Historic Architectural and Delightful Urban Retreat

Top rated by guests
Exterior
Private kitchen
Private kitchen
Private kitchen
Outdoor dining
review stars
10Outstanding
(4 Ratings)
"The house and area are just as described. There is not as much street parking as advertised, but the garage works well. Great neighborhood, easy to walk to many things of interest. "
Michael H.
Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
10 / 10
Outstanding(4 Ratings)

House in San Diego, CA

4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
High-end valueWell priced for this area
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental

About this house rental

Designed by world-famous Architect Irving J. Gill, this wonderful architecturally significant 1910 home has been meticulously maintained and preserved, and recently honored with membership in the Iconic Houses worldwide network of the most significant Modernist homes. The house was so ahead of its time that you might think it is Mid-century Modern even though it was built well before mid-century. It is open and light and has great views into its private garden.
This home has a stunning and unique character. The home has been updated to include all modern conveniences but maintains its historic charm and integrity. With a chef's kitchen and a short walk to Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and other gourmet stores, you can stay at home and make your own tasty meals, or you can walk to many amazing restaurants and amenities in the surrounding Hillcrest neighborhood.
Gill is widely regarded as San Diego's first prominent architect and the first Modernist architect in California. The house is designed for maximum sun, breeze, and privacy. Original Gill details have been meticulously maintained throughout the home. In addition to the home's incredible location in the Hillcrest/midtown area, it is convenient to nearly everything San Diego has to offer. The home's fine architectural character, beauty, and calmness will make it hard to leave. Your host is the founder and president of the Irving J. Gill Foundation.
The house is limited to four overnight guests, but we do provide place settings for up to 6 guests. We also provide a gas grill, should you want to host two guests for a small dinner party.
On the ground floor, the home features an amazing living room to gather in with a functioning gas fireplace. Upstairs there are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an entertainment room. A second-floor deck looking out on the street in front offers a great place to enjoy San Diego's perfect year-round climate, though guests are advised to be cautious around the deck's historic guardrails, which are lower than contemporary homes.
The garage will fit one car, but it is a tight space. Most cars will fit fine, but large SUVs will not. There is also free street parking in front of the home, but like most of midtown San Diego, it can get busy during normal work hours and during nearby events.
Self-check in. Guests will be given a code to enter on a keypad and enter through a side door. A keypad was not placed on the front door to maintain its historical character.
Hillcrest is a popular older San Diego neighborhood. Many streets are lined with trees. There are many Gill homes in the area as well as California Craftsman homes.
The neighborhood is bounded by Mission Hills to the northwest, Bankers Hill and Balboa Park to the south, University Heights to the north, and North Park to the east. A large ridge overlooking San Diego Bay borders the neighborhood to the west.
Hillcrest is centrally located. The neighborhoods of Hillcrest, Balboa Park, Bankers Hill, Misson Hills, North Park, and downtown San Diego are very close and easy to get to. Thanks to its central location and San Diego’s freeway system, all of San Diego is within easy reach by car.
But it is OK to stay in Hillcrest too! It is a vibrant neighborhood with special events like: a weekly farmers market; a monthly Walk in ART event; and annual events like Taste of Hillcrest, Pride Block Party, and CityFest. Hillcrest if also a great location for the annual Pride Parade and the Rock n Roll marathon. San Diego’s famous Comic-Con is just a few minutes away in downtown San Diego.
• Superb architectural design
• Fully equipped chef's kitchen
• SmartTV w/ Roku
• Extremely safe neighborhood
• Easy walking to Whole Foods, cafes, restaurants, and more
• Walk Score 94 (walker's paradise)
• Bike Score 79 (very bike-able)
• Very close to the zoo, beaches, Balboa Park, and more
• Close to golf courses
• Beaches only 7 easy miles away
• 11 min drive or Uber/Lyft to downtown San Diego and Little Italy
Please note that a STR rental agreement is required for this property.

Amenities at Historic Architectural and Delightful Urban Retreat

Non-smoking
No pets allowed

Map of San Diego, CA


Ratings and reviews

10 / 10
Outstanding(4 Ratings)
10 / 10Outstanding·Jul 2025
The house and area are just as described. There is not as much street parking as advertised, but the garage works well. Great neighborhood, easy to walk to many things of interest.
10 / 10Outstanding·Oct 2023
A lovely property in Hillcrest. It has everything you need for a very pleasant stay and it is spotlessly clean and comfortable. Whenever required, the host was responsive to any questions we had. The location is great with a Wholefoods in close proximity and Trader Joes and Ralph’s a short walk away. It’s walkable to Balboa Park and the Zoo and downtown is a good walk - but an Uber back as it’s uphill most of the way! A thoroughly enjoyable stay in this very special property.
10 / 10Outstanding·Apr 2023
This small house was a pleasant and convenient retreat for a family of adults. Amenities were lovely including luxury linens and upscale kitchen appliances. Kitchen and dining room were more than adequate for cooking and serving family meals. The immediate neighborhood was quiet and felt secluded and safe, yet we were a short walk from a grocery, drug store, and coffee shop, so it would be very easy to get anything one might need. Architecture buffs will also appreciate the tastefully preserved/restored historical structure and the abundance of architectural reference books about the house.

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FAQs

Is parking included with this house?

Parking is not specified as an available amenity at Historic Architectural and Delightful Urban Retreat. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this house?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is Historic Architectural and Delightful Urban Retreat pet friendly?

Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

What amenities are available at Historic Architectural and Delightful Urban Retreat?

We found 2 amenities for this rental. This includes non-smoking, and no pets allowed.