Historic La Mesa Home Tour

Another Chance To See 'Unique La Mesa'

LA MESA -- In a county that can sometimes seem overrun with tract homes, La Mesa offers an eclectic counterpoint.

With many of its homes built by individual builders -- some that went on to architectural fame -- the hills in and around La Mesa are particularly rich with surprising unique structures, often sitting on foundations literally dug out of the granite hillsides.

This year's stops on the La Mesa Historic Home Tour, organized by the La Mesa Historical Society, are once again fascinating assortment of homes created and decorated by families that clearly love their niches on the hillsides. There are Spanish influences and stunning tile rooves, mid-century moderns and others dating back nearly a century.

What is also surprising is that they are located so close to some of the stunning homes included in previous year's tours. The hills of La Mesa have clearly benefitted from the work of designers and architects asked to work with the steep hillsides and stunning views.

And all this year's homes are "working homes,'' beautiful, yes, but functional and functioning. Signs of real life are everywhere -- dogs, kids and tasteful ways of assuring the homes maintain modern comfort while preserving classic feels.

The tour begins next Saturday at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the start of the tour just outside the La Mesa Women's Club on Wilson Street just off Grossmont Boulevard. Call 619-465-1883 for tickets.

Tucked away on narrow streets, there is virtually no parking near each of the homes. Ticket holders will be shuttled by the Old Town Trolleys from the Women's Club to each home, giving participants to meet other home lovers. That's part of the charm of this event too.