Best of 2001: Best One Hour Lesson In Victorian Architecture

Villa Montezuma

• 1925 K Street, Sherman Heights
• 619-239-2211
• Friday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Jesse Shepard House, also known as the Villa Montezuma, offers a break from tract-housing suffocation. Built in 1887, it is one of the few glorious Victorian homes to survive locally, and great pains have been taken to keep it close to its original condition. You'll be greeted at the door by a guide who will converse with you throughout the tour and explain Victorian housebuilding and San Diego history. You'll find out what a strange fellow Jesse Shepard was. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 6 to 17. San Diego Historical Society Members and children under 6 are free.