Antique Home Insights
30 August 2025
There’s something special about stepping into a house that’s pushing 100 years old. This 1927 craftsman bungalow in the mid-city Corridor neighborhood of San Diego brought me right back to my ten years in Boston, where I cut my teeth selling antique early American homes with unfinished crawlspaces, French drains, and below-grade basements that smell like history.
In San Diego, finding a crawlspace is almost mythical. But here it was: fully functional, easily accessible, and upgraded with a sump pump & French drain that would make any New England builder proud. You can tell this took smart foresight and rare execution. It’s the kind of detail that sets a restored antique home apart from a remodeled box.
CT Homes Remodels Vintage San Diego Properties
This classic deco-era heritage property was polished and reinvented by CT Homes, the powerhouse investment group from New Haven, Connecticut founded by JD Esajian of Flip This House on A&E and former NFL Defensive Back turned real estate investor, Than Merrill. Their renovation manager, Angel Leyzaola, walked us through how the house looked when they first bought it in original condition and shared how it evolved into this bright coastal-inspired home that stands here today.
The blend of 1920s craftsmanship and modern design hit perfectly. Character details intact, yet every corner functional. Slate-blue siding trimmed in white sets the tone. Seafoam-teal cabinets paired with light overhead cupboards give the kitchen a fresh coastal lift, with the same seaside tone carrying into the bathroom cabinetry.
Why I Gravitate Toward Selling Century-Old Homes
I’ve been in real estate for 17 years, licensed on both coasts. North of Boston, I sold antique homes built from the early 1700s onward with crooked staircases, horsehair plaster, knob-and-tube wiring, the works. You learn quickly that old doesn’t mean broken. It’s a living language. These character homes tell you how they’ve aged in what’s been preserved, and where you’ll need to invest next.
That experience translates seamlessly here in mid-city Corridor between North Park and Normal Heights. When we walk through an antique home for sale in San Diego, I’m not guessing. I’m reading the systems and measuring the lifespan of upgrades, while appreciating the craftsmanship that’s kept this structure alive for nearly a century.
Modern Craftsman Bungalow For Sale With ADU
This 1927 vintage home blends classic San Diego architecture with a full modern restoration a few blocks East of North Park while just South of Normal Heights. The open concept floorplan includes stainless steel appliances, designer cabinetry, and new flooring, while the backyard has been transformed into an urban oasis complete with a patio gazebo and low maintenance landscaping.
A brand new roof, upgraded windows, central air, tankless water heater, and updated sewer system secure long lasting value. The one-car detached garage and extended driveway offer flexible parking, or even potential for added living space. Only three miles from Downtown San Diego and minutes to parks and cafes, this property pairs original antique character with every modern convenience.
Restored Historic Homes for Sale in San Diego
We saw over 80 homes for sale before this one stopped us in our tracks. Many mid-city San Diego neighborhoods are layered with blocks of character craftsman bungalows and vintage antique houses that survived long before the condo boom.
This house shows more than updated living space. It’s proof that historic homes for sale in San Diego carry the same weight as newer suburban homes when you know how to read the details, value the systems, and recognize the craftsmanship that carries these properties forward.
The Bottom Line: Vintage Homes, Lasting Value
Buying or selling an antique property in San Diego means it’s time to put proven REALTOR® expertise on your side. These historic homes demand far more than a surface glance at the living space. You need an expert real estate agent who knows how to interpret systems behind the walls and quantify the value of upgrades.
We know how to position timeless character as a selling point in the San Diego housing market. Let’s connect at 858.880.0195 or over email at portia.green@compass.com and chat about how your home’s history fits into the San Diego real estate landscape.
Portia Green, REALTOR®
Portia’s clients all have a similar story. Most likely, you met her huddled around a tablet at the dinner table yet she feels like a friend. Her personable nature and easy going approach attract Sellers and Buyers alike, in what can be a stressful and emotionally charged event. A talented REALTOR® with 17 years experience, Portia is just as excited about real estate today as she was with her first transaction. She remains ever-committed to helping her clients find their place in the world and helping busy people navigate this crazy real estate market like a pro.