: The Sarah Elston Residence, designed c.1909 by Master Architect and Master Builder H.H. Preibisius. :: This exceptionally rare example of an early twentieth-century Arts & Crafts West Coast Shingle Style Estate stands as one of San Diego’s best surviving expressions of the American Craftsman movement. Occupying a privileged position along Historic 7th Avenue, directly adjacent to Balboa Park, the residence is gracefully sited on a predominantly level 10,500-square-foot parcel overlooking the historic gardens and mature tree canopy of the Marston House. The setting is remarkable—urban yet secluded, architectural yet deeply connected to nature. Distinguished by its wood-shingle exterior, broad rooflines, deep overhangs, and masterfully composed proportions, the residence embodies the Arts & Crafts ideal of craftsmanship, material honesty, and harmony with its surroundings. Throughout the home, natural light animates richly detailed interiors where original architectural elements have been thoughtfully preserved and celebrated. In 2019, the residence underwent a comprehensive restoration and modernization guided by a profound respect for its architectural integrity, focused on preserving its historic character while discreetly integrating contemporary comforts and infrastructure. The result is a residence that retains the soul and authenticity of its 1909 origins while functioning effortlessly for modern living. The primary suite reflects this philosophy, offering a serene and luxurious retreat complete with a soaking tub, steam shower for two, dual vanities, a walk-in dressing room, and a thoughtfully integrated beverage and cosmetic chilling station. Modern conveniences—including an elevator, upgraded systems, redesigned kitchen and baths, and enhanced landscaping—have been incorporated with exceptional restraint and sensitivity. One of the home’s most captivating architectural spaces is the expansive Upper Level. Reimagined as a sophisticated bunk room/guest retreat, the volume showcases the scale and character of the original roof structure while providing sleeping quarters, a family gathering space, and a full bath. It is a space both playful and memorable—equally suited to grandchildren, guests, or multigenerational living. Properties of this architectural significance are increasingly scarce. Rich in provenance, meticulously restored, and situated in one of San Diego’s most historically important residential enclaves, The Elston Residence represents a singular opportunity to become the steward of an enduring architectural legacy!
Property Details
Price:
$4,495,000
MLS #:
NDP2605305
Status:
Pending
Beds:
4
Baths:
4
Type:
Single Family
Subtype:
Single Family Residence
Neighborhood:
92103missionhills
Listed Date:
Jun 4, 2026
Finished Sq Ft:
4,082
Lot Size:
10,500 sqft / 0.24 acres (approx)
Year Built:
1909
See this Listing
Schools
School District:
San Diego Unified
Interior
Bathrooms
3 Full Bathrooms, 1 Half Bathroom
Cooling
CA
Laundry Features
STK, ICL, UL
Levels
C
Main Level Bathrooms
1
Exterior
Architectural Style
CRF
Common Walls
NCW
Community Features
SDW, SL, CRB, PSV, PARK
Fencing
PTL
Garage Spaces
2
Parking Spots
6
Parking Total
6
View
CN, PA, TW
Financial
Map
Community
- Address3536 7th AVENUE San Diego CA
- CitySan Diego
- CountySan Diego
- Zip Code92103
Subdivisions in San Diego
- Bay Park
- BP
- Carmel Mountain Ranch
- Carmel Valley
- Casa Dorado 32501
- CAV
- CH
- Chula Vista
- City Heights
- Civita CIVI
- Clairemont
- CLM
- College Grove
- Crown Point
- Del Cerro
- Downtown
- Downtown Area DOWN
- DWTN
- East San Diego
- Encanto
- ENCTO
- Escala ESCL
- Hillcrest
- Imperial Beach
- Kearny Mesa
- Kensington
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Linda Vista
- Logan Heights
- LV
- Middletown
- Mira Mesa
- Mirador MIRD
- Mirasol MIR
- Mission Beach
- Mission Hills
- Mission Valley
- Mission Village
- Mount Helix
- Normal Heights
- North Park
- NP
- Ocean Beach
- Old Town
- Pacific Beach
- Paradise Hills
- Park Villas PKVL
- Park Vista PV
- Point Loma
- Poway
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Pacifica 1 261701
- Rancho Penasquitos
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Sabre Spr
- San Carlos
- San Diego
- San Ysidro
- SANT
- Santaluz
- Scripps Ranch
- SD
- Serra Mesa
- Smoke Tree SMTR
- South Sd
- Stonebridge 3700
- Talmadge
- The Lakes LK
- Tierrasanta
- Torrey Highlands
- University City
- University Heights
- Villa Portofino 32283
- Woodcrest WT
Market Summary
Current real estate data for Single Family in San Diego as of Jul 09, 2026
1,978
Single Family Listed
68
Avg DOM
589
Avg $ / SqFt
$1,273,877
Avg List Price
Property Summary
- 3536 7th AVENUE San Diego CA is a Single Family for sale in San Diego, CA, 92103. It is listed for $4,495,000 and features 4 beds, 4 baths, and has approximately 4,082 square feet of living space, and was originally constructed in 1909. The current price per square foot is $1,101. The average price per square foot for Single Family listings in San Diego is $589. The average listing price for Single Family in San Diego is $1,273,877.
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3536 7th AVENUE
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