1924 Craftsman Bungalow in California with Preserved Gumwood Built-Ins, Newly Remodeled Kitchen and Updated Appliances

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Chad Dannecker of Compass

This architecturally significant San Diego home, built in the early 20th century, boasts a unique Spanish/Mission Eclectic style with Craftsman influences. The brick bungalow features swooping curves, arched windows, and a cobblestone foundation inspired by Midwestern roots. It offers rare Mills Act tax savings and has been highlighted in prominent publications like American Bungalow Magazine. Carefully preserved original details include gumwood built-ins and hardwood floors, alongside recent modern upgrades such as solar panels, water filtration, and a remodeled kitchen. With three bedrooms, a bonus walkout basement, and attached two-car garage, this stylish residence is priced at $1,599,900 and situated near 30th Street, Morley Field, and Balboa Park.

Neighborhood Overview

Chad Dannecker of Compass

A densely built suburban neighborhood composed of modest single-family homes and low-rise buildings. Streets are laid out in a grid pattern lined with tall palm trees and smaller greenery, creating a blend of urban and natural elements. The image offers a clear view of a focal property marked by a yellow arrow, surrounded by other residences with varied roofing styles including flat, gable, and tile roofs. The distant skyline of a large city is visible under a clear blue sky, providing a striking contrast between laid-back residential living and the metropolitan core beyond.

Exterior Front View

Chad Dannecker of Compass

The house presents a classic brick facade with a flat roofline and slight parapet detail, reflecting early 20th-century American architectural style. The front porch is defined by arched openings and solid brick pillars, offering a sheltered entrance. Three blue fabric awnings provide shade over a set of front-facing windows, creating a charming contrast against the earthy red brick. Trimmed shrubs and lush landscaping, including flowering plants and neatly maintained bushes, border the walkway and enhance the home’s curb appeal. The property sits on a slightly raised corner lot, emphasizing its prominent and inviting street presence.

Front Porch Entryway

Chad Dannecker of Compass

Arched brick walls create a charming, sheltered front porch with a textured concrete floor in a patterned design. The bright blue door and matching window frames form a striking contrast against the warm red brick, enhancing the home’s historic character. Three evenly spaced arched windows with divider panes allow natural light into the interior. A single cushioned wooden armchair invites relaxation in this cozy alcove. The ceiling is painted in a neutral tone, and a vintage-style hanging lantern light fixture provides soft illumination. The house number and mail slot are integrated into the brick facade, completing the period-inspired aesthetic.

Backyard and Patio

Chad Dannecker of Compass

Well-manicured green lawn dominates the foreground, bordered by a combination of natural stone and brick raised planters hosting lush bushes and a lemon tree. A wooden two-level patio with a sturdy pergola covers part of the upper deck, supported by beams and stone pillars adding rustic charm. To the right, a matching wooden pergola shades a seating area adorned with potted plants and garden décor. Fencing encloses the space, with palm trees and blue skies completing the serene outdoor setting, blending natural elements with warm wood tones and stone masonry for a harmonious backyard retreat.

Backyard Patio Seating

Chad Dannecker of Compass

Spacious backyard patio area with a large wooden pergola casting striped shadows on the stone-tiled floor. Below the pergola, cushioned outdoor seating offers a relaxing nook, surrounded by potted plants and various greenery. The yard is enclosed by a tall wooden fence, providing privacy, while a well-kept grass lawn sits adjacent to a garden bed framed by river stones, containing mature shrubs and small palm trees. The bright blue sky and tall palm trees beyond the fence contribute a serene, warm, and inviting Southern California vibe to the outdoor living space.

Covered Patio Seating Area

Chad Dannecker of Compass

Wooden pergola with closely spaced slats creates dynamic light patterns over stone-paved flooring and outdoor furniture. Seating includes cushioned couches and a central wooden coffee table, arranged for conversation and relaxation. A tall stainless steel patio heater adds warmth for cooler evenings. The patio overlooks a lush green lawn bordered by stone-bordered planters and potted plants. The natural wood finishes of the pergola and deck stairs in the background blend with stone accents, creating a rustic, cozy ambiance. The outdoor space combines functionality and nature with a balance of greenery, stone, and warm wooden tones.

Backyard Deck and Patio

Chad Dannecker of Compass

A spacious backyard patio with stamped concrete flooring extends from the house, framed by natural river rock pillars that add rustic charm. An elevated wooden deck in a warm brown hue is supported by matching wooden beams and posts, featuring a pergola-style roof for partial shade. Wide wooden stairs lead up to the deck from the patio, flanked by potted palm trees enhancing the tropical vibe. Blue doors and windows add a slight pop of color against the natural stone and wood textures. The space balances earthy materials with carefully planned outdoor living aesthetics.

