City of HomesPacific Grove January 14, 2026

Pacific Grove, City of Homes, #7: 178 Central Avenue

178 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove

At Dewey Street
Fourplex, 4 beds, 4 baths, 4,063 SF on a 10,447 SF lot
Built, 1904
Last sold, 2017

Early 20th century “Craftsman” style homes embrace simple, horizontal forms and earthy tones, contrasting with the frilly Victorians that dominate PG’s “Retreat” era. This home is a perfect example of that transition, featuring a deep porch, exposed rafters and brackets, broad eaves, double windows and wood detailing.

 

178 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove

 

The home is currently zoned as a multi-family residence, offering four one-bedroom units, two with ocean views. That usage reflects a long local tradition of converting large homes near the waterfront into multiple rental units as the tourist and long-term rental markets grew (and family sizes shrunk).

 

178 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove

178 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove

3.  Things I Love About the Home

 

1. The huge covered porch with brick columns creates a private, shaded front room that blocks the weather and offers an impressive entry way, set back behind a thick hedge.. Suddenly, sitting out front is just as private as a fenced backyard.

 

178 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove

 

2. The wood and brick components reinforce an earthy, rustic feel, almost like a lodge, with the unforgettable color contrast of Chartreuse (paint on wood) and Brick Red (actual brick).

 

178 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove

 

3. Four thousand square feet is a lot to clean and manage, so subdividing the home into four single occupancy units creates a ton of value and the downtown location is ideal for tenants.

 

178 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove