5481 Toyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92115

Situated on a 1.7 acre private lot in the guarded and gated Alvarado Estates, lies this one of a kind, Mid-Century Modern gem designed for and by master architect Lloyd Ruocco, well respected and noted for being the father of modern design in San Diego. Sliding walls of glass, expansive wood deck, soaring ceilings, copious seamless built-ins, mezzanines, guest house with private driveway and entrance as well as mosaic work by...

... James Hubbell are just a few of the things that make this a truly special home. Using materials from his 1953 “Garden Villa Exposition House, an exhibit in Balboa Park, Loyd Ruocco designed, “Solari” for him and his wife, creating a one-of-a kind property like none other. Ruocco, once said, "Good architecture should call for the minimum use of materials for the most interesting and functional enclosure of space." This principle is seen throughout the home with extensive use of glass and abundance seamlessly built in storage. The true focus is on the beauty of San Diego’s natural landscape. The main living area includes a dramatic conversation pit surrounding one of Solari’s three fireplaces. Ideally located between the living room and family room, is the spacious entertainer’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances and plenty of room for friends and family to gather around. The master retreat is truly a room with a view and continues to bring together the indoor outdoor living with sliding walls of glass, offering natural lighting and the opportunity to “live outdoors”. The connecting master bathroom is equally as impressive and features the original Terrazzo tub and sink along with ample closets. Just outside, a mosaic stone courtyard and spa grotto, crafted by noted San Diego artisan James Hubbell, leads to a 1,000 square foot guest house with separate driveway and entrance where out of town guests or live-in can enjoy the luxury of having their very own space, complete with a large great room, skylights, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, separate entrance and parking all while keeping the same mid-century modern design as the main house. This spectacular home, situated on 1.7 lushly landscaped acres, also features a large L-shaped swimming pool, where the warm San Diego sunshine can be enjoyed virtually any time of day.