For some, the quintessential Southern California beach house may embody a sleek and contemporary design with expansive glass windows, while others may envision a charming, wood-framed cottage. However, at the dawn of the 20th century, in the coastal enclave of San Diego, California, it was the fanciful Queen Anne-style Victorian homes that captured the imagination of the seaside resort community.
Yet, one man, the banker and rancher Bartlett Richards, harbored a distinctive vision for the perfect beachfront family abode on San Diego’s Coronado Island. His dream materialized as an opulent Tudor Revival mansion, a testament to his affluence and taste, nestled just across the bay from downtown San Diego and within close proximity to the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
Today, this majestic residence, known as Crown Manor, stands as a timeless testament to luxury living and history, available for those willing to invest $40 million in its grandeur.
Crowned as a Coronado Historical Landmark in 1979, this property benefits from the esteemed Mills Act Designation, a status that not only acknowledges its historical significance but also grants tax incentives in return for the continuous preservation and upkeep of this architectural gem. The illustrious Crown Manor is now jointly listed by Seth Nelson, Fredrik Eklund, and Jackie Guthrie of The Eklund/Gomes Team OC at Douglas Elliman.
This grand estate is situated at the head of a gracious horseshoe driveway, secluded behind a stately brick privacy wall and secured gates. Its design bears the imprint of two of San Diego’s most influential architects, Irving Gill and William S. Hebbard. The original portion of the residence, an imposing two-and-a-half-story red brick structure adorned with high-pitched gables and intricate half-timbering, was completed in 1902 and later expanded.
Today, the mansion boasts an expansive 23,957 square feet of living space, featuring seven bedrooms, and potentially up to five more, along with nine full bathrooms and an additional seven powder rooms, spread across its more than 40 rooms. The property sprawls over nearly two-thirds of an acre, with an impressive 160 feet of beachfront frontage, albeit technically situated across the street from the sandy shores.
The home’s history is rich and storied. When Carol and Mort Paster acquired the property in the mid-1970s for a sum of $650,000, only one of the numerous bathrooms was functional. They dedicated several years to a painstaking process of updating and restoring the residence. In the 1990s, the mansion’s then-owner, Larry Lawrence, who also owned the Hotel del Coronado until his passing in 1996, hosted a fundraiser attended by none other than President Bill Clinton. It was Lawrence who bestowed upon this aristocratic domicile the regal moniker of Crown Manor. Approximately two decades ago, the current owners took possession of the property. According to online records, they have intermittently listed the home for sale since early 2018.
Passing through the imposing stone lions that stand guard before the ornate stained-glass front doors, one enters a series of sumptuously appointed public spaces. These rooms have preserved a plethora of original features, such as wood floors embellished with an intricate interlocking geometric pattern. The capacious 1,000-square-foot wood-paneled living room boasts its original gold-leafed ceiling, while brocade wall panels lend an air of opulence to the formal dining room, capable of accommodating over twenty guests. Delicate floral stenciling graces the walls and ceiling of the ocean-facing ballroom, adding to its enchanting ambiance.
Elsewhere in the mansion, one finds a fireside billiards room, a generously proportioned breakfast room, and an extensive service complex featuring a capacious butler’s pantry and a commercial-style kitchen. Nestled under the eaves of the sloped roof, a multi-room beauty salon and spa space awaits, complete with a hair-washing basin and a manicure station. The residence also boasts a wine cellar and a fitness/wellness area, inclusive of an infrared sauna and an egg-shaped tanning bed.
The expansive property, enveloping almost two-thirds of an acre, is thoughtfully enclosed by a security wall and landscaped to provide both privacy and a serene atmosphere for relaxation. Towards the rear of the residence, mature plantings cast a cool shade over a sheltered courtyard, creating an ideal spot for quiet contemplation. The backyard showcases a host of enticing features, including a verdant lawn with a charming fountain, a poolside terrace with a built-in grill and an outdoor fireplace, and a rectangular swimming pool, long enough for invigorating laps.
In summary, Crown Manor stands as a living testament to the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era, meticulously preserved and enhanced for modern luxury living. With its rich history, architectural significance, and prime beachfront location on Coronado Island, this property offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a truly opulent coastal retreat. For those with a discerning eye and an appreciation for history, Crown Manor awaits its next custodian to write the next chapter in its storied legacy.
