Spanish Mediterranean design of Richard Requa in Mission Hills

The 4300-square-foot Spanish Mediterranean mansion at 4334 Avalon Drive, “located in the sought out neighborhood of Avalon Heights” hasn’t seen the public market in more than 25 years, according to listing information retrieved from Realtor.com.

The nearly century-old home sits at the northern edge of Mission Hills, looking down on Mission Valley and across what would have been False Bay at the time of its construction, toward the Pacific Ocean a few miles distant. Original design work was performed by Richard Requa, who studied under the legendary local architect Irving Gill before striking out on his own and eventually being commissioned Master Architect for the renovation of Balboa Park prior to the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition, the last of San Diego’s world fairs. More recently, contemporary architectural designer Wallace Cunningham is reported to have overseen a modernization of the facilities.

Sited high on the lot to maximize privacy and the view potential, entry to the home is through a grand foyer leading to a living room with exposed-wood-beam ceilings and “a grand Roman brick fireplace.” Elaborate Spanish tile mosaics frame and flank a gated entrance just outside. The “stunning dining room,” kitchen, and adjacent family room are highlighted by unique curved beam arches. The main floor is also home to a library, an office or game room, and a pair of bedrooms - one is an en-suite, suitable for use as a second master.

The primary master suite is accessed by “a whimsical staircase” landing at the entrance to a private second-floor view deck. The owner’s retreat has its own wood-burning fireplace along with a “spa-style bathroom” with pedestal tub, separate shower, and spacious walk-in closet.

Upgrades to the property were performed keeping the home’s historical nature in mind, and include newer paint and flooring (though much of the original hardwood seems to have been preserved). Updates to the kitchen and baths include a large stone-topped center island. The upgrade also added central heating and a multi-zoned air conditioning system.

A sun room downstairs leads out to the solar-heated, Pebble Tec-lined pool and spa, while a handful of other decks and balconies, along with a turf lawn, offer outdoor entertaining opportunities with “breathtaking views of the water and Sea World fireworks” across Mission Bay.

Public records indicate the Avalon estate last sold in 1994 for a reported $780,000 to the Meyer family. Patricia Meyer is a local lawyer and well-liked professor at San Diego Mesa College; her parents Alfred and Catherine were the last open-market buyers.

After a quarter-century off market, the home was listed for the first time this century in late April. The original asking price of $2.5 million was subsequently reduced to $2,350,000 in October, and the home remains available.

• 4334 Avalon Drive | San Diego, 92103
• Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 | Current Owner: Patricia Meyer | List Price: $2,350,000