La Mesa Artist Colony

LA MESA LIFESTYLES HISTORIC OCEAN VIEW ARTIST COLONY ESTATE COMING SOON! RARE HISTORIC OCEAN VIEW PROPERTY IN THE ARTIST COLONY. PG. 4 MAY 2021

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HISTORIC OCEAN VIEW This ocean view Spanish hacienda estate in the Artist Colony of Mt. Helix is tucked away on .75 acres and includes 5 Bedrooms with two entry level ARTIST bedrooms and 3 full baths. Stylish and cozy with multiple entertaining areas COLONY including two family rooms with extensive custom built-ins and four fireplaces. ESTATE A western exposure drenches this home in a constant abundance of natural light and energy. SAN DIEGO’S BEST KEPT SECRET Hang out in your dreamy chef’s kitchen with amazing views surrounded by a OFFERED AT $1.4M custom island, granite counters and stainless appliances. COMING SOON! Family and guests can enjoy the enclosed private pool and play areas, three SHOWINGS TO BEGIN MAY 2021 balconies and expansive courtyard with a lush oasis of peaceful areas calling SCHEDULE A PRIVATE SHOWING TODAY! for tranquil retreat. 9265 VIRGINIAN LANE LA MESA CA 91941 At 1,000 feet above sea level, this home boasts stunning views including Ocean, City, Mountains and Sunsets sweeping over San Diego’s Downtown, 5 BEDROOMS / 3 FULL BATHS / .75 ACRES Point Loma and Coronado Island. San Diego’s most popular beaches and Downtown are just 15 minutes away. Just 5 minutes to 8, 125 and 94 Freeways. OFFERED BY KEN BELNAP & C. CHRISTIE CRAIG The Artist Colony neighborhood of Mt. Helix is situated close to an abundance of fine Restaurants and Shopping. [email protected] 619.733.4422 DRE 02008081 / DRE 02046997 LA MESA LIFESTYLES MAY 2021 5

PHOTOS BY BRYANT PHOTOGRAPHY THE MT. HELIX ARTISTS’ COLONY THE EXTRAORDINARY PLACE WHERE PEOPLE VISIT AND LUCKY ONES STAY BY CAROL HOLLAND LIFSHITZ I magine a location so filled with heritage, historical century. The other gentleman was Edward Fletcher, a California significance, and cultural wonder that it draws people to produce salesman. A modest man, Fletcher is said to have sold it on a regular basis. Now, pretend that someone could apples from a horse and wagon with a rooster perched upon his actually LIVE there, surrounded by all the things that make it shoulder. The two unlikely partners met in 1901 during a chance special. There’s no need to merely dream about it because one encounter while each was visiting Yellowstone National Park. CAN inhabit this idyllic landmark, along with the many others This serendipitous crossing of paths would soon change the who call it home! face and fate of East County’s La Mesa. The Mt. Helix Artists’ Colony is among the most beloved Both self-made men, the two quickly bonded through and scenic spots in San Diego, right in La Mesa, California. friendship and their shared entrepreneurial dreams. Gross told Often recognized by the nearby towering cross that can be Fletcher of his desire to achieve two goals: to make some kind seen from miles away, it lies nestled in the mountain tops, as of major profitable investment, and to find a peaceful place though reaching for a supreme being above. The center is, in to retire. Fletcher had similar aspirations. They quickly joined itself, rather unworldly. Perhaps that’s the reason why it’s often forces and invested under $12,000 in the land, which included referred to as “God’s Garden.” just one single property, the Villa Caro Ranch. It was surrounded by forty acres of citrus trees, but otherwise “useless,” rocky More than a century ago, the site was just a boulder-filled hills. This turned out to be the beginning of an incredibly hillside -- untraversable, let alone inhabitable. Together, two lucrative real estate deal and business for the duo. Appreciating entrepreneurs changed that in 1903. They came from distinctly the views from the panoramic vista, and seeing enormous different backgrounds which made their eventual collaborative potential, they built the first street ten years later. undertaking even more remarkable. But what would they do with the mostly barren acreage? An William Gross was a visiting theatrical agent and actor from obvious priority was using the territory for anything that would Pennsylvania. He had dreams of establishing an artists’ colony, lead to financial reward. Coupled with that was their vision to something that was very much in fashion at the turn of that 6 LA MESA LIFESTYLES MAY 2021

