocky shapes inset with rosettes. Spandrels are cut with a sunburst design. That assortment is fronted by sawn balusters lined with a circular cutout pattern.
Hand-carved wood details and a mix of patterned siding are among exterior details of note.
Three chimneys servicing four fireplaces rise from the structure that’s anchored with a massive magnolia tree in the front yard, planted in 1906. In the home’s backyard, there’s a camphor tree reported to be among California’s largest.
The home’s pattern on pattern redwood cladding (there are four motifs) has recently been painted greige and accented with white trim, keeping with tradition.
A redwood front door marks the entrance to the graceful residence.
Perhaps most telling―and it’s a tiny detail easily overlooked in a structure chock-full of them―is the home’s original weathervane rising from the dome’s finial. An ornamented heart is set at the base of the vane––a symbol of the loving care that’s been lavished on the structure and its sumptuous interior for 134 years.
“We’ve always had a deep emotional connection to the property,” says Allegra Ernst, who, with her husband John Ernst, purchased the home in 1993 and, given their retirement, are selling. Adds John Ernst: “We’ve done our best never to take it for granted―it’s such a masterpiece.”
Turned spindles create visual interest below the banister in the main foyer.
Entering through the home’s richly carved redwood door into the foyer, a handsome staircase lies straight ahead, a showpiece of Anglo-Japanese design, an aesthetic popularized in the United Kingdom during the Victorian era.
Turned spindles are oriented at horizontal and vertical angles below the banister. They’re located just above cutout Japanese fans with handles that edge each step. Embellished wainscoting, found throughout the home, adorns the base of the massive redwood structure.
The artisan-stained glass window in the foyer is adorned with scroll, flute and floral designs
The foyer’s diamond pattern floor is done in three colors of slate. The room’s fireplace and high-mirrored mantel are set with fluted columns topped by scrolled capitals. The mantel’s base is carved with an egg-and-dart design.
The home’s four fireplaces, carved from various kinds of wood, have original glazed tiles and cast iron gates. The tiles were most likely created by the American Encaustic Tiling Company, founded in 1875, according to Coons.
Eye-catching wainscoting is found throughout the home.
The Ernsts brightened the home upon purchase by swapping out dark foil wallpaper for off-white wall coverings with a diamond pattern. They further banished somber Victorian sensibilities by installing a new ivory carpet swirled with a floral motif, which remains in excellent condition. A new composite shingle roof―a major investment costing $75,000―was installed over the original cedar shingles about a decade ago, among other improvements.
Most of the home’s 7-foot tall windows are original and are predominately double-hung sashes. Others are leaded or stained glass adorned with scroll, flute and floral designs. Heart redwood is used extensively throughout the structure, for doors, paneling, molding, trim and for other uses.
The home has four intricate fireplaces, each carved from various kinds of wood and featuring … [+]
Past the foyer, the home’s genteel parlor (really a great room) is anchored by two mahogany pillars and an ornate transom. The fireplace has a brass screen inset with beveled glass squares that lend it a refined polish. Ash removal doors are decorated with hummingbirds and flowers.
Beyond the parlor is a sunroom and, to the right, a dining room set with an 1890s oak tambour table, purchased by a previous owner from the Milton S. Hershey Mansion in Pennsylvania. That and other furniture are available for purchase in negotiation with the sales price.
A stained glass clerestory window.
The eclectic home’s second floor has a guest and a full bathroom, and there’s a guest bathroom on the first floor.
The Ernsts purchased some of the home’s chandeliers in antique shops, adding to the existing collection, some of which were sourced from Austria.
Views from the upper balcony take in the heart of Bankers Hill.
The Long-Waterman house was designed by Irishman Domenick P. Benson, who immigrated to the United States around age 20. He created a convent and several other public buildings in the area, along with numerous Victorian-style homes. “Benson’s buildings were noted for their elaborate interior woodwork furnishings,” according to a historical record.
The home’s last resident after 80 years of unbroken family ownership was Florence Hart Gilbert, who died in 1975. She was the daughter of the third owner, Fred Root Hart, who bought the property in 1897.
The attic offers a bird’s eye view of the area.
