Villa V

This vintage villa was designed and built in 1930 by renowned local architect Richard Requa. He is known for works including the original Torrey Pines Lodge and an update of Balboa Park for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition, including design work on the park’s Old Globe Theatre.

The property boasts nearly 200 feet of direct frontage on the San Diego Bay in Point Loma’s La Playa neighborhood. Sited at the end of a private cul-de-sac on over a quarter-acre gated lot, the home itself has four bedrooms and four baths spread across nearly 3700 square feet of living space.

“Panoramic views are enjoyed from most living areas in an open floor plan that flows from one room to the next for easy entertaining,” boasts the property’s marketing materials, “and family and friends are encouraged to gather by the inviting gourmet’s kitchen.”

The spacious and secluded master bedroom features two private balconies, a walk-in closet, and “a spa-like bathroom featuring a large Jacuzzi tub and steam shower.”

Other amenities include a three-car detached garage, exposed-beam ceilings with custom arches leading from one portion of the living area to the next, windows that open directly onto the harbor, and an elaborately-carved wood-and-glass entry door featuring two egrets along a shoreline.

Outside, multiple patios and terraces feature tropical landscaping. One terrace features an outdoor fireplace that leads to a grassy yard next to the seawall. All outdoor spaces offer panoramic views of the bay and harbor, set against the backdrop of San Diego’s downtown skyline.

A staircase leads from the back yard down to the water or, during low tide, a private stretch of beach across from the Shelter Island harbor that provides a walking path to Kellogg’s Beach or the San Diego and Southwestern Yacht Clubs.

In November 2013, the city granted preliminary approval to plans to build a full pier and private boat dock at the end of neighboring Owen Street. An artist’s rendering of the addition is available on waterfrontvillav.com, created by the property owner to showcase the listing.

Public records show the current owner of “Villa V,” as a placard at the gated entry dubs the estate, as Veronica S. Engel. Engel’s LinkedIn profile lists her profession as “independent clothing designer professional,” and she’s also listed as a commissioner of the San Diego Police Museum.

Villa V has spent some time on the market. The estate was originally listed for sale in September 2012, carrying an asking price of $6,825,000. That listing expired, and the property went back on the market in January 2013 for $5,950,000. Again failing to attract a buyer, the home went up for sale once more last month, this time with the owner said to be entertaining offers between $3,995,000 and $4,595,000.