I'm a modern girl, I love simple lines and functionality, but secretly I long for the past. After all, it's linked to romance, afternoon tea, and grandfather clocks. As much as I love an Ikea sale, there's nothing like the Victorian era!
Villa Montezuma is a hidden treasure, and it took me fifteen years to find it. This historic Queen Anne Victorian home located in The Sherman Heights District was built in 1887. Located just off the 5 freeway, near Downtown San Diego, it stands tall and embodies a bygone era when homes were built with the finest materials.
We recently toured Villa Montezuma. Tours are free and held just four times a year. Peaking inside this historic home is like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale, or starring in an episode of Masterpiece Theater! The Douglas Fir hardwood floors, The redwood staircases, and walnut walls, the stained glass windows that pay homage to great writers. It is a far cry from Candy Crush and Tweets.
Villa Montezuma was home to pianist Jesse Shepard. Shepard was a celebrated artist that toured Europe and was the Liberace of his day. Jesse Shepard came to San Diego after touring the royal courts of Europe during his career as a musician. While in San Diego he built Villa Montezuma and began a new career as an author under the pen name Francis Grierson. He was a self taught musician, it is said that he held seances in his home in order to channel famous composers, musicians and even Egyptian spirits. Spiritualists were quite popular at the time, and he held concerts in his home.
I highly recommend visiting Villa Montezuma. We were not allowed to photograph the interior in an effort to preserve the home. To visit this house is to learn about life in San Diego during it's boom years. When the railroad was just built and it attracted artists, bankers, and gold diggers (gold rush employees, and other varieties)!
Next Villa Montezuma Open House October 19th! Don't Miss It!
For More Information Visit: https://villamontezumamuseum.org/_public_html/Home.html
Address:
Corner of 20th & K Streets
Sherman Heights Historic District
San Diego, CA 92102
Message/Info Line: 619-255-9367
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