John Parker, who owned San Diego’s KYKY Radio, bought the home in 1977, paying about $400,000. He launched a four-year renovation project that concluded in 1981. It included a new foundation for the home and another one under the carriage house, which lacked one. The home’s paint was stripped to the original wood and its wallpaper was removed. All the interior woodwork was stripped and restained. The kitchen was modernized, chimney stacks were repaired, mechanical systems were updated and new landscaping was installed―that’s the shortlist.
Nine years before the Ernsts bought the home, they began leasing the property’s 1,530-square-foot carriage house for their financial services company, which they sold last year. As with Parker, they moved their business into the home, which is zoned for residential and commercial use.
The property is zoned for commercial and residential with mixed use.
The property is under a Mills Act contract, which gives preservation-minded owners a tax break. The Ernsts went a step further, obtaining a historic building facade easement―an agreement struck with the City of San Diego that grants the city interest and rights to the facade, but not ownership, to protect its appearance.
There are about 50 Victorian homes in Bankers Hill, according to Coons. Allegra Ernst cites some nearby, repurposed legal offices that have been desecrated with alterations and additions.
Towering magnolia and stunning jacaranda trees surround the property, adding to the park-like feel.
“They look awful,” she says. “The highest and best use of this property is served by its current state––as a work of art.”
The listing for the Long-Waterman House, 2408 First Avenue, San Diego, is held by Christine Baker and Cornelia Siem of Willis Allen Real Estate.
MORE FROM FORBES GLOBAL PROPERTIES
Here are some of the best things to do this week in San Diego, from Monday, Dec. 16 to Friday, Dec. 20.
Check back Wednesday for our guide to things to do this weekend.
Monday
Skating by the Sea: Hotel Del Coronado: Locals can enjoy views of Coronado Beach and the Pacific Ocean while ice skating at the Hotel Del Coronado. An outdoor temporary ice rink on the hotel’s Windsor Lawn will be open to the public through Jan. 5. General admission is $40 and $35 for hotel guests, military members and first responders. There are also $35 “value skate days” on Dec. 16 and 17. Admission covers rentals and ice skating sessions can last up to 90 minutes. There is also lounge seating around the ice rink available by reservation. Open and closing times differ each day. Check the Hotel Del Coronado’s website for the full schedule. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. 619-435-6611, hoteldel.com/events/skating-by-the-sea
“In the Christmas Mood”: The Glenn Miller Orchestra will play holiday classics. More than 18 singers and other musicians are featured in this show. 7 p.m. Monday. Balboa Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., B Street, San Diego. $72. sandiegotheatres.org/event/2024/12/christmas-mood-glenn-miller-orchestra
Ice skating at Fairmont Grand Del Mar: Glide on an “eco-friendly Glice skating rink” at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar this holiday season. The resort will use a synthetic ice product from Glice, a company headquartered in Switzerland, that functions “without electricity or water,” according to the company. Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s Glice rink will be available from Nov. 28 through Jan. 1. Rink hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 3 to 7 p.m. Sundays. There will be special hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. It will cost $40 for adults and $20 for children, with skate rentals included. Skating passes will be available for $150 per person. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego. 858-314-2000, granddelmar.com/holidays
Rady Children’s Ice Rink: The annual Rady Children’s Ice Rink returns to Liberty Station, benefiting cancer patients. This will be the 28th year Rady Children’s Hospital will host its ice rink. “Net proceeds from the rink” go to the Thriving After Cancer Program and over the years and more than $2 million has been raised, according to Rady Children’s Ice Rink organizers. This year, the outdoor ice rink will be open most days from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Jan. 5, with special holiday hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. It will cost $20 per adult and $15 per child, military member and Rady Children’s staff. Skate rental is covered with admission. 2875 Dewey Road, San Diego. 619-221-1970, rchicerink.org
‘All That Jazz’ at Hotel del Coronado: The Norfolk Island Pines on the Hotel del Coronado’s Founders Lawn are the centerpiece of the “All That Jazz” light show. From 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 21 to Jan. 5., the Hotel del Coronado gives the public a free holiday light show that is synchronized with jazz music. There will also be a hotel duplicate 12-foot-tall red turret with holiday lights, a bar and lounge seating. The free light show is 10 minutes long and occurs every 30 minutes. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. 619-435-6611, hoteldel.com/events/at-first-light-lightshow-spectacular