Exterior Front Garden

Chad Dannecker of Compass

An enchanting front garden surrounds a brick-walled home with historic charm. The building shows classic Southwestern architectural influences with red brick construction, blue window frames, and blue fabric awnings over the windows. The structure has a flat roof and a charming arched porch entrance with rounded corners accentuating its vintage appeal. The garden boasts a variety of manicured shrubs and rounded bushes, bordered by a low stone wall made of natural river rocks. Palm trees tower in the background, contributing to the coastal Southern California vibe under a clear blue sky. The property’s landscaping is well-maintained and thoughtfully arranged to complement the home’s old-world Americana style.

Front Exterior and Garden

Chad Dannecker of Compass

A charming brick facade presents a historic American home with a compact, symmetrical design. The front entrance includes a covered porch with three arched openings, featuring dark-painted doors and windows framed by vibrant blue awnings. The front yard is meticulously maintained, with manicured bushes and ornamental plants arranged symmetrically on either side of a paved walkway leading to the front steps. A low rock wall forms the boundary between the garden and the sidewalk. Tall palm trees flank the walkway and add a warm, coastal California feel to the setting, with a clear blue sky enhancing the inviting atmosphere.

Historic Brick Exterior

Chad Dannecker of Compass

Low-slung brick structure with an archway porch and three arched windows framed in blue. The front door is centered between the windows, creating a symmetrical appearance. Blue fabric awnings cover additional windows on the right side, providing shade and visual interest. The foundation is bordered with rounded stones, grounding the home in natural materials. The landscaping includes neatly trimmed bushes, a mix of flowering plants, and potted succulents that add variety and color to the entrance area. Palm trees and clear blue sky suggest a warm, coastal environment enhancing the historic charm.

Exterior Front View

Chad Dannecker of Compass

Historic single-story home with a striking red brick façade complemented by a lower stone foundation. Blue trim outlines a series of multi-pane windows, adding vibrant contrast to the warm brick. The roofline features Spanish-style clay tiles over a small bay window section. A detached garage door in a muted orange and a wooden arched gate to the right provide access while maintaining architectural character. Mature palm trees rise behind the home, evoking a coastal or warm climate aesthetic. Neat landscaping with shrubs and small bushes softens the stone foundation, while two parked cars occupy the street-facing driveway and curb area.

Historic Brick Exterior

Chad Dannecker of Compass

A single-story brick home with a distinctive flat roof and stepped parapet walls. The front porch is recessed, framed by broad arches, offering a shaded sitting area. Three blue dome-shaped awnings add vibrant color above the large multi-pane windows, contrasting with the warm red-brown brick exterior. The house is bordered by a raised garden bed edged with natural river stones, filled with sculpted greenery and low shrubs. Palm trees rise from the front yard, enhancing the sunny, Southern California ambiance. The sidewalks wrap the corner lot, emphasizing the prominent street presence of this historic residence.

Backyard with Deck and Garden

Chad Dannecker of Compass

A raised wooden deck stained in warm brown tones runs along the back of the house, supported by sturdy beams resting on decorative river rock pillars. The deck has a roof providing partial shade and stairs leading down to a spacious tiled patio area. The patio is bordered by thoughtfully arranged potted plants and a raised garden bed made with river rocks and red brick trim, housing a small citrus tree. Lush green grass contrasts against the beige-tiled surfaces. The backyard also contains a pergola-covered section with additional plants. Tall palm trees in the background add a coastal, sunny ambiance to the space.

Living Room Seating Area

Chad Dannecker of Compass

Warm wood trim frames three large arched windows and a matching door, creating an inviting natural light source. The walls are painted a crisp white, providing a clean contrast to the rich wood tones. A detailed tile fireplace with a built-in wooden mantel stretches along one wall, topped by a large wooden-framed mirror that adds depth. The furniture includes a wooden-framed sofa with patterned cushions and a matching armchair with leather upholstery. A muted area rug with dark blue and beige patterns anchors the space, complementing the craftsman aesthetic and earthy color palette.

