Like most cities, San Diego has its share of cool old houses. Here’s an example of one that’s located in downtown’s East Village neighborhood.
Standing at the corner of 13th Street and Island, the 1886 Sheldon House was designed by the famous architects Comstock and Trotsche, and is an amazing example of the flamboyant Queen Anne style. The grand, extravagant Victorian mansion was built for Dr. F. C. Sheldon and his family, and included a multiple-gabled roof, a large, elegant front porch, and stained glass features in every window. Unfortunately, the doctor died soon after the mansion’s construction. To support the large surviving family, his wife converted the home into a successful boarding house.
UPDATE!
Years later, I noticed this old photograph projected on a wall at the San Diego History Center. It is of the Sheldon Residence being moved by the Palmer Brother House Movers from 11th and D Streets to Island Street in 1913…
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What an amazing looking house!
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I’ll bet it’s pretty nice inside, too!
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How sad that he died soon after construction. At least he then provided for his family’s welfare via the boarding house.
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As the poet wrote–the best laid plans of mice and men…
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I bet the inside looks brilliant as well. Great to see old houses like this have been looked after so well.
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This Sheldon House is gorgeous! We have really old houses here in South Florida, but this one in San Diego is outstanding! Thanks for sharing, Richard. -Carol
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Beautiful shots! You would think that me being a native San Diegan, I would have seen this! When I moved to Sacramento, I discovered a LOT of homes like this. Thank the gold rush for that!
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Throughout the 19th century, San Diego remained very small, so there are relatively few cool Victorian houses. Not much gold found around here! (One of these days I’ll check out that gold mine in Julian…)
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who owns this property?
is it a designated landmark?
Tours avail after Covid?
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I believe it is privately owned. Here’s some info I found…check out page 18… http://www.sohosandiego.org/tourbooklets/VictorianTourweb.pdf
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