establish a “colony” of artistic, musical Surrounding property was then put up in the world that makes you forget and literary figures. They set upon the for sale; the cost per acre was $2,500 Hollywood.” task of dividing responsibilities, each and up. taking advantage of their respective It was an interesting comment indeed, strengths. Fletcher handled the Famous painters, ceramicists, singers, coming from someone who was now business end of promoting the region, musicians, authors, and poets from all surrounded by Hollywood royalty. But while Gross used his popularity with over the world soon moved in. After his famous neighbors also wanted a renowned individuals (and his broad list Gross, the earliest dweller, properly more private, down-to-earth hideaway. of contacts) to spread the word to those referred to as “Madame,” was Ernestine Other artists who called this turf with possible interest in this lifestyle. Schumann-Heink, the opera singer with their own included Teresa Carreno, a the sonorous contralto voice. She was Venezuelan composer and pianist; poet This was the start of the development, well-known for travelling overseas to John Vance Cheney; Johanna Gadski, which at the time was mockingly entertain troops during World War 1. Her another German contralto; and baritone called “Fletcher’s Folly.” Far from those comfortable “old world” style dwelling singer Charles W. Clark. who thought of it as a foolish spot reflected her complex personality: part to set down roots, others recognized diva, part homemaker supreme. Probably the best known transplant its potential. Associates of Gross to this community was Owen Wister, began building dream homes in this Another celebrity was Carrie Jacobs the American novelist who created subdivision, which eventually came to Bond, the singer-songwriter of such pop the cowboy genre in 1902. Set in the be called the Grossmont Artists’ Colony. music gems as “I Love You Truly.” She Wild West, “The Virginian” was his The name “Grossmont” was actually joined her neighbor, Schumann-Heink, debut novel. From that popular book suggested by Bess Fletcher, Ed’s sister, in a campaign to build a local music and stemmed a franchise of similarly who had become the object of William’s art center, hoping to create a festival like named productions, including a stage affections. the one in which the German singer had adaptation, five movies, and a hit TV earlier performed. Though their efforts series. Deservedly, several streets were Gross was, not surprisingly, the first never did pan out, they did create a named in Wister’s honor; many bear the resident in the colony. His lodging, blueprint for future music festivals. name of his book, as well as characters which he designed himself, was built in from it. 1910 on El Granito Avenue. The street Charles Wakefield Cadman, composer name reflected the area’s granite- of “Land of Sky Blue Waters,” also John Wayne, who shared Wister’s piled landscape. By contrast, the relocated here. The man with the deep love of all things Western, shot many structure itself was a wooden bungalow. interest in Indian music was known movies at the Mt. Helix Artists’ Colony. to have said, “This is the only place Most appropriately, he lived on Virginian LA MESA LIFESTYLES MAY 2021 7

PHOTO BY DAVID ROSENTHAL PHOTO BY DAVID ROSENTHAL Lane while making his Western films. with brand new structures, as physical and renters also have access to This locale also became a huge mecca reminders of the early beginnings of this everything needed for a full 2021 for silent filmmaking. Allan Dwan was a historical place. existence. Even gifted, multi-talented pioneer in the genre. His 1911 film about people must eat and put clothing on 150 silent “flickers” introduced the public Today, the Artists’ Colony is still a their backs. So, restaurants, grocery to the concept of strong visual action one-of-a-kind environment in which to stores, and shopping malls can be found with no accompanying sound. live. This rich, renowned community is nearby. And education is important, tranquil, and conducive to everything too. How will today’s kids paint the next The roster of celebrities who flocked from pottery to music. Galleries and masterpiece, create the next concerto, to Grossmont saw it as a refuge from studios abound. People actively engage or write their generation’s greatest novel the pressures of their professional lives. in what is for some a profession, and for if they don’t learn how? In the days before television (and a half- others an avocation. Some individuals century before the Internet) performers prefer to focus on selling the end- This remarkable part of Mt. Helix is travelled nonstop for concert tours and products of these efforts. Creativity and home to those looking for architecture public appearances. An exhausting pace commerce go hand-in-hand in this idyllic with character, and a neighborhood made the need for a peaceful country- enclave. small enough to provide a sense of like retreat paramount in their lives. They community, yet large enough to offer moved next door to equally eminent There are also residents who don’t what’s needed for a modern, happy, and painters and filmmakers, all seeking specifically identify themselves as productive life. quietude and nurturing simpatico. involved with creative activities. They love living here anyway, and prefer It’s close enough to the rest of San The migration reflected a burgeoning to engage in different sorts of things Diego to enjoy all that it has to offer, reinterest in the arts, all matters like meditation, or taking daily walks while maintaining its own rural feeling aesthetic, and the desire to provide a across the stunning terrain. And walk up near the clouds. supportive work environment for fellow is what they do throughout the 600 residents. Unlike other growing hubs acres of rocky elevation that overlook Gross and Fletcher would be thrilled around the world, this one seemed to the El Cajon valley. San Diegans flock to know that their big gamble, despite lack sophistication and citification. But to this observation point to see the vast derision from their contemporaries, that was part of its appeal and what spectacle below. turned out to be a massive made it unique. Many of the properties accomplishment. It helped change the owned by the original inhabitants Nature’s untouched beauty is a large fate of San Diego real estate, culture, remain intact to this day, side-by-side part of the appeal of this region. But far and the arts in one fell swoop. from living a cloistered life, homeowners INSIDER HISTORY There is rich history behind many of the early properties located in the Artist Colony. 9265 Virginian Lane was named after the classic 1902 Novel “The Virginian.” by American award winning writer and historian Owen Wister which later became a hit television series in the 1960’s. According to Western Writers of America, Inc. founded in 1953, Wister is considered the “father” of western fiction. His lifetime contributions to this field of literature lives on today through the Owen Wister Award which is the highest honor given by Western Writers of America. The Honorees for “Outstanding Contributions to the American West” include John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Louis L’Amour and many more. 8 LA MESA LIFESTYLES MAY 2021

HISTORIC OCEAN VIEW This ocean view Spanish hacienda estate in the Artist Colony of Mt. Helix is tucked away on .75 acres and includes 5 Bedrooms with 2 entry level bedrooms and 3 full ARTIST baths. Stylish and cozy with multiple entertaining areas including two family rooms COLONY with extensive custom built-ins and four fireplaces. A western exposure drenches this ESTATE home in a constant abundance of natural light and energy. SAN DIEGO’S BEST KEPT SECRET Hang out in your dreamy chef’s kitchen with amazing views surrounded by a custom island, granite counters and stainless appliances. OFFERED AT $1.4M Family and guests can enjoy the enclosed private pool and play areas, three balconies COMING SOON! and expansive courtyard with a lush oasis of peaceful areas calling for tranquil retreat. SHOWINGS TO BEGIN MAY 2021 SCHEDULE A PRIVATE SHOWING TODAY! At 1,000 feet above sea level, this home boasts stunning views including Ocean, City, Mountains and Sunsets sweeping over San Diego’s Downtown, Point Loma and 9265 VIRGINIAN LANE LA MESA CA 91941 Coronado Island. San Diego’s most popular beaches and Downtown are just 15 minutes away. Just 5 minutes to 8, 125 and 94 Freeways. The Artist Colony neighborhood of Mt. 5 BEDROOMS / 3 FULL BATHS / .75 ACRES Helix is situated close to an abundance of fine Restaurants and Shopping. OFFERED BY KEN BELNAP & C. CHRISTIE CRAIG [email protected] 619.733.4422 DRE 02008081 / DRE 02046997