Designed by world-famous architect Irving J. Gill, this architecturally significant 1910 home has been meticulously preserved and maintained. The home has maintained its stunning character over 110 years and has also been updated to include all modern conveniences. It is located in Hillcrest, one of San Diego's best-located and vibrant historic neighborhoods. This home is brought to you by James B. Guthrie, architect, historian, founder, and president of the Irving J. Gill Foundation.
This home is one of four Irving J. Gill homes designed in a row on 8th Avenue for Mary Cossitt. Gill is regarded as San Diego's first prominent architect and the first Modernist architect in California. The four progressive homes were designed, each set back a further 8 feet from the front from the next to give each sun, breeze, and privacy. As the southernmost of these canyon homes, this one has the smallest front and largest backyard of the four. 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 exemplary architectural character, beauty, and calmness will make leaving it hard.
The home provides place settings for up to 6 guests for dinner. Maximum occupancy is limited to four people to protect the home.
On the ground floor, the home features a unique living room to gather in with a functioning fireplace. Upstairs are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an entertainment room/office. 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 historically accurate guardrails.
The garage will fit one car but is older, so it can be a tight space for SUVs. There is free street parking in front of the home, but like most of midtown San Diego, it can get busy during regular work hours and occasional neighborhood 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 Craftsman homes and Mid-Century modern condominium buildings.
Mission Hills bound the neighborhood to the northwest, Bankers Hill and Balboa Park to the south, University Heights to the north, and North Park to the east. A prominent ridge overlooking San Diego Bay borders the neighborhood to the west.
Hillcrest "City Fest" is an annual street festival that features food, live entertainment, a beer garden, and street vendors. The city's Pride events are also nearby.
Other regular events in Hillcrest include a weekly farmers' market, a book fair, and a Mardi Gras celebration.
Cossitt Cottage's prime location boosts:
- An overall walk Score of 94 ("walker's paradise"),
- An extremely safe neighborhood,
- An easy walk to fine shopping like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's,
- It is an easy walk to nice cafes, restaurants and bars,
- Very close proximity to the famous San Diego Zoo,
- Walking distance to Balboa Park and its many museums, and
- Easy drive/Uber to downtown, the harbor, beaches, and more.