Lights at the Lakes: The Santee Lakes Campground will turn into a holiday light show Dec. 1-31 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Lights at the Lakes is a free event that allows registered campground guests to walk or drive their golf court to see the light displays. 9310 Fanita Parkway, Santee. 619-596-3141, santeelakes.com/event/lights-at-the-lakes-campground-edition
Jingle Terrace Live: The Brengle Terrace Park at Moonlight Amphitheatre will present a holiday light show through Dec. 21. Jungle Terrace Live will feature live entertainment, holiday displays, seasonal activities, photo opportunities and light shows. This all-ages event is free to attend.1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com/events-tickets/jingle-terrace-live
Jungle Bells: The San Diego Zoo will once again celebrate the holiday season with its Jungle Bells seasonal event. Through Jan. 5, the park will offer three holiday light trails: celebration, discovery and symphony from 5 to 8 p.m. These paths allow guests to venture into the zoo and explore exhibits such as the cactus garden and the tiger trail. Jungle Bells also brings holiday musical acts and performances. It is free with paid admission to the zoo or a membership. Parking is available for free. 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego. zoo.sandiegozoo.org/jungle-bells
Tuesday
‘A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story Told by Jefferson Mays’ The Old Globe presents Tony-winning actor and UC San Diego graduate Jefferson Mays in a new adaptation of his acclaimed solo show where he plays more than 50 characters in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Old Globe artistic director Barry Edelstein directs. Through Dec. 22. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $64-$96. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe.org
A Nat “King” Cole Christmas Tribute: Leonard Patton and Friends will play a Christmas tribute concert for Nat King Cole. 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. The Jazz Lounge, 6818 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. Tickets start at $40. thejazzlounge.live/
Wednesday
‘A Christmas Carol’: Cygnet Theatre will present its annual production of Dickens’ redemptive holiday tale, once again starring Cygnet artistic director Sean Murray as the miserly Victorian money-lender Ebenezer Scrooge. It was adapted for the stage and directed by Murray, with lyrics by Murray and original music by Billy Thompson. It features sing-along Christmas carols, puppetry, humor, dancing and special effects. The 2024 staging will feature an expanded storyline, fresh original music and a revitalized script. Runs through Dec. 24. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Cygnet’s Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town San Diego. $73. (619) 337-1525. cygnettheatre.com
Winter Fest: On Dec. 18, the Fallbrook Library will host its annual Winter Fest. There will be a photo booth and face painting for all ages and holiday music by the Mountain Dulcimer Club. The Bottom Shelf bookstore will also reopen starting Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will host its annual Christmas Boutique through Dec. 31, featuring art books, coffee table books, collector’s items and children’s books. 2:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Visit 124 S. Mission Road. Visit fallbrooklibraryfriends.org.
Venice – ‘The Venice Christmas Show’: Jackson Browne, Roger Waters and the late David Crosby are just some of the notable artists the veteran Los Angeles band Venice has collaborated with over he years. The group’s harmonious vocal blend is a treat in any setting. 8 p.m. Wednesday. Belly Up, 143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. $26-$46. Ages 21 and up only. 858-481-8140, bellyup.com
Lightscape: San Diego Botanic Garden will host its light show for the third time, opening on Nov. 15 and running through Jan. 5. Lightscape is a one-mile trail filled with flowers and trees covered in lights, illuminated tunnels, suspended lights and artistic installations from international artists. Holiday drinks and treats will be available on the trail. Ticket prices range from $13-31, based on age and time of day. The parking fee is $10-$25. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. 760-436-3036, sdbg.org/lightscape
Thursday
Voctave – ‘It Feels Like Christmas’: San Diego Symphony presents this 11-member a cappella vocal ensemble performing songs from its just-released holiday album on a North American tour. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $39-$93. purchasing.sandiegosymphony.org/9537
Jingle Jets: The USS Midway Museum is marking the season with its second annual Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration. The museum will be decorated with 750,000 festive lights, and themed events will take place on certain nights, including a dog night, Christmas pajama party, ugly sweater night and Christmas carol karaoke. Plus, ticketed guests can take a photo with Santa Claus. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday. 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego. $18-$30. 619-544-9600, midway.org
Friday
