Spectacular Vernacular Tour

Don’t tear it down! is the theme of our annual house tour, Spectacular Vernacular, which spotlights the architectural qualities and charm of five vintage homes throughout Santa Monica on Sunday, September 18, from 1-5 pm.

Three different architectural styles will be featured— Victorian, Craftsman and Spanish Colonial Revival —with each home demonstrating different approaches to renovation and expansion. These homeowners chose to retain their historic homes and modify them for contemporary living rather than demolish and start anew.

Take a docent-led tour of the Fresco home (pictured above, 1903), a classic Victorian cottage that was moved in 1939 to its Ocean Park neighborhood where it was carefully restored, enhanced, and renovated.

 

 

 

 

 

View the Weiss-Lindberg home (1897), whose one-room cottage forms the core of this two-story dwelling that has been renovated and expanded. Celebrate the centennial of the Akazawa-Necci home (1916) with beautifully restored Craftsman details and its modern expansion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explore two Spanish Colonial Revival homes. The Boldt-Garcetti home (1926) combines historic details with innovative and green contemporary renovations. The Allen home (1934), designed and built by Cecil Gale, features the fine craftsmanship and rich detailing of the Spanish Colonial Revival style as well as a beautiful garden.

Guests will receive a brochure and map of all the sites for this self-driving (or biking) tour. At each house, docents will lead guests on a tour of the interior. Check-in at the DMV parking lot at Cloverfield and Colorado. Please arrive by 3 pm to view all of the houses.

Tickets are $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Tickets at check-in will be $35 for members and $40 for non-members.