Pacific Grove, City of Homes #29: James J. Stevinson 1883

129 Pacific Avenue

Corner of Pacific Avenue and Caledonia Street
3 beds, 2 baths, 1,870 SF on a 7,405 SF lot
Built, 1940
Last sold, 1974

This Victorian-inspired Gothic Revival home sits at the Retreat’s edge, steps from Caledonia Park and southwest of the original tent camps of Lover’s Point but the lot was settled long before this home was built (plaque dates show the first tax year, not construction of the current home) on former swampland providing drainage for Lighthouse Avenue.

Gothic Victorian detail shows up in the steep front gable, the porch, the vergeboard along the roof edge, and the trim that traces the front.

The gable rises sharply over the entrance, the porch projects forward, and the narrow openings keep the front visually tall.

The side wing adds another visible section to the house, and the cutwork at the edges gives the front a more finished, more period-specific look.

The two wings meet at different angles, and their rooflines turn in opposite directions. That makes the house feel more like a set of pieces joined together and the change in direction is most visible where the roofs cross.

The dormer windows sit where the two roof sections meet, giving the roofline a stronger break.

The expansive corner lot offers tons of space to create an outstanding outdoor environment, with trees and shrubs framing the grassy yard and summery gazebo.

Three Things I Love

1. The Neighborhood: Caledona Park‘s tree-lined setting creates a private and secluded vibe blocks from downtown

2. The Yard: With space for tall trees, shrubs, a great lawn and a private gazebo, this is an ideal place to spend a quiet afternoon.

3. The Garage: While lots of homes downtown depend on first-come first-served street parking, this home’s two-car garage and long driveway ensure you will always have more than enough dedicated parking for your family and guests.