Living Room and Fireplace

Chad Dannecker of Compass

Warm wood trim and built-in cabinetry frame the room, with a fireplace surrounded by small square tiles forming a central focal point. A large mirror above the mantel reflects the space, complemented by vintage-style wall sconces. The seating includes a wooden-framed sofa with a patterned cushion and a leather armchair, arranged around a straightforward wooden coffee table. The neutral-toned rug with dark borders and intricate design adds texture to the hardwood floor. A stained-glass window introduces color, while a modern ceiling fan provides contrast. Through the wide doorway, a dining area with wooden chairs and a simple pendant light is visible.

Dining Room

Chad Dannecker of Compass

Rich wood trim and window frames surround expansive windows in the dining area, filling the space with natural light and warm tones. A solid wood table seating six anchors the room, complemented by matching wooden chairs with upholstered seats. The ceiling features a classic pendant light with a frosted glass shade, hanging over the table. French doors with glass panes open into the adjoining living room, visible through an open doorway. Inside the living room, a wooden armchair and patterned rug sit in front of a fireplace with a tiled surround. A curved, arched window with stained glass details adds historic charm to the space.

Living Room View

Chad Dannecker of Compass

Richly stained wooden French doors with grid-style glass panels lead into a cozy living area. The room beyond includes three large arched windows framed by matching dark wood trim, enhancing the classic architectural character. Natural light filters through the windows, highlighting a muted, patterned area rug in black and beige tones anchoring the seating space. A modern ceiling fan hangs from the white ceiling, contrasting yet complementing the historic wood detailing. Furniture is simple and solid, including a cushioned sofa and wooden chairs with leather seats, blending traditional craftsmanship with functional comfort.

Kitchen Countertop and Sink

Chad Dannecker of Compass

Bright and clean kitchen area with glossy white cabinetry featuring black hardware handles. The countertops are a warm, speckled granite, contrasting nicely with the white subway tile backsplash that adds a modern touch. Stainless steel appliances, including a gas range stove, microwave, and dishwasher, enhance the contemporary vibe. The double stainless steel sink under two double-hung windows brings in ample natural light, highlighting the hardwood floor beneath. To the right, a built-in bench with a white cushion sits beneath another window, bordered by simple white trim and a decorative vent. The ceiling is fitted with recessed lighting, ensuring the space is well-lit.

Kitchen Corner

Chad Dannecker of Compass

A bright and airy kitchen corner with a clean, modern aesthetic. White shaker-style cabinetry lines the walls with black hardware adding subtle contrast. The countertop is a warm-toned granite that complements the natural hardwood floor beneath. A stainless steel stove and microwave fit neatly under the cabinets, with a matching dishwasher to the right. White subway tile backsplash runs along the wall, enhancing the crisp, fresh vibe. Two windows sit above the sink, allowing natural light to flood the space, while a white cushioned bench below a large side window offers cozy seating with storage underneath. Recessed ceiling lights maintain an even illumination throughout.

Living Room Details

Chad Dannecker of Compass

Three large wood-framed arched windows bring in natural light and highlight the classic architectural charm. The rich wood trim around the windows, baseboards, and doors contrasts with the crisp white walls, adding warmth and character. A ceiling fan with dark blades provides a modern touch while maintaining simplicity. The hardwood floor complements the wood trim, and the large area rug with a muted geometric and floral pattern anchors the space. The doorway leads to an adjacent room featuring a fireplace with decorative tile, continuing the historic American home aesthetic.

Bathroom Details

Chad Dannecker of Compass

The bathroom is designed with a classic black-and-white color scheme, featuring white subway tile walls accented by a single row of glossy black tiles arranged in a checkerboard pattern. The floor is covered in small hexagonal mosaic tiles in black and white, adding to the vintage aesthetic. A white porcelain pedestal sink with chrome fixtures sits opposite a white toilet, both blending seamlessly with the white walls. Two frosted windows provide soft natural light while maintaining privacy. The room includes a white cast iron bathtub with a curved shower rod and a light-colored shower curtain, completing the traditional, clean, and timeless look.

Bathroom Corner

Chad Dannecker of Compass

Compact bathroom space with classic black and white subway tiles lining the lower portion of the walls, accented by a pattern of alternating black tiles just below the white trim tile border. A small white vanity with a curved basin and silver faucet is positioned in the corner, topped by a dark-framed rectangular mirror. Above the mirror, three modern light fixtures with ribbed glass shades provide ample illumination. The walls above the tile are painted in a soft, light beige color, creating a clean and timeless aesthetic. A chrome towel bar is mounted on the right wall, adding functional detail.

Listing Agent: Chad Dannecker of Compass via Zillow 

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