Coastal Christmas Del Mar: The Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts a Coastal Holiday Festival with holiday lights attractions. Highlights include a walk-through display of more than 1 million lights, “glice” skating, holiday market, Frosty’s Fun Zone, holiday wine walk and Santa and Friends. Igloos and fireside lounges can be reserved for cozying with some hot cocoa. S’mores kits, festive food, and drinks will be sold. Tickets are $19.95 and $12.95 for children ages 4-12. Admission is free for 3 and under. Holiday Wine Walk is $49.99. Promotional nights include military, first responders and teachers. 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 26 at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Visit delmarfairgrounds.com/events/2024/coastal-christmas
Holiday Lights: The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum will put on its annual Holiday Lights event, which transforms the historic museum grounds into a winter wonderland with light display. Highlights include wagon rides through holiday lights, Santa photos, food and drinks, crafts, model trains, steam engine and tractor displays, s’mores, holiday movies, local vendors and Christmas tree raffle. 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20-21. Admission is $10, in advance online; $12 at gate; free for kids 6 and younger. agsem.org/holiday-light-2024
City Ballet of San Diego’s “The Nutcracker”: John Nettles directs the City Ballet orchestra for this production which won the Tommy Award for Best Nutcracker in San Diego. The pre-ballet show features holiday carolers in the lobby. The Victorian-era story is traditional with Clara, her Nutcracker Prince and Tchaikovsky’s famous 1892 ballet score. The choreography was created by Elizabeth Wistrich after Rudolf Nureyev and other masters. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Monday. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $39-$119. 800-988-4253, cityballet.org
Golden State Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: The lavish downtown production choreographed by Raul Salamanca includes professional dancers and 90 talented students from the award-winning academy. The Tchaikovsky score is performed by a live orchestra from the San Diego Symphony. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Runs 20 hours, 10 minutes, with intermission. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $35-$129. goldenstateballet.org
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”: Danika Pramik-Holdaway directs the annual production featuring students of the Balboa Park-based company. The ballet follows the traditional story of Clara and her Nutcracker prince, the battle of the toy solders and mice and the dance of the Sugarplum Fairy. 7 p.m. Friday 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Casa del Prado Theatre, Balboa Park $27. 619-259-0220, sdcyb.org
Originally Published:
A 26-year-old man was mauled to death by his pet dogs in a horror attack that left another victim seriously injured.
Pedro Luis Ortega was attacked by his three American bully dogs outside Ericson Elementary School in Mesa Viking Park, San Diego, at around midday Friday, San Diego police told NBC7.
A second unnamed adult stepped in to try to help Ortega, the Los Angeles Times reported, while other bystanders tried to fend off the dogs with shovels and a golf club.
Officers responded to the scene to find Ortega covered in bites from the 100-pound dogs. He was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries.
The second adult also suffered “serious bite injuries,” authorities said, while a child present at the scene was left unharmed.
Officers deployed tasers on the dogs and quickly captured two of them while the third escaped. The school was plunged into a brief lockdown while authorities searched for the animal, before it was found at the owner’s home nearby.
Witness Steve Marto told KSWB/KUSI he initially thought police were trying to detain someone before realizing the commotion was due to a dog attack. “They were big, like XL bullies, just massive muscle,” he said.
Torn clothing and a shoe were seen at the scene.
San Diego Humane Society animal handlers euthanized the three dogs Saturday, spokesperson Nina Thompson told NBC7.
“Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the victim’s loved ones,” Thompson said.
The animal’s remains will now be tested for rabies, she added.
The Independent has contacted the San Diego Police Department, the San Diego County Department of the Medical Examiner, and the San Diego Humane Society for comment.
A pedestrian was struck by a train and killed Sunday afternoon in Oceanside, a sheriff’s lieutenant said.
It happened about 12:30 p.m. near where Mission Avenue crosses the train tracks between North Cleveland and North Myers streets, sheriff’s Lt. Josh Stone said. The area is approximately two blocks east of the beach and the city’s pier.
Information about the person who was killed was not immediately available.
Oceanside police said an Amtrak train was involved and there were some roadway closures in the area. Some rail traffic in the area, including the North County Transit District’s Coaster commuter train, was delayed about 40 minutes after the crash, according to the agency’s posts on